We had the good fortune of connecting with Derica Booker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Derica, why did you pursue a creative career?
Be a creative is the only thing that really made sense. There is no plan B when it comes to music or artistic expression. I remember a line in one of my favorite movies, Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit, where is Sister Mary Clarence, (played by Whoopi Goldberg) said, If you wake up in the mornin’ and you can’t think of anything but singin’ first…then you’re supposed to be a singer girl”!” And I have lived with that mindset ever since. I can’t go a day without it and nothing brings me more joy and comfort.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I aspire to have my hand in every facet of Art from music, film to culinary. I think that’s what sets me apart. I’m always looking for a way to ‘connect the dots’ and use one form of Art to be a conduit for the next. I am fascinated by the thin thread woven in every fiber, creating a bigger tapestry. I am intrigued by new ideas that help to bridge those gaps.

I am the most proud and anxious about the new music coming soon. Its been a long time coming.
I can honestly say that I got to where I am professionally with the help with my producer, Upgrade. He has truly held my hand throughout this process and never lost faith in me even when there were times when I got fearful.
It most definitely was not easy, in fact is probably one of the most scariest things I’ve done in my life but also the most rewarding. Lessons I learned along the way is to trust myself and allow myself to truly be great. Don’t sabotage an opportunity or a moment out of fear of the unknown.
What I want the world to know about about me and my music is that I don’t have it all figured out.
I am what you call, “wonderfully winging it”. Although nerve-wracking, I am not afraid to be transparent in hopes that someone else will be inspired to show up as their most authentic self in everything they do and create as well. I hope to carry on a message of self-love, self acceptance, and self-awareness.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was coming into town, hopefully they come in on a Thursday so I could take them to the best karaoke in DFW which is at JJ’s Corner Lounge. Friday we would go to brunch at Social House then fan hang with Sports fans at Texas Live. For the nightlife we would go to Marty’s live for a night of dancing, followed by a late night slice of pizza at Italia Express located near Cedar Springs. Saturday because I am a fan of music first before I am an artist, I enjoy listening to lots of live music and supporting other local artists, so we would grab a bite to eat and catch a show in Deep Ellum at the Freeman or Sandaga. And of course end the weekend with a trip to the Dallas Farmer’s Market and a Sunday Funday Day Party at 3606.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to Shoutout my partner in crime, my engine, the Timbaland to my Missy Elliot, Upgrade, my Producer! I literally wouldn’t be as far in my process (this soon) if it wasn’t for him. He believed in me when I while still figuring out who I was asking a person and as artist! There is no one who wants me to win more than him and for that I would also like credit him RIGHT NOW, before winning my first Grammy!

Website: https://linktr.ee/DBook

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iitsdbook

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dericabooker

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iitsdbook

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iamdbook

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/Derica

Other: https://www.gigsalad.com/derica_fort_worth/ https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeT5Q7Ju/

Image Credits
Photographer: Alex Royal

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.