Meet denardjoel

We were lucky to catch up with Denardjoel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Denardjoel, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

This is a process, and the old adage “practice makes perfect” comes to mind. My confidence stems from the countless hours dedicated to perfecting my craft. Consistency and discipline brew confidence – similar to learning to ride a bike or tie your shoes as a kid – the more often we practiced, the sooner the bunny ears were second nature and the training wheels came off.

Also, I am in a place of knowing that pleasing everyone is never going to be an option, and my creations aren’t necessarily meant for everyone. So, if you’re creating solely for unanimous, outward validation, a long road of disappointment lies ahead, and in my opinion, the true nature of creatively is letting go of one’s self and relying on your developed skills and knowledge to generate ideas more freely. Because I’m a willing vessel, the creations flow effortlessly from whatever and wherever the universe sees fit.

So, I’m confident because I know the skills I have are all earned, and the goal isn’t to be seen or recognized, but to help and heal whomever my art crosses. That intentionality brings great self-esteem – similar to my journey and what the gods have bestowed, what I create will be received by exactly those who are supposed to receive it, and I’m perfectly grateful for it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m denardjoel (fka DPthuH), a multi-instrumentalist record producer based in Brooklyn. I’m part of a creative collective as well, Hippie Tribe, and everything operates under my record label, OTOLO Records, and production company, aDayDream Productions. I’ve come a long way from practicing my paradiddles as a child.

I’ve been playing instruments since before I can remember. My pops told me that even as a baby, I would be playing makeshift drums with whatever two objects I could pick up, so when people ask me how I know music is going to work out for me, I usually reply with something like, “It’s known me longer than I’ve known it – so if anything, music has to quit me.”

I am also a Creative Director, helping artists and brands tell their stories best through design, implementation, marketing strategies/campaigns, etc. I enjoy telling stories and bridging gaps, so this lane fits me well. I’m currently working with am emerging brand, Kozy (@_staykozy), as they embark on the next chapters of their development. I’m designing a new area for them that’s more streetwear driven, and developing their product rollouts coming in the foreseeable future.

The goal is to utilize all of my skills to help propel my people and provide opportunities. Entrepreneurship is vital for eradicating the racial wage gap in America and it steers my intentions. I helped Kozy develop their 10% pledge, which takes funds and directly pours into inner-city & impoverished community development programs, from financial literacy workshops and entrepreneurial grants/funds, to skills development opportunities, internships and giveback initiatives.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

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As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

One book is, The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield – it’s one of those novels I think everyone should read at least once.

It’s all about intentionality, particularly around overcoming our personal demons to vibrate higher on this earth. It preaches presentness, appreciation, and a true curiosity and admiration for nature. It follows the plot of the “hero’s journey”, which is loosely defined as a universal narrative structure in which a goal-directed protagonist confronts obstacles, overcomes them, and eventually reaps rewards. The novel is littered with nuggets and it’s altered my approach to life, especially how I interact with others.

Another book, which was admittedly a a tougher read, is titled “The Pilgrimage” by Paulo Coelho. There are a few quotes that really stood out to describe a lot of the hesitations I’ve had in my past.
1. “The gate had been open, and I hadn’t even thought to try its handle”.
2. “ But you wanted to be brave when it was enough to have been intelligent”
3. “ It was the final moment, just as at the waterfall when i had had to fight my way through the current — the most difficult moment because it is then that we fear failure and want to give up before it occurs.”

Lastly, another novel by Paulo Coelho, “The Alchemist”. It has one of my favorite quotes in “it’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting”.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @dpthuh / @hippiextribe / @_staykozy
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCLoDHwrDJ_9bErnVTDDrJ7g/videos

Image Credits

@zhmphoto
@rashidazagon
@yemiautomatic
@found.wonder
@sage.white