Today we’d like to introduce you to Dejah Symone.
Dejah, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Growing up, I always enjoyed finding artistic channels to express myself. At an early age, though, I gravitated towards music and fell in love with it. My first experiences with music happened in church; that’s where I came to love singing and playing the piano. I began singing when I was 3 or 4, and by the time I turned 12, I taught myself to play the piano by learning popular songs by my favorite artists. I began posting covers of those songs on social media. Shortly after, I pursued an education in music. I began composing and writing my own songs at that time, as well. I was always a huge introvert, so it was rather difficult to interact with people in my everyday life. For a long time, I also struggled with depression. The language of music became my means of healing, communicating, and connecting. I jumped into performing because on stage, I never felt like the introverted, overlooked, depressed girl; I felt alive, and like I was truly connecting with people. That type of energy felt beautiful and riveting, so I clung to it. While exploring my own artistry over the years, I always remained active in my church’s music ministry. I began leading worship about four years ago, in 2015. I fell in love with worship, leading when I saw how music could heal and encourage people. It was so powerful. I wanted to expand that platform, so I started a Youtube channel earlier this year to share my music and to talk about how I’ve navigated my own mental struggles in hopes that I could encourage more people and let them know that anything is possible.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I’d like to think of myself as an artist and a musician. Music is the channel by which I create my art. I sing, write, compose, produce, and play a couple of instruments. My music is an extension of who I am. It’s an intimate piece of me. I write about love of others and of self, my struggle with depression, my love for God, my spiritual journey, my relationships, and my dreams. I write with the intention of telling a story and sharing words that I may not always have the courage to speak. I would consider myself a hopeless romantic, and it definitely shows in the songs I create! My main message to send is one of love–loving God, loving others, loving myself– that’s what everything comes down to. I believe love is a choice, and I’m choosing to be a better lover of those things I previously mentioned. My music is my way of documenting this journey!
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
The biggest challenge facing artists today is the apparent trendiness of being an artist! It’s what’s hot right now; it’s the thing to do. If artists get caught up in the comparison game, it can begin to feel as if the market is too saturated for any more new artists. The best way to navigate that is to remember that there will always be someone who needs to hear the message you’ve been given to share. The market can never be too saturated for each of our unique gifts and stories.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My work is posted on my YouTube channel, Soundcloud, and Instagram. You can find me on all platforms @dejsym.”
Contact Info:
- Website: http://dejsym.ctcin.bio/
- Email: dejahsymonemusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dejsym/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dejsym
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHycleWYxJGh2TvamC6Kn3g
Image Credit:
Janai Dawkins
Dejah Washington
Tre Ventriglio
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