Vents MagaZine Music and Entertainment Magazine
Related Articles
What can be said about up and coming rising star Dejah Monae that has not already been shouted from the rooftop of R&B and Hip-hop fans the world over? This chanteuse of singing-songwriting has, over the course of but a brief time, captured the imaginations and hearts of music lovers with such infectious tunes as Sex’d Up. She is also a canny businesswoman, marrying both her astute marketing sense with her own person brand of awesome.
When first approached to interview Dejah, I didn’t know what to expect. I needn’t have worried, though: Her unerring wit, wisdom and sage Zen came through loud and clear, setting my uncertainty at ease. Here is a woman and an artist worthy of this new era. Ladies and Gents…Here is Dejah Monae.
Vents: How long has music been a part of your life?
Dejah Monae: Since I was born; all of my life. I grew up on Gospel, GoGo, R&B, and jazz. My family loved music. We played music all day long, especially my mother.
Vents: If it wasn’t for music, where would you be now?
Dejah Monae: This is a great question. I like to write to myself. And I tell myself all the time that I have no clue where I would be if it wasn’t for sound. Not just music. I’m so grateful to have music. It has gotten me through literally everything. Any emotion I feel can be expressed in a song. That alone has gotten me to where I am today. There is healing in music, and I don’t take it for granted.
Vents: In what way do you aim to make a difference?
Dejah Monae: Wow, I have so many goals. But for now the only difference I’m focused on making is within myself. We all have this fixation of “better” and we may all define “better” differently. But we all want more, I would say the least. And the more that I want isn’t anything materialistic. The difference I’m focused on is become a better me. Because it’s not just for myself, it’s for everyone around me. So to me that is the biggest difference I ever can make. Becoming more of one with myself and this universe we all share.
Vents: Who’s your fashion icon, and why?
Dejah Monae: To be honest. I don’t have one. And I can’t just make one up either lol. But I can give you a few of my most favorite designers of all time. My top 3 are 1st- Richard L. (Ann Taylor) I say L because I can never pronounce his last name. Lol 2nd- Vince Camuto (Nine West) 3rd- This one is really a group effort in designers.
Vents: What’s the vision? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Dejah Monae: I don’t like the first question. I only say I don’t like it because it’s a superficial question, which always is followed by a superficial answer. My vision is not set in one thing. I have goals every day. My goals change all the time. My overall vision is “better”. In 5 years I see myself in my home I built and architected myself. I see me well of with my brand and making a lot of difference in the streets. I see maybe a family, not too sure what that is in my eyesight. Lol.
Vents: How would you describe your style of music?
Dejah Monae: The music that I have done so far is more in the lane of R&B, Soul, Hip hop & R&B.
Vents: When it comes to performing, what’s your style?
Dejah Monae: The only time I have performed was at school or church. Once my EP drops I’ll be ready for tour.
Vents: If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Dejah Monae: This might sound down to earth and simple for most artists but a wedding it’s just a beautiful intimate moment. And so is music. And I would love to perform at a couple’s special moment like weddings. Passion love and intimacy is a big part of my music which will be the same for the places I love to perform at.
Vents: In what way do you aim to make a difference?
Dejah Monae: Wow, I have so many goals. But for now the only difference I’m focused on making is within myself. We all have this fixation of “better” and we may all define “better” differently. But we all want more, I would say the least. And the more that I want isn’t anything materialistic. The difference I’m focused on is become a better me. Because it’s not just for myself it’s for everyone around me. So, to me that is the biggest difference I ever can make. Becoming more of one with myself and this universe we all share.
