DaVohn: I really have a story to tell; if not for anyone else, for myself.
On meeting Davohn (virtually), the first question that comes to mind (or at least ours) is: who is this? The second: why is he so cool? The third: how is he so cool? Then came several questions, to which he graciously answered.
Hi DaVohn! We have to preface by letting you know that we had “Tell Me” playing in the background when we came up with these questions!
DaVohn: (LOVEE!!!!!) I appreciate the support and for rocking with ya boi!
We’ve been following your style and sound for some time and have one million questions, JK. But we’re curious, what came first? The Style or The music?
DaVohn: Well I got 1 million minutes so let’s go! (Laughs) I would definitely say the music came first. Music has always been the Sun to my journey. I grew up acting and was also in theater, training, etc. so it was always an outlet, but when I think back on the highest and lowest moments of my life, I can always remember the music that accompanied each chapter. Style was always there for me too, though. I wanted to be just like my older brother who stayed with the bestfits, so I really got my start mirroring him, stealing his clothes, or inheriting his hand-me-downs which put me ahead of kids my age. Over time I slowly developed my own style. I would go thrift shopping with my mom and just started doing my own thing.
DNW: Interestingly, your brother and mom were your style inspirations early-on without you even realizing.
Davohn’s artistry didn’t just spring up. The artistry came innately and was at a very young age polished through endless hours spent acting in theater, music training, in rehearsals and practices, and working with fox studios.The artist expresses self-defines it as a divine calling.“No one else in my family was doing it, it was always an outlet, but when I think back on the highest and lowest moments of my life, I can always remember the music that accompanied each chapter.”
If you could describe your sound in 3 icons, who would these icons be?
DaVohn: Damn, that’s hard to answer objectively but I would say; Sweetback meets Nate Dogg meets Maxwell meets John Legend? Lol check back with me in five years!
With a unique intersection of style and sound – DaVohn’s music takes you into a familiar realm of nostalgia, with a distinct sound attached to our 90’s kid memorabilia. For the 80’s and 90’s Kids, we’ll let you guess what he reminds you of, Gen Z and below, we can’t help you or can we?
If you could classify, what genre of music does your sound fall under?
Disclaimer – First thing we all noticed and commented on when we heard “Tell me” was the Craig David undertone.“It’s giving modern day Craig David, but the cooler version” – Marie, DNW.
DaVohn: Haha, Craig David the great!Shouts out to him. I would definitely say my sound is anchored in elements of R&B. That’s my blueprint. But naturally my influences of Hip-Hop/Pop/Classical, literally everything, really – all that comes through. I haven’t even fully scratched the artistic surface to be honest. I have so much bubbling inside toshare. I’m definitely still exploring my sound and obviously just want to create outside of a box and just do what I feel. Fuck labels, ya know? It also just depends on who I’m working with too. With my lead producing partner Emmanuel El-Helou, it’s usually lush, atmospheric, sometimes haunting, sometimes tender. Very cinematic. I just screamed on a track the other day. That felt yum lol.
DNW: Sounds like a necessary soundtrack for some special occasion haha. Send us a link to the track when it drops?
“This should be played on a night drive. During a dark hot shower, or shit anything at night really” – says the RnB Artist about ‘I care 4 U’ – A soulful rendition of Aaliyah’s – I Care 4 U. We feel differently, as DaVohn’s overall sound features contemporary elements of pop, blues, and a noticeable back beat that can be played in a hot shower, a chill night in or out, or in reflective moments of past, current, or lost love entanglements. It goes deeper than a love for the RnB greats, or the simple evolution of the RnB genre in its maturation. It’s vibey!
You never know what will happen because the laws of manifestation into the universe always prevail. So, tell us; if you could manifest working with any artist, who would it be?
DaVohn: Amen. Speak it then see it! On that note, I would say Sade. I know she’s everyone’s Supreme, but she would be the one for me. I keep one CD in my car and it’s hers. In high school I was part of this mentorship program withFOX Studios. We all had to choose one song by any artist and explain why we chose it and mine was Sade’s – Like A Tattoo.
Her music is timeless. I BEEN about her!
Sade ADU! We’re officially the second to Manifest a SADE ADU X DAVOHN COLLAB.
