Check Out DeShaun Allen’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to DeShaun Allen.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in West Michigan (Muskegon and Grand Rapids), to musicians parents and extended family and friends. Music was always available to share in my home and community. My mom, a music teacher with Grand Rapid Public School, brought home so many instruments to try, but the drums always had my heart.
As a young kid, I was able to spend time with a lot of my local heroes, and got to even see their heroes at tons of shows! It definitely sparked my interest in being a part of and creating live music performances.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No road is smooth in my opinion, but that’s what makes the journey so intriguing! It’s an everlasting road trip, and my physical, emotional, and spiritual vehicle requires proper training, tuning, and maintenance.

Some of the struggles have been imposter syndrome related, and some have been actual physical setbacks. Having the support system and community I’ve had has kept things at bay and manageable.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a music director and drummer, arranging and constructing live music shows and performances for artists. Music is medium and live performances are my canvas. I’m known for playing drums with some of peoples favorite artists such as;
Kendrick Lamar
Nipsey Hussle
Alex Isley
Juicy J
Leon Thomas
Sabrina Carpenter
Charlie Puth
Wayne Brady
Sinead Harnett
(tons more, but that’s this jobset)

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My mother and father kicked off my journey with me being born, directly into them living their dream lives as accomplished and revered musicians. My mother retired in 2025 as a music educator, and my father has been a worship/music/arts pastor for the better part of the last 40 years.
I’ve been blessed enough to meet most of my musical heroes, that I now can call colleagues and friends at this point in my own journey.

I’ve only known supportive communities in my life, and I truly believe God provided those spaces of positive cultivation and culture for me. I’ve felt alignment, in struggle and in prosperity, to be exactly where I am in this life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @deshaunallen
• Facebook: DeShaun Allen

Image Credits
Ryan Handford
Nikki Boutte