10 questions with Destin Conrad

Destin Conrad: Being born in Florida, I grew up on a lot of music and things that were regionally exclusive to there; growing up around a lot of Caribbean people and being Jamaican myself plays such a huge role in my music. Being raised in California, LA specifically, gave me that sense of freedom to create and up close examples of people making their dreams happen for themselves. I just moved to New York this year so I’m excited to see what all it has to teach me.

JR: Do these different places influence your musical aesthetic?

DC: Everywhere I go and all the music I hear influences my musical aesthetic, I pull from everywhere and everything.

JR: Who were some of your musical influences growing up, and how have they impacted your sound?

DC: Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Musiq Soulchild, Beyoncé, Brandy, all the pioneers of R&B music really.

JR: What was the inspiration behind your EP COLORWAY and what inspired the title?

DC: The title was inspired by how colors can come together and make one thing. I applied that theory to music, and how songs can come together and make one body of work.JR: There is an amazing vulnerability but also toughness to your music. How do you balance the two when writing?

DC: I just write how I’m feeling that day really. Some days I feel more vulnerable, some days I do feel tough. It’s all about how I feel in the moment.

JR: You’ve spent a lot of time in London recently recording. What is your favourite thing about the city?

DC: The culture, and all my friends I have there are so special. If I could live anywhere outside of America it would probably be London.

JR: How has London shaped you musically?

DC: I feel like there are less distractions for me, when it comes to making music in London, I love the gloom and the iffy weather. It inspires me in some odd way. Also, dance music inspires me so much, London really has its own music scene, especially in the dance world which I love.

JR: Have you faced any specific challenges in the music industry related to your sexuality, and how have you navigated them?

DC: Honestly, no. I feel like I’ve been welcomed with open arms in most spaces since I’ve been in the industry. I do hear horror stories but I’m grateful I haven’t experienced anything too crazy.

JR: What advice do you have for musicians starting out?

DC: Consistency. Keep putting out songs, if one song doesn’t do well another one will, keep the ball rolling and put out what makes you feel something, for you. Not what you think is hot now, not what you think people are gonna like what moves YOU, as an artist. People don’t know what they like until they like it!

JR: What’s next for you?

DC: I’m working on my debut album which should be ready by 2025! I’m so excited for the world to hear what I’ve been working on.