Today we’d like to introduce you to Deavion Bethune
Hi Deavion, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Born on the icy streets of Anchorage, Alaska, my journey began with a family legacy of music. Raised by my resilient mother and her sister Regina, I was surrounded by the soulful sounds of our family choir, a gift passed down through generations. My grandfather, a choir director with a voice to rival Sam Cooke, instilled in us a love for music and discipline.Our family’s holiday caroling across Anchorage, from old folks’ homes to jails, was where the magic truly happened. My cousins Mercedes and Michael often took the lead, while I sang in awe from the background.
Life took me to Murray, Kentucky, for college, where I studied marketing and graphic design. Music took a backseat until a spontaneous car sing-along in Florida with my cousin Rodrick revealed my hidden talent. His encouragement led me to the studio, where I discovered my voice and passion for music.
Now, I’m on a mission to share my unique sound with the world, blending my Alaskan roots with a fresh, soulful vibe.
Chasing dreams under the California sun, I moved to Los Angeles, hoping to find my place in the city of stars. Living with my dad was short-lived, and soon, my brother Bryce and I were left to navigate the LA hustle on our own. We took any job we could find, relying on each other as we carved out a life in this sprawling metropolis.
When Bryce moved back to New York, I was left to fend for myself. Despite the challenges, I made lifelong friends and discovered my passion for music. I sang everywhere—lounges, bars, karaoke nights, and open mics—anywhere that would have me.As I found my footing in the music industry, I had the honor of opening for legends like Kenny Lattimore, Eric Benét, Luke James, Bilal, Brian McKnight, and Neyo. Songwriting became my refuge, a way to cope with the hardships of LA. Collaborating with friends, I recorded tracks that still hold a special place in my heart.
My journey took a pivotal turn when I met C Minor, my first producer and engineer in LA. Together, we created music that resonated deeply with me. Our tracks on SoundCloud marked the beginning of my musical evolution.
Working with renowned production team Bizkit and Butta, I wrote songs for TV, film, and artists like KC & JoJo. My music caught the attention of Lonny Bereal, leading to an opportunity to write for artists on Snoop Dogg’s Death Row Records. However, I soon realized that writing for others left me feeling unfulfilled.
So I started to make music for myself again by doing features for artists like Cody Ray like our smash hit “pearly Eyes” that has over 3,000,000 streams on spotify and over 5,000,000 across all major platforms. In 2019, I released my debut studio project, “Clean Slate,” a coming-of-age story produced by my musical partner, Lucas Messore. Our bond has only grown stronger, and we’re now working on our second studio album. Our first single, “Away with You,” is a psychedelic rollercoaster ride of interstellar proportions.
Today, I’m fully committed to becoming the artist I always knew I could be. The journey has just begun, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Some of my struggles began in childhood. I never believed I was a good singer. In our family caroling group, I was just a background voice, while my cousins Michael and Mercedes shone as the stars. It wasn’t until my twenties that I began to see my own potential. Leaving Alaska felt like Superman escaping Krypton, and I set my sights on Los Angeles.
Nothing could have prepared me for the trials that awaited. I moved in with my dad, but he soon left my brother Bryce and me to fend for ourselves. In a city I had never known, I had to find a place to stay and make it work. Before the days of Uber, I took any job I could find, relying on public transit. Often, I worked so late that the buses stopped running, and I would sleep at the bus stop until morning.
During this time, I lost my second mother, Aunt Vanessa. I was so broke I almost missed her funeral, and my father, despite being in the wrong, tried to fight me there. I cared for one of my favorite uncles Ryan in Culver City until he passed away from AIDS, too ashamed to tell his family about his condition or lifestyle.
The hardest blow came in 2021 when I lost my big sister Danisha to a stroke during COVID. She was my heart, my best friend, and my confidante. This loss shattered my soul, and I am still unsure if I have fully recovered. Yet, she remains my inspiration, driving me to create great music because I know that’s what she would have wanted.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have been a musical artist for 14 years, opening for legends such as Brian McKnight, Ne-Yo, Eric Benét, Kenny Lattimore, and many others. My performances have taken me to Amsterdam, Mexico, the Bahamas, New York, Alaska, and, of course, all over Los Angeles.
As a songwriter, I’ve penned tracks for artists like K-Ci & JoJo, Just King Jones, and various talents on Snoop Dogg’s revamped Death Row Records. My work extends to TV and film with West One Media, and I’ve collaborated with K-pop and international artists alongside my close friend and incredible producer, C Minor.
I’ve released original music with producers Skool, Nate James, Chukz, Bizkit and Butta, and Sam Harmonix. I’ve also worked with amazing artists and writers such as Zxire, Choc, Lonny Bereal, A-Rod, Brett Tomberlin, Brittany Crush, Chechi Sarai(from the Voice), Rhyan Besco, and featured on numerous records with Cody Ray, including the smash hit “Pearly Eyes,” which has over 3 million streams on Spotify and 5 million across all major streaming platforms.
I had the honor of performing at the prestigious Oscars Gala, “Oscar’s Night at the Museum,” a night where Hollywood’s finest gather to celebrate cinematic excellence. My voice also graced national television during PBS’s 63rd annual LA County Holiday Celebration, a cherished tradition that brings festive joy to countless homes. Additionally, I was privileged to be one of the lead singers for the NFL Network’s powerful documentary “Keep Pushing”, which pays tribute to the trailblazing black NFL athletes who paved the way for the modern game.
This year was Awarded second place in the first annual Soul country music star competition. It was a truly humbling experience that took me to new heights in my versatility musically. this really put a fire under me to start making original music again and putting it out there for the world to enjoy.
In 2019, I released my debut studio project, “Clean Slate,” a coming-of-age story produced by my musical partner, Lucas Messore. Our bond has only grown stronger, and we’re now working on our second studio album. Our first single, “Away with You,” is a psychedelic rollercoaster ride of interstellar proportions.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
To be a successful music artist, one of the most crucial qualities is resilience, grit, and great music. The music industry is filled with challenges and setbacks, and having the ability to bounce back from disappointments and keep pushing forward is essential. A deep love for music and performing can drive you to keep improving and stay motivated. Being able to create unique and compelling music that resonates with people. And always being true to the core essence of who you are, because the people will feel it. And most importantly having something to say because your music can change someone’s life for the better. You might even save someone’s life with this music. I know my music has saved my life more times than I could count.
Pricing:
- Contact me for Songwriting @ [email protected]
- Contact me for Live Shows @ [email protected]
- Contact me for Festivals @ [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: https://too.fm/o638jo1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamdeavion/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voxthemighty.bethune
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@iamdeavion
- Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/deavion/1471837927
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6iY6E1Fv7wP8PuU0kKah7X?si=ifjXNSqEQymJ31yGejPEvw
Image Credits
Main Photo: Lucas Messore
Deavion Deep though: Lucas Messore
Hero Sunset: Lucas Messore
Deavion Country Star: Nunzio
