Indie Music Artist Spotlight - Dezvelkito

Uscla Johnny Desarmes aka Dezvelkito is a peaceful indie r&b New Jersey/Los Angeles, USA-based producer, filmmaker, writer and singer-songwriter, who makes that thoughtful music, that he uses to help the world breathe and think about the positive vibrations.

1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?

I’ve always loved music. It’s my first love within the art world. Artists such as Michael Jackson, Donny Hathaway, Richard Bona, Lionel Richie, Ne-Yo, Jay-Z is just a few of my influences in music.

“I was experiencing some personal challenges, when my friend and producer Dany “Mozart” L’Aporte encouraged me to channel my focus to singing,” says Dezvelkito of what spurred his desire to become a recording artist.

“I was just thinking of scoring tracks for some of the film and TV projects I have coming down the line; but when he challenged me, I realized it was like God talking to me.”

2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?

I’m so influenced by the many artists that I’ve admired over the years, it’s hard to list out comparison but I can tell you this, that all that I’ve absorbed from them, plus what I would like to share with the world will be a blend of the many cultures that mold and educates me into the being that I am today. A mosaic of music with nouveau sound is what you should expect from me and also the “what” that will separate me from other musician.

3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?

The journey of life in itself is all the experiences that will guide you on what subject matter become apparent to discuss with the audience via singing. There’s enough hurt, heartbreaks and so forth so on… to plea with mankind to do better with itself, that is my goal with all of the arts that I practice and perform, especially singing.

4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?

After arranging the instruments with the producer, I usually spent some times with the beat/production and engulfed myself within the sounds and let the words-storyline evolve out of it. I find that type of approach is best for me.

5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or hard work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed? Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?

These days one has to leave yourself open to all possibilities in regards to the arts. It’s all a blending happening within all. So, if today I can do a one album deal with a label and everything make sense, so it shall be. But I prefer my freedom to express my creativity as best as I see fit. In regards of success as a musician, well, music that I make has to touch the audience to validate what appreciation I receive in return. Art must connect.

6.) Are you able to make a living with your music? If so, how were you able to attain a career doing what you love? If not, what do you do in order to fund your music career? What advice would give to someone who’s interested in pursuing a career in music?

I for one do not know the path to success in art, cause to me art is priceless. But with that said… if you’re someone who’s looking to make singing your “bread and butter” well, be in it to win it. Be ready for the marathon even if you get “hit single” early in your career. Do it because you love it! Do it because you want to touch hearts and success will find you. Don’t do it for money. Work hard to support your art and if you’re truly good, all the treasures will come back to your doorstep.

7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?

The social media world is the new form of communication among the masses. If you want to communicate anything, you have to use the tools or else you’re going to have limited reach. But again, if your art is dope and you can consistently do it without too much discomfort, a group of people will gather around you and make sure all is done for you. They’ll just take a nice cut out of what you earn for their time. Learn a lot and make dope art.

8.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?

The music must come from an emotional place within you and out to the world. No matter what genre or culture. You must also know what you’re trying to convey to the world through your art and understand how to balance between business and art.

9.) What are the positives and negatives of the music industry? What is it about the music industry that makes some artists push forward? What do you think makes some artists quit?

Well, to tell you the truth, I don’t know the whole of the music industry to have an altruistic opinion on what works and what doesn’t. What I can tell from observation and minor participation, it’s a business that has a lot of betrayal, lies and deceptiveness. And, within all of that filters out some of the most beautiful sounds to motivate a better humanity. Those artists that have the heart to focus on their craft no matter what, survive. For those that are “the one hit wonders” and also, those that cannot stomach the alchemic challenges they may face throughout the journey of becoming famous, peril.

10.) What trends do you see staying or going?

Trends are just that “Trends,” a temporary expression of humans being silly with one another. In regards to music, if you’re talking about some of the sounds of today, are they here to stay? No! Because we humans need better sound stimulation to be our best self. That’s why you see all of the older musicians are making a come-back.

11.) With so many people online who are expressing their opinions on any and everything under the sun, how do you know when to take something as constructive criticism or when to see it as trolling?

One has to know the truth within first before understanding what criticism to give value and which ones doesn’t deserve any attention.

12.) If you were to advise an up and coming musician on how to get more fans, what advice would you give them?

It’s show-business– Artists’ have to create and seek attention (within as many relevant social platforms possible), that’s the job they’re signing for. Engaging with people in general is important to the artist now, more than before. The audience wants to know you before supporting you.

13.) There are multiple ways of attaining fans and building up your fan base, so what are some ways you acquire fans?

As of lately, I’m learning Google ads, better engagements with social media friends, making more content on TikTok, using the latest distribution services. Making better music and videos is a must to attract fans. People wants to be part of things that are cool.

14.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Grammy award winner-multiple hit songs. A very successful musician and business-man. Servant of humanity for a better world.