Here’s another entry in our #TheOnesToWatchIn2012 series. We caught up with DC native Daryn Alexus whose new mixtape release Vintage Heart. Modern Love just dropped on datPiff on Valentines Day. We were impressed with the styling and classiness of the intro video and added it to our OnStage Video Showcase for your viewing pleasure. As you can see from her responses below, Daryn is a sophisticated, confident artist and we think the future is full of big things for her. Welcome to the Stage, Daryn!
Daryn, tell us a little about yourself….
I grew up in DC. Lived in NE but uptown, NW, was my playground; running up and down Georgia Ave. Playing kick ball with friends on Brightwood Elementary playground. Shepherd, Alice Deal, Wilson, and Duke Ellington all played a huge part in who I am. I met so many different amazing people. The culture in DC is insane! Even as a child I loved it. Most of all Caribbean day every summer, ‘The Ave.’ filled with people. All these things inspired me as an artist, from my sound to my personal style. A sense of freedom just reigns over DC and I’ve embodied the spirit of my city. Now, being in Chicago for college, just really extends that whole vibe.
Describe yourself as an artist, and your approach to your music…
To describe me, Daryn Alexus, as an artist, would be like trying to convince a smoker that cigarettes kill. You could probably do it, but getting him to quit is an entirely different effort. I say that for many different reasons. None in a cocky sense, as in to say, “I’m indescribable,” “I only do me,” or “I’m one of a kind.” I say it’s difficult to describe me because at any given moment, I may change. I don’t like too much of the same thing all the time. I’m a heavily emotional person, and I like to go off what I feel. I’m a huge believer in destiny and following your heart, trusting your intuition, and if something doesn’t feel good, don’t do it, and If it does feel good, dive face first directly into it. I treat my music this way. I make music based on what I’m feeling at the time, based on what feels good to me. ‘Vintage Heart. Modern Love.’ felt good this time around, but for my next tape, that sound may not feel good for me. I can’t make music based on what I think people will like, and though I want the world to love my music just as much as I do, that can’t be my main focus. If I like it, I’m going to write it, I’m going to sing it, and just put it out there.
What’s the future hold for Daryn Alexus?...
The future is so exciting to think about! I really want to finish college and focus 100% on music. If any amazing opportunities come along before I get to finish school then that’s even better. The sooner I can just do music the better. Though ‘Vintage Heart. Modern Love.’ just dropped on Valentine’s Day, I’m already working on my second project and I’m super excited about it. It’s also being produced by Dee Lilly, who’s also a DC native, and it’s sounding great already. It’s going to be set to release this summer! But Before then I’ll be releasing full length videos for some of the songs on ‘Vintage Heart. Modern Love.’ and I’m also really excited about that. So the near future is looking very bright! As a newly emerging artist I just hope to continue to learn and grow as an artist, and meet more and more talented people to work with. All in all, I’m just a hippie, I want to, create art, change the world, and live free. That’s all.