DEMI LO

Emerging R&B Artist

When did you first get into music? Please explain.

I have a very musical family. My mom can sing, my dad used to be in a singing group. My siblings played instruments. It just came naturally, I used to sing in kindergarten and did it frequently. It had gotten so bad to the point where the teacher had to contact my mom to tell me to stop singing while doing my work.

What genre of music do you perform and why?

The genre I perform is R&B. I perform R&B because that is what I grew up on. My dad playing his old school R&B playlist around me really inspired me to make that kind of music.

Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music? Please explain.

My parents inspired me to pursue a career in music because I always sang around the house and my mom caught me singing in the bathroom before, recorded it, and posted it on Facebook! So, my mom was like, “Since you really love singing, why don’t you do something about it.” So here i am trying to make my dream come true.

How has your music evolved since you first began performing/songwriting? Please explain.

My music has evolved because I have heard and experienced more. Performance wise I have changed a lot. I used to very timid and shy on stage but since I have been with Heal the Hood Foundation of Memphis. They have really helped me with stage presence. My writing skills have evolved more as I get older and experience life.

I’m sure you have shared the stage with a lot of talented artists/celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us?

I have shared the stage with Hello Sunday from team Kelly Clarkson The Voice. I have performed with the talented artists from Heal the Hood. My favorite moment is when I performed the song “Rise Up” by Andra Day at a boy’s Correctional Facility. They started standing for me in the middle of the song, it made me incredibly happy because I realized that my voice could have an effect on people.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other, drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion, or pride and why?

I would choose desire because it is a strong feeling, and this emotion would make you ambitious and ready for anything.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as an artist in an industry overflowing with new talent and ideas? Please explain.

What makes me unique is that I love all types of music and would like to have a song for every genre, and I write, sing background, and arrange my own music.

What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

My biggest challenge being afraid to perform on stage because I am very shy. Once I get on stage all the nervousness goes away. It is better than when I started because I would forget lyrics and the thought of performing on stage was terrifying.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

I agree with this statement because sometimes people must go through things to express themselves. I have not suffered personally but I feel as though people need to be able to experience and create art that comes from any emotion they may feel.

How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business? Please explain.

I feel that more people can get discovered over the internet and it is easy for people to gain fans and have success.

If you could change anything about the music industry. What would it be?

That artists could create more positive and influential music. It seems like violent and negative music gets more attention than positive music with a message. Which could influence kids in a bad way.

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why?

“Beyoncé” by Beyoncé, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, “Astroworld” by Travis Scott, “Purple Rain” by Prince, and “Loud” by Rihanna. These albums helped me because these artists are my biggest influencers and I love the way they all perform, and they are music is top tier.

Tell us about your current project. Please explain. My current project is my single “I’m Ready” it is a pop song written by me. I have already shot the music video for it. You can check the snippet on all social media platforms. When I heard the beat of this song. I loved it and I knew I had to write something to it. I knew it had to be upbeat and fun song and it is really saying that I’m ready to take my career to the next level. It is going to release in February. Please be on the lookout for my new song.

What is the best advice you have received?

The best advice I have received was “Do not be afraid of anything that can’t kill you” it is the best advice I have ever received because it makes me feel courageous.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

My future fans can gain access to my music on Spotify, Apple Music, Google play, and YouTube.

Where are you from city, state, town, country?

Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.A.

Do you have social media?

Yes. My Instagram is demi_lo1, my Facebook and YouTube Demi Lo, and my Twitter is DemiLo57