Exclusive interview with Dennis Sy

1. How long have you been in the music industry and has music always been a part of your life?

I’ve been in the music industry in varying capacities (as a singer, performer, musician, songwriter, producer, technical director etc.) for over 25 years. However, it’s only during the past 5-7 years did we seriously start to promote our original songs and collaborating with others to create original music.

I grew up in a household that’s filled with music, and that appreciation has been with me my entire life. Music has a way of connecting you to the divine and the myriad of emotions one can have. Music heightens these experiences, and it was easy for me to choose it as a form of expression and release from the feelings that I go through day to day.
 
2. Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “music is what I want to do”?

Music has always been a part of my life, so creating music and pursuing this passion is a natural extension of that love. I don’t recall an “a-ha” moment that led me to this career path, but definitely there were many “a-ha” moments that made me believe I made the right choice to stay on this journey. Being part of the Grammy’s is one of them.

3. What inspires you (or your music)?

Life moments… I can never anticipate when something would move me to write or create music. My eyes are the pathway to emotions that could spring forth, seeking release or expression in the form of music. I just need to open my heart to accepting them.
 
4. Who’s on your iTunes playlist?

Currently? Lots and lots of Grammy submissions from indie artists! I do have a playlist for when I need to think a problem through (classical), and a Christmas playlist  Mainstays are old school favorites from Michael Jackson, Kenny Loggins, Phil Collins, James Ingram, Hall & Oates, Swing Out Sister, Lisa Stansfield, Mike Francis.

5. The project you are currently promoting, how did the idea for it come about?

How SHINE ON came about is really the universe conspiring together to lead to this collaborative effort between Natalie Jean, Darick DDS Spears and I. SHINE ON speaks of embracing diversity, and taking a proactive stance in how we should get our “shine on” from within us, and share that with the world, spreading positivity and hope. What better way to convey that message than by having artists from varying backgrounds and styles and cultures sharing our voices to deliver the same message in a positive way. That was the idea behind this collaboration. 

6. There are thousands of artists trying to do what you are doing, what do you think gives you an advantage to break into mainstream America?

I believe it’s really not about us as artists breaking through, but more about the message of SHINE ON breaking through. We are humbled to hear from many listeners and DJs who have played our song that the message truly resonates with them, and are already asking for when a follow-up single will be released. The combination of our voices and styles allow for a lot of experimentation, and we’re excited to explore that further as a group.

7. I’ve heard your latest music and it’s amazing! I can definitely tell your sound has evolved over the past few years from previous songs we’ve heard from you online. What are your thoughts on the evolution of an artist and the evolution of music today?

For me, given that what I see going on in the world and my immediate circle serve as stimuli to what goes into my art, evolution in what I choose to express and how I choose to express it is a natural byproduct of an ever changing world. Though we have to remain true to our “authentic selves”, we have to embrace the change that’s going on around us, and react to it accordingly. That’s true also in the art forms that we use to exchange ourselves.

8. Do you have other passions in life? Do you believe passion is an essential part of success?

TOTALLY! Dreams and goals are seldom easy, and they have to mean something to you to make you passionate about achieving them. When you’re passionate about something, the end destination is not as important as the experiences you derive from the journey.

9. With your current success and working with a renowned PR firm such as Starlight PR, what advice would you give to someone just starting out in his or her career, who doesn't even have a studio to record but would love to do what you are doing now?

Find a mentor who’s done what you hope to achieve. Value relationships you have built along the way, especially those who were there to help you on your journey. Focus on the things that work and build on those. The things that didn’t work will serve as lessons learned. And build a team – no one can do it alone.

10. Where can potential fans find out more about you?

www.DSYMusic.com. And look for DSYMusic on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram. We’d love to hear from you!