And then the style, very rarely had we seen an artist with such uniquely defined sense of style, because how?
How did you find yourself at this interesting intersection of music and style?
DaVohn: Well, just as you can tell a lot about a person based on the music they listen to, I feel it’s the same with style. I’ve always had a knack for just doing shit my way. Ever since I was young, I was always trying to do the different/other thing. I was definitely the middle child { black sheep} of my family lol. My mom used to tell my brothers and I, “Don’t be a follower.” I really took that to heart, so it’s always been about doing my own thing, my own way; music, fashion, whatever!
“I have about 62 personalities and I like to let them all have a moment to shine lol.”
On Inspiration
What inspires your style?
DaVohn: Everything. I’m endlessly digesting inspiration everyday subconsciously. I just like to have fun and try newthings without necessarily trying too hard. I have about 62 personalities and I like to let them all have a moment to shine lol. I also have a personal stylist, Marquise Miller, whom I work with. We go way way back. He knows what I’m going for as an artist, so it’s easy. We both just like to have fun with clothes and not take it too seriously. We just laughall the time. It’s great!
As intertwined concepts, music & fashion are the forefront factors of what defines culture. Most artists typically have to outsource one or the other (if you know what we mean). Do you ever sometimes feel detached from either (your music or your style)?
DaVohn: Absolutely! The business of music fucking sucks lol. I just want to hole up in a studio and just get lost in the sounds and be creative and share that energy with the world and hope people feel it the way I did when I made it. I’m at this point where I’m still wearing lots of hats and juggling the business with the art, so it can be tiresome at times. I know that doesn’t go away though and it comes with the business, so I just try to keep a sense of humor through it all.
Detached from style?! Never!
Lol I don’t care if I’m just at home, I will still wear some comfy fly shit. And I might change three or four times without even thinking about it. It just happens lol It really doesn’t take much to be fly; it’s not about what you do, but how you do it. I try to keep that frame of mind in everything I do. I swear you can wear whatever, you just gotta own it and that’s what makes it hot.
How do you find yourself in those moments? How do you reinsure yourself?
DaVohn: In those moments I just remind myself of why I’m doing it. I do it cos I know what it feels like not to; so why not create and share to inspire someone else?
What feeds into your reference system?
Everything! Literally everything. Films, friends, passers-by, traveling, music, conversations, conflict, documentaries, tragedy, magazines, books, shops—the works! I have had so many rich life experiences that I feel like I’m catching up to express all those moments. It’s like I owe it to my mind, body, and soul to just share. Through music, through knowledge, all of it. I really have a story to tell; if not for anyone else, for myself.
“Being an artist in this day and age, you really gotta open up in ways that I have never been comfortable with. I mean not really, but really.”
If you were to put the value of your style and your music on a scale, what percentages do you give the importance of each?
DaVohn: Well, the music is where the magic happens, so I would say about 70% music, 30% style. Your style can inspire people, sure, but music is what really touches people. It really is the one thing that stops time and makes you feel something, so I definitely put more value on that. The music is the spirit, and the style is the body.
You come off a bit of a private (and public only when necessary) persona. Are we spot on?
DaVohn: Haaaaa yes yes, that would be me 100%. I am a Scorpio so please forgive me lol. Being an artist in this day and age, you really gotta open up in ways that I have never been comfortable with. I mean not really, but really. People want to connect with you and for them to really do that you have to open up and show them who you are. Actually, it’s always been that way. The most impactful artist told their whole story. The good,bad, and ugly. I’m getting there. As someone who’s always been private, it’s a challenge, but I love it.
Why have you maintained this persona?
DaVohn: For me, it’s really just my personality. I’ve always been that way. I really cherish those close to me who get to know me for me. I don’t just put myself fully out there for any and everyone. I don’t feel EVERYONE deserves to receive you fully, ya know? You gotta save some you for you. I’m very intuitive, though, and like to feel it out – and with social media, the internet, or just the public in general – you can’t really do that. You don’t know who’s on the other end perceiving you. I guess that can be freeing or terrifying. I’m still somewhere in the middle of it.
