We recently connected with D-Love Muzic and have shared our conversation below.
D-Love, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my purpose through trial, error, and support!
Growing up, I was the only child of an only child, in the inner city of Detroit. This left me with a different perspective. Other kids my age saw me as being different or a nerd. I used to always get in trouble in school for beating on the desks. I was not trying to be mischievous. Rhythm and learning were synonymous in my brain. It’s how I processed information. This disruptiveness would later go on to be identified as a gift.
I was raised heavily in the church. At one of our Friday night services, the drummer did not show up. At age nine, having never played the drums before in my life, I instinctively went and sat at the drum set, and began to keep the beat along with the organist. Everyone in the church was shocked, including my mother.
After that night, I asked my mother for a drum set. She informed me that she could not afford a drum set at the time. She said she would buy me a set of bongos. My mother went on to explain that Latin percussion, especially bongos and congas, were her favorite instruments.
This slight adjustment in instrument would be the biggest blessing for my career. It would lead me down a future path of different musical genres, performances, community engagements, collaborations, opportunities, and relationships.
Please tell our readers about what you do, what you feel is most exciting or special about it, as well as anything else you’d like folks to know about your brand/art/etc. If relevant, please also tell our readers about anything new (events, product/service launches, expansion, etc.)
My name is D-Love. My company is D-Love Muzic. My brand provides musical and/or technical services to artists, community spaces, creatives, corporations, festivals, universities, charities, nonprofits & government programs.
I’m a professional musician and technical director. I blend acoustic instrumentation with live electronic performance. I have a vast history of working with some of the top artists of our generation. I began playing music professionally at fourteen, as the percussionist for Gospel recording artist Wanda Nero-Butler. I worked with Mrs. Nero-Butler from age fourteen to twenty. During which time I would act in plays, do live recordings, concerts & learn stage production.
I went on to study many different disciplines in the space where music, tech, and art meet. I’ve toured and/or worked with award winning and nominated artists such as Salt n Pepa, Floetry, Algebra, Tonex a.k.a B-Slade, Eric Roberson, Anthony David, Karen Briggs, Waajeed, Zo! and Carmen Rodgers of The Foreign Exchange, Mike Ellison, SIAS, D.Cipher, Saxappeal, Ideeyah, LaShun Pace, Collective Peace, Rainman ENT, Sophiyah.E, Medusa, & The Detroit Ballet to name a few.
These different skill sets allowed me to evolve from a musician into a musical/technical director, producer, and production manager. I also have many credits and placements as a solo artist and producer. I am currently working closely with artists Mike Ellison, Ideeyah, Sophiyah.E and Trey Priest along with several other artists I’m currently producing songs with. I also have a new solo project releasing soon.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The number one skill, in my opinion, is communication. In the field I work in, you encounter a lot of new people & personalities all the time. Your ability to communicate with these people successfully and respectfully in heightened situations is pivotal. I learned early on that treating people the way you would want to be treated and having a pleasant personality goes a long way.
Number two, is more of a quality. It is to always be professional. Being professional starts with what you have on or wear, but it doesn’t stop there. Simply being on time is a big part of it, value everyone’s time. It shows you can be trustworthy. Watch how or what you talk about. You don’t want to offend anyone or use profane language in a family or company setting.
Number three, is being well prepared. Make sure you are together and know your stuff. No one wants to work with someone unprepared or disorganized. Do your best and present the best work possible. Practice and preparation are key.
Are you looking for folks to partner or collaborate with? If so, describe the sorts of folks you are looking to collaborate with and how they can connect with you if they are reading this and want to collaborate.
Yes, I’m always looking for artists and/or companies to partner with. I’m looking for talented professionals that have not only passion, but the work ethic it takes to make it in this world. People who take their craft seriously. Also, companies & organizations that have a vision or plan they are looking to execute in any creative realm.
You can contact me via my website dlovemuzic.com or on any social media outlet @dlovemuzic
Contact Info:
- Website: dlovemuzic.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/dlovemuzic
- Facebook: facebook.com/dlovemuzic
- Youtube: youtube.com/@dlovemuzic1
Image Credits
Dan McDougall
