Meet Kerry D: Singer/Songwriter

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

Hi Kerry, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started making my own music, because there was music being created all around me, but none of it reflected me. A black gay boy who wasn’t afraid to express his emotions whether it’s in love, during heartbreak or through the signs of hope. I wanted to create music for that little boy, who grew up in church and also longs to express his love freely. Knowing what I wanted to do with my music, I first started reaching out to friends I had who recorded music and or were writers and inquired on writing sessions I also went researching YouTube for artists who were independent and doing something similar to what I wanted to do, watching their interviews and their process. It allowed me to make moves that didn’t so far out of reach. Learning from history and finding ways to make my sound unique to me and something I can be proud of will always be in the forefront of my mind. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a singer/songwriter. I honest don’t do my art to be set apart but what’s beautiful and unique about it, are the stories I tell through my art. My first EP “D.N.A” was a story of how I met fell in love and navigated through my relationship with my ex. Even with the next project with RM8 called “Boyz Next Door” the story journeys through sexual connection to being ghosted, feeling lost and learning to communicate. Everything I do I want it to have purpose in the art. So many times art(music) lacks emotional connection and vulnerability these days, Was it easy? No, but majority of the reasons it wasn’t, was because of my own insecurities and my own saboteur. However by creating goals and from those more manageable goals to help me make those goals happen. I learned that no one can determine your journey but you. Experience is a good teacher, but you have to a willing student. I want the world to know I care and the work I do matters. I want my “brand” to alway look like elevation. I find the word brand to be a fun work to use. but I want to build a legacy that others will be inspired and feel safe to do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When it’s time to go out for a good date night, Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille is a beautiful restaurant. That’s when you wanna do it up. However I’m a huge fan of the Deep Ellum area especially places like the Deep Ellum Art Co. Louie Louie and the Free Man Cajun Cafe & Lounge is dope to see some dope talents. I am a such a foody I love bunch spots like STIRR and spots like Wing bucket, you have to try the sriracha lemon pepper wings cooked hard…so good! Lastly most of my Sunday Funday’s would end with the group chilling and drinking at the OT Tavern! Good people and good drinks. You’ll love it!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people and entities who’s been in my corner since I’ve started they may not know it but I on my path because of them. Lyndon has always been my sounding board as my best friend he’s always challenging to be my best self. The first time I expressed my dreams and goals, he was there to make sure I saw each one head on. Now we’re a duo and we’re continually learning and growing as bandmates. Kay’Vion laid the groundwork for me, he’s an amazing engineer and artist, he was instrumental in the creation of my first EP “D.N.A” and RM8’s “Blow Ya Mind” the man’s a genius. Rhianna Mack immediately comes to mind, beforeI was invited to sing on stages in Dallas, Rhi opened my mind creatively and embraced my art in such a way that it only made sense that we’d work together on my first two music videos “With You” and “Crossroads” Sir Roxk, man of many talents took me as my manager for a period of time, he allowed me to stretch my creativity and supported me with a lot of tools and resources I use to this day. Durant Searcy for the writings in “Crossroads.” Lastly I want to thank the platforms who has allowed my work to shine on their platform. Platforms like Slay TV, who’ve allowed my music to share the stage with their art, and also Chasing Reality, the reality web-series show were people actually got to put a face with the music, I am forever grateful.

Website: officialrm8music.com
Instagram: @officialkerryd
Twitter: @officialkerryd
Facebook: Kerry D. Stanciell
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCutsIkirGAYEe4FKdXoXuRA
Other: You can also follow RM8 @rm8forlife

Image Credits
@capturedbyjacob @lamontbaldwin @trueartistrhimack @krissydollaz