Let’s cut to now — on what success means for your type of artistry. We found that what many of your contemporaries in this space are doing is quite comprehensive. The events, the shows, the editorials, the celebrity,the music videos, THE TIK TOK? SOCIAL MEDIA? ETC. Do you feel you have to be in all these spaces too as a modern artist?
DaVohn: Well, I think the industry would say yes, if you want to be BIG, then you must. But to me success is doing and being you, in your own way. Making your own terms, and still receiving everything you want. I don’t believe in sacrificing my sanity for money or fame. I need neither to be me. I’m hot with or without it lol. And I really believe that. You gotta feel that way about yourself and just be you and not let any of this other shit outside of you define you. We often see incredibly talented people just lose it. They appear to have it all but are empty. So many greats of the past sacrificed everything in the name of fame & fortune, only to die lost and miserable. Yes, they left quite a legacy but I always wonder if they felt it was worth it. To sacrifice their well-being in this physical realm, to be celebrated once they’re no longer here. It’s a vicious cycle. It’s pretty sad, TBH. So, for me, if I can do my thing, with some bending to modern expectations, then I will. I’m never afraid of growth and trying new things. But I will also set my limits. I’m really not trying to prove anything to anyone but myself, so that helps.
“So many greats of the past sacrificed everything in the name of fame & fortune, only to die lost and miserable. Yes, they left quite the legacy but I always wonder if they felt it was worth it. To sacrifice their well-being in this physical realm, to be celebrated once they’re no longer here.”
We’d love to know what you’re currently listening to. What’s on your current playlist?
DaVohn: Damn this is hard! I’m not really into playlists and just kinda put on what I feel like hearing in the moment. But lately it’s been: Jay-Z, Tupac, Erika de Casier, Nina Simone, Eartheater, Feist, The Delfonics, DMX, Alex Isley, Miles Davis, Kelela, the list goes on but that’s in my most recently played.
Should we be looking forward to new music from DaVohn anytime soon? OR in the future?
DaVohn: Most definitely! Always creating, always recording. I’ve got some singles on the way and a project dropping before the end of the year, so definitely keep a look out for that!
Enjoy more of DaVohn’s music below!
Text by Marie Walker.
Photos courtesy of DaVohn - @davohn.co
DaVohn: Music, Style, The Intersection, and 62 Personalities
DaVohn: I really have a story to tell; if not for anyone else, for myself.
On meeting Davohn (virtually), the first question that comes to mind (or at least ours) is: who is this? The second: why is he so cool? The third: how is he so cool? Then came several questions, to which he graciously answered.
Hi DaVohn! We have to preface by letting you know that we had “Tell Me” playing in the background when we came up with these questions!
DaVohn: (LOVEE!!!!!) I appreciate the support and for rocking with ya boi!
We’ve been following your style and sound for some time and have one million questions, JK. But we’re curious, what came first? The Style or The music?
DaVohn: Well I got 1 million minutes so let’s go! (Laughs) I would definitely say the music came first. Music has always been the Sun to my journey. I grew up acting and was also in theater, training, etc. so it was always an outlet, but when I think back on the highest and lowest moments of my life, I can always remember the music that accompanied each chapter. Style was always there for me too, though. I wanted to be just like my older brother who stayed with the best fits, so I really got my start mirroring him, stealing his clothes, or inheriting his hand-me-downs which put me ahead of kids my age. Over time I slowly developed my own style. I would go thrift shopping with my mom and just started doing my own thing.
DNW: Interestingly, your brother and mom were your style inspirations early-on without you even realizing.
Davohn’s artistry didn’t just spring up. The artistry came innately and was at a very young age polished through endless hours spent acting in theater, music training, in rehearsals and practices, and working with fox studios.The artist expresses self-defines it as a divine calling.“No one else in my family was doing it, it was always an outlet, but when I think back on the highest and lowest moments of my life, I can always remember the music that accompanied each chapter.”
If you could describe your sound in 3 icons, who would these icons be?
DaVohn: Damn, that’s hard to answer objectively but I would say; Sweetback meets Nate Dogg meets Maxwell meets John Legend? Lol check back with me in five years!
With a unique intersection of style and sound – DaVohn’s music takes you into a familiar realm of nostalgia, with a distinct sound attached to our 90’s kid memorabilia. For the 80’s and 90’s Kids, we’ll let you guess what he reminds you of, Gen Z and below, we can’t help you or can we?
