I’m De’Anza and I’m an artist, songwriter and musician.
How long did it take you to create Cosmic Dream?
It’s been a project, years in the making which is part of the reason why it sounds so eclectic. I’d say the first song that made the cut of the album was written somewhere around 2014.
What was the origin of Cosmic Dream?
I first read the words “Cosmic Dream” by an eastern mystic I follow and felt incredibly drawn to it. Essentially many ancient cultures around the world believe that what we are experiencing right now is actually a dream and when we “die” we are awakening to our true reality. Life is duality, light and shadows, day and night, yin and yang, I found this to be an interesting concept and chose to explore it more.
What do you love about performing your music?
“I love the collective energy of the audience mixed with myself and the musicians on stage. That feeling is why we still go to concerts, if not we’d stay home and watch it on youtube. ”
How did you come up with your style?
I was taught that to find your own voice you have to learn from the greats. I studied my idols voices, tried to mimic their nuances, phrasing, rhythm, feel and songwriting style. Eventually, without even noticing my own voice started to emerge.
What do you love about collaboration with other musicians?
As far as songwriting I haven’t been particularly great about collaborating haha. I enjoy my solitude when writing because I'm the person I’m most comfortable with. However, with that said I definitely enjoyed having the producer I work along side with and session musicians input their ideas into my songs. They’ll come up with parts that are different then what I would have brought. Each musician has their own taste and flare. It’s fun seeing what they bring to the table.
What's next for you?
The plan is to tour this record the rest of the year. Aside from that, more songwriting, observing, learning and working on my craft.
Fun Questions
If you were stuck on an abandoned island what five items would you want with you?
- Acoustic Guitar
- I want to say my laptop so I can make beats and songs but I doubt there is electricity on this abandoned island. Maybe there will be a solar powered laptop one day.
- If there’s one thing I learned from reading that book Wild it would be that a water purifier is essential.
- A lot of sunblock so I don’t turn into a lobster
- Lastly a boat so I can try to get the hell off that island because my survival skills suck and I will surely die otherwise.
If you could have a superpower what would it be?
I’d fly so I can avoid L.A. traffic.
If you could perform at any stage what would it be?
Ooooo I’ve never thought about that. I’ll say The Amphitheater of Pompeii which is the oldest surviving Roman Amphitheater. Maybe it’s a stretch because the ONLY band to perform there in modern time is Pink Floyd.
My second choice would be the Zocalo in Mexico City.
