Industry Reviews is excited about today’s featured artist Destiny
Check out our interview with Destiny (below) and her song “Time“ (Above)
IR: Let’s get to know a little bit more about you and how you grew up. So where do you consider hometown and what type of kid were you growing up?
Destiny: My hometown is definitely Malibu, California. This is where I have most of my childhood memories. And even though Los Angeles has millions of people, our small town of Malibu is a really close knit community with a little over 13,000 people. Everybody knows everybody. My parents bought a flat piece of land out here where we eventually built our house. We would stay in our RV on the weekends while it was being built! It was very peaceful. There were deer, coyotes, rabbits, and snakes everywhere! My sister Deseriee and I would play with the lizards outside with our neighbors. It was much different from the street lights and busy city life of Beverly Hills (where we lived until our house was finished).
IR: How old were you when you developed an interest in music?
Destiny: 9/11 had just happened, and I was 5 years old. My mom recorded a tribute song called “United America Will Stand” and I recorded the pledge of allegiance at the beginning of the song, and also sang on the track with her. They were my first in-studio sessions, TV and live performances.
IR: What was the first album you ever listened to? Can you remember back that far?
Destiny: I remember listening to Crystal Lewis, and Christina Aguilera on my way to preschool! My mom would play their CDs in the car. I have such awesome memories jamming to “Genie in a Bottle”!
IR: When and how did you begin your journey in the world of music?
Destiny: I began recording and performing songs at age 5 and writing songs on acoustic guitar at 9. By the time I was in 7th grade I’d participated in many contests and school shows. I won several 1st place songwriting contests, and I knew I wanted to pursue my passion for music after winning the grand prize to Hans Zimmer’s Remote Control Studios in Santa Monica, California. I was encouraged by the contest evaluation winning statement that read, ” You are already a star in my eyes!”
I continued to play and write songs in high school where I met my classmate James Burnett. Before the end of my senior year in high school, James, son of industry leader, Mark Burnett, signed me as his first official songwriter to Burnett Music Group.
IR: What influences shaped your musical style?
Destiny: Definitely Christina Aguilera, Maroon 5, Beyonce, and Adele. These artists have inspired me so much.
IR: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard it before?
Destiny: I write all kinds of genres of music from Top 40 to RnB, Christian, Country, and EDM. Since I’ve written over 100 songs, I really enjoy being involved in producing all different types of production styles. Sometimes I’ll want to hear a violin or cello, and other times I’ll be in the studio recording a rap! I’ll even add a little Salsa flavor or some heart-felt Gospel depending on the song!
IR: Do you write a lot by yourself or do you have a partner or a group of people you work with?
Destiny: Thinking back on all the songs I’ve written so far, I’ve been alone each time I’ve developed a song. Sometimes I’ll write in the daytime in my bedroom, other times I’ll write at night – just me, my guitar, and the stars.
IR: What is your main goal at this point?
Destiny: To inspire, comfort, and bring joy to the world in the best way I can!
IR: Have you learned any lessons so far and if so, what are they?
Destiny: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned so far is that every single person on this planet has a unique gift that has been given to them. Whether someone believes in your gift or not, you have to keep moving forward and own who you are regardless of how many opinions you get. Always pursue, follow, and continually develop your dreams!
IR: Are there any artists you wish to work with in the future?
Destiny: There are so many artists that I would be honored and ecstatic to work with especially (but not limited to): Adam Levine/Maroon 5, Nick Jonas, and Adam Levine/Maroon 5. *wink*
IR: If you could create your dream tour, who would be a part of it?
Destiny: I would love to tour with Maroon 5, Nick Jonas, or Justin Bieber.
IR: Where can we find your music?
Destiny: My first release Time is now on iTunes, Spotify, VEVO, Soundcloud, YouTube and more.
Here is the music video for my first release “Time”!
“Time” is Part 1 of my Music Video Series. My co-star is Zaq Harris from the web show Summer Break! Part 2 and my second release is the song, “I Feel Alive” which hits December 26th!. I also sing live regularly at churches and venues in LA!
IR: We ask all the artists we interview, what’s the best piece of advice someone’s ever given to you?
Destiny: My parents and sister are all extremely supportive and always have words of wisdom for me, but one of my favorites was when my dad said to me on a really difficult day…. “It’s about the journey Destiny, not the destination”.
I love this phrase so much because, it reminds me how even though life has it’s ups and downs, no matter where I am, every piece of the story matters, good or bad, because it’s brought me to where I am right now… and right now feels magical!