If you could classify, what genre of music does your sound fall under?
Disclaimer – First thing we all noticed and commented on when we heard “Tell me” was the Craig David undertone.“It’s giving modern day Craig David, but the cooler version” – Marie, DNW.
DaVohn: Haha, Craig David the great! Shouts out to him. I would definitely say my sound is anchored in elements of R&B. That’s my blueprint. But naturally my influences of Hip-Hop/Pop/Classical, literally everything, really – all that comes through. I haven’t even fully scratched the artistic surface to be honest. I have so much bubbling inside to share. I’m definitely still exploring my sound and obviously just want to create outside of a box and just do what I feel. Fuck labels, ya know? It also just depends on who I’m working with too. With my lead producing partner Emmanuel El-Helou, it’s usually lush, atmospheric, sometimes haunting, sometimes tender. Very cinematic. I just screamed on a track the other day. That felt yum lol.
DNW: Sounds like a necessary soundtrack for some special occasion haha. Send us a link to the track when it drops?
“This should be played on a night drive. During a dark hot shower, or shit anything at night really” – says the RnB Artist about ‘I care 4 U’ – A soulful rendition of Aaliyah’s – I Care 4 U. We feel differently, as DaVohn’s overall sound features contemporary elements of pop, blues, and a noticeable back beat that can be played in a hot shower, a chill night in or out, or in reflective moments of past, current, or lost love entanglements. It goes deeper than a love for the RnB greats, or the simple evolution of the RnB genre in its maturation. It’s vibey!
You never know what will happen because the laws of manifestation into the universe always prevail. So, tell us; if you could manifest working with any artist, who would it be?
DaVohn: Amen. Speak it then see it! On that note, I would say Sade. I know she’s everyone’s Supreme, but she would be the one for me. I keep one CD in my car and it’s hers. In high school I was part of this mentorship program withFOX Studios. We all had to choose one song by any artist and explain why we chose it and mine was Sade’s – Like A Tattoo.
Her music is timeless. I BEEN about her!
Sade ADU! We’re officially the second to Manifest a SADE ADU X DAVOHN COLLAB.
And then the style, very rarely had we seen an artist with such uniquely defined sense of style, because how?
How did you find yourself at this interesting intersection of music and style?
DaVohn: Well, just as you can tell a lot about a person based on the music they listen to, I feel it’s the same with style. I’ve always had a knack for just doing shit my way. Ever since I was young, I was always trying to do the different/other thing. I was definitely the middle child { black sheep} of my family lol. My mom used to tell my brothers and I, “Don’t be a follower.” I really took that to heart, so it’s always been about doing my own thing, my own way; music, fashion, whatever!
“I have about 62 personalities and I like to let them all have a moment to shine lol.”
On Inspiration
What inspires your style?
DaVohn: Everything. I’m endlessly digesting inspiration everyday subconsciously. I just like to have fun and try newthings without necessarily trying too hard. I have about 62 personalities and I like to let them all have a moment to shine lol. I also have a personal stylist, Marquise Miller, whom I work with. We go way way back. He knows what I’m going for as an artist, so it’s easy. We both just like to have fun with clothes and not take it too seriously. We just laughall the time. It’s great!
As intertwined concepts, music & fashion are the forefront factors of what defines culture. Most artists typically have to outsource one or the other (if you know what we mean). Do you ever sometimes feel detached from either (your music or your style)?
DaVohn: Absolutely! The business of music fucking sucks lol. I just want to hole up in a studio and just get lost in the sounds and be creative and share that energy with the world and hope people feel it the way I did when I made it. I’m at this point where I’m still wearing lots of hats and juggling the business with the art, so it can be tiresome at times. I know that doesn’t go away though and it comes with the business, so I just try to keep a sense of humor through it all.
Detached from style?! Never!
Lol I don’t care if I’m just at home, I will still wear some comfy fly shit. And I might change three or four times without even thinking about it. It just happens lol It really doesn’t take much to be fly; it’s not about what you do, but how you do it. I try to keep that frame of mind in everything I do. I swear you can wear whatever, you just gotta own it and that’s what makes it hot.
