Conversations with Denyah

Today we’d like to introduce you to Denyah.

Hi Denyah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been a creative mind. My Mom encouraged me to use my imagination and the poverty/intermittent homelessness ESPECIALLY encouraged me to do so regarding problem-solving and entertaining myself. I grew up moving all around CA for the most part—frequenting Los Angeles and the Inland Empire until I moved to the OC for college. Writing has always been my main strength. I like building worlds where I have control, whether that’s in poetry, scripts, or songs. Music has always helped me through dealing with my emotions and validating my expression through my connection with others’ art. I feel in tune with the universe when I’m invested in a good song.

My music career started to bloom in my senior year of high school when I released a few songs to Soundcloud on spare beats a friend of mine had made for fun. Once a few songs caught more attention than expected, I started to believe I could make it through everything by working to authentically express myself and carefully telling my stories. A faith in my creative life has sparked and inspired me to dedicate myself to attempting music seriously and take steps toward a career in filmmaking. My song “Easy Baby” has flourished in ways I never imagined and led me to creating my first studio EP, “Daydreams” which was a phenomenal experience for learning how music works at a more professional level and attributed to me realizing my priorities/purpose with what I produce.

My aim is to make music and tell stories that reflect on the contemporary and long-endured hardships while poking fun at them and contrasting the dark with color, light, and absurdity. I want people to feel the conflict between sadness and joy.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a rocky road, but I’m grateful to still have land to stand on. Finding my place of the community in the industry has been difficult as a young, black female Indie/Alt R&B artist. Many people, even some with good intentions, attempt to put me in a traditional Pop/R&B box that I feel doesn’t fit all my dimensions. I am passionate about combining varieties of music and lyrical tones to create a more honest, whole experience. I am also passionate about growth, change, and developing into different styles. One thing I’ve learned from the bumps in the road like financial struggles, battles with depression, PTSD, and feeling alone is that nothing stays the same for long. Adapting is the antidote.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer/songwriter/screenwriter with a passion for romanticizing the absurd and enjoying the mundane and overlooked. My music has been featured in Netflix’s hit show “Dear White People”, Streaming Service ad campaigns, as well as many Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal editorial playlists. With 9 million + streams on Spotify alone, I have been able to accumulate a following of people who connect with my music. I am most proud of the way some people have embedded my songs into specific eras/memories/moments of their lives and find my expression suitable for their soundtracks. As someone with cinematic interests, it is extra special.

I believe what sets me apart from others is my drive to balance the soft and beautiful with the grim and somber.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My biggest advantage was getting the opportunity to go to college. I was able to meet like-minded, creative, determined people who supported me and worked well with me. Maintaining a careful relationship with social media has also helped me expand my network. I think it is important to remember the value in growing with a small group of peers that you’re fond of rather than trying to social climb without authentic connections.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsdenyah/?hl=en
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/itsdenyah
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Denyah
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/denyah

Image Credits
Ailson Kamishiro Parsons