Meet Dyon Dawson: Artist & Songwriter

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

Hi Dyon, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
As an artist, I am striving to leave a legacy that reflects my dedication to performing music, commitment to being creative, my respect for other creatives and their works of art (in all forms), my absolute love for my family and roots, and my resilience to go after my dreams and goals in a world that doesn’t always support, include, or respect my beauty, blackness, size or history.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For me music is more than just a sound, it’s my mood, my energy, and my soul. Whenever I hear a good song it has the power to change my day, and that is what I want my music to do for others. I remember being a little girl and hearing Selena’s “Como La Flor” for the first time and the feeling it gave me. Her voice and vibe changed my life and from that moment on I knew I was meant to make music.

I think what sets me apart from other artists is that my songwriting and performances are interchangeable in all genres of music. I attribute this to my diverse upbringing. Growing up in a small town my local radio station played mostly country and classic rock hits, so I was exposed to Reba, Journey, and others as a kid. While in my home I learned to appreciate Motown, Gospel, and R&B from my mother. TRL and 106th and Park filled in all the rest, which led to me loving and singing all genres of music.

I am so happy with the level I am at today with my songwriting. I have so much more to accomplish and develop, but I am proud of my growth so far. Committing to being an independent artist has not been an easy journey. It was not easy leaving a great life in Boston, giving up a great job and relationship to pursue getting my music to a different level. In the end, I feel my sacrifices were worth it all and I wouldn’t have change any of my decisions.  What helps me then and now is my faith in God. God has kept me uplifted everyday and pulled me out of every situation that was not for me, while guiding me in the right direction.

As an independent artist I have had many moments that made me want to quit. I’ve had people steal my ideas, and rip me off. I’ve paid videographers to film music videos for me and never receive the footage. It’s not always a fun or trusting industry when you’re doing this alone, but (and not to sound corny) the things that keeps me going is my true love for my music. Sure, people are horrible at times, but that feeling I got when singing for a packed house at The House of Blues in Anaheim last year makes all the harshness and BS of the industry melt away. The feeling I get when someone dm’s me and tells my how my song helped them is my energy to not stop!

I want people to know that Im a woman who at the end of the day loves what I do 100% of the time.  I take pride in creating music for the strong, powerful, and independent woman. Boss chick energy over here!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Los Angeles is such an amazing and fun city. I feel like you can find something to do anytime of the day or night depending what your style is. If I had a friend visiting for the weekend I would definitely start of by taking them to Saddle Ranch for brunch. With those unlimited mimosas and their amazing staff, that is the perfect way to start my weekend! Next I would take her to Venice Beach because when in Cali, you have to check out the beach! Also, the Venice Canals are so beautiful so we would have to take a stroll down there. Ending the night with some dinner and cocktails at Strada downtown. I love that place and the owner is so nice and works right alongside his staff to make sure the experience is A1!. The next morning we would start off with a hike up to the Hollywood Sign( I know a secret trail). Then we would head down to the Santee Alleys for some shopping! And finish off with dinner and drinks at one of my favorite bars in Los Angeles called The Escondite! Hands down the coolest spot in Los Angeles!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate enough to people in my life who have always believed in me and my musical abilities. I would love to take the time to thank my family and friends for always showing up to support me whenever I have a show or important engagement. To my producer Will aka Soal, I cannot thank you enough for helping my to find my authentic sound. I would also like to thank Sarah Keyser, my photographer Paige, my amazing piano player Tim Greer, my beautiful cousin Natasha Sam who is always willing to fulfill any role I need her to play and everyone else who has helped me along the way. I love you all to pieces.

Website: www.dyondawsonmusic.com

Instagram: @dyondawsonmusic

Twitter: @dyondawsonmusic

Youtube: Youtube.com/DyonDawson

Image Credits
Paige Sierra AKA SocialImage.La