How do you find yourself in those moments? How do you reinsure yourself?
DaVohn: In those moments I just remind myself of why I’m doing it. I do it cos I know what it feels like not to; so why not create and share to inspire someone else?
What feeds into your reference system?
Everything! Literally everything. Films, friends, passers-by, traveling, music, conversations, conflict, documentaries, tragedy, magazines, books, shops—the works! I have had so many rich life experiences that I feel like I’m catching up to express all those moments. It’s like I owe it to my mind, body, and soul to just share. Through music, through knowledge, all of it. I really have a story to tell; if not for anyone else, for myself.
“Being an artist in this day and age, you really gotta open up in ways that I have never been comfortable with. I mean not really, but really.”
If you were to put the value of your style and your music on a scale, what percentages do you give the importance of each?
DaVohn: Well, the music is where the magic happens, so I would say about 70% music, 30% style. Your style can inspire people, sure, but music is what really touches people. It really is the one thing that stops time and makes you feel something, so I definitely put more value on that. The music is the spirit, and the style is the body.
You come off a bit of a private (and public only when necessary) persona. Are we spot on?
DaVohn: Haaaaa yes yes, that would be me 100%. I am a Scorpio so please forgive me lol. Being an artist in this day and age, you really gotta open up in ways that I have never been comfortable with. I mean not really, but really. People want to connect with you and for them to really do that you have to open up and show them who you are. Actually, it’s always been that way. The most impactful artist told their whole story. The good, bad, and ugly. I’m getting there. As someone who’s always been private, it’s a challenge, but I love it.
Why have you maintained this persona?
DaVohn: For me, it’s really just my personality. I’ve always been that way. I really cherish those close to me who get to know me for me. I don’t just put myself fully out there for any and everyone. I don’t feel EVERYONE deserves to receive you fully, ya know? You gotta save some you for you. I’m very intuitive, though, and like to feel it out – and with social media, the internet, or just the public in general – you can’t really do that. You don’t know who’s on the other end perceiving you. I guess that can be freeing or terrifying. I’m still somewhere in the middle of it.
Let’s cut to now — on what success means for your type of artistry. We found that what many of your contemporaries in this space are doing is quite comprehensive. The events, the shows, the editorials, the celebrity,the music videos, THE TIK TOK? SOCIAL MEDIA? ETC. Do you feel you have to be in all these spaces too as a modern artist?
DaVohn: Well, I think the industry would say yes, if you want to be BIG, then you must. But to me success is doing and being you, in your own way. Making your own terms, and still receiving everything you want. I don’t believe in sacrificing my sanity for money or fame. I need neither to be me. I’m hot with or without it lol. And I really believe that. You gotta feel that way about yourself and just be you and not let any of this other shit outside of you define you. We often see incredibly talented people just lose it. They appear to have it all but are empty. So many greats of the past sacrificed everything in the name of fame & fortune, only to die lost and miserable. Yes, they left quite a legacy but I always wonder if they felt it was worth it. To sacrifice their well-being in this physical realm, to be celebrated once they’re no longer here. It’s a vicious cycle. It’s pretty sad, TBH. So, for me, if I can do my thing, with some bending to modern expectations, then I will. I’m never afraid of growth and trying new things. But I will also set my limits. I’m really not trying to prove anything to anyone but myself, so that helps.
“So many greats of the past sacrificed everything in the name of fame & fortune, only to die lost and miserable. Yes, they left quite the legacy but I always wonder if they felt it was worth it. To sacrifice their well-being in this physical realm, to be celebrated once they’re no longer here.”
We’d love to know what you’re currently listening to. What’s on your current playlist?
DaVohn: Damn this is hard! I’m not really into playlists and just kinda put on what I feel like hearing in the moment. But lately it’s been: Jay-Z, Tupac, Erika de Casier, Nina Simone, Eartheater, Feist, The Delfonics, DMX, Alex Isley, Miles Davis, Kelela, the list goes on but that’s in my most recently played.
Should we be looking forward to new music from DaVohn anytime soon? OR in the future?
DaVohn: Most definitely! Always creating, always recording. I’ve got some singles on the way and a project dropping before the end of the year, so definitely keep a look out for that!
Enjoy more of DaVohn’s music below!