Exclusive Interview with 'Dorian'

Dorian, who was born and reared in New Jersey, considers himself a dreamer and believer in the impossible. Dorian pours himself boldly, truthfully, and passionately into his songs, knowing that sharing his narrative will aid others who can relate to his music and life path. As a result, he has produced four genre-bending, melodically empowered bodies of work that have won him the ears and hearts of music fans all around the world.

“Reign Love” is the next song and music video from Dorian’s upcoming album “The Arrival: Dream World Pt.2,” which will be released later this month! Dorian wrote and sang the song as a personal mantra and story for everyone who is waiting for a blessing or a shift in their lives. This R&B/Pop song is infectious, uplifting, and soulful!

Check out the Exclusive Interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how you got started?

DORIAN: I was born and raised in New Jersey, and am now living in the Baltimore, Maryland area! I grew up in the church, singing in the children’s choir. However, It wasn’t until I departed from the military that I really dove back into my love for music and songwriting. It was my 30th birthday actually, that I independently released my 1st single ever titled ‘Any Thing Goes’! Since then, I’ve never looked back and have already released 4 projects that I’m extremely proud of.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

DORIAN: I spent most of my childhood singing in my church’s children’s choir—where I learned about harmonies, blending voices, emoting with spirit, and things of that nature. But I haven’t had any real formal training. I consider myself self-taught!

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘DORIAN’?

DORIAN: Thinking back on some of my earliest childhood memories; I remember loving Michael Jackson and being infatuated with some of his music videos. But it wasn’t until I discovered Monica, that I really connected to music in a much different way personally. I’d say they are some of my strongest and earliest musical influences.

My given name is Dorian. And I just believe I want to be the type of artist that ties their personal life story and spirit into their music. So personally, I feel there is no more authentic way to do that for me than to simply brand my artistry with my own name! In addition to the fact that some of my favorite and most legendary artists go by one name, lol! Beyonce, Brandy, Monica, Usher, Rihanna etc..

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

DORIAN: For one, the substance. I write from a place of love and purity; where the intent in my songwriting is to help or inspire someone. I write for therapeutic purposes for myself as well. So I hope that always resonates with people. I would describe my sound as soulful yet poppy, unique but ever changing, & inspired by the nostalgic feels of 90/2000s R&B.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as RNB?

DORIAN: Monica was and still is my biggest musical obsession! I just love her; anybody that knows me knows I’m fanatical about her. Lol She just connected with me in ways I hadn’t experienced before musically. I remember being a kid: trying to emulate some of the things she did in her music/videos and things. That influence has and will probably never leave me. But as I’ve become a music artist, I do believe I’ve come into my own stylistically —I am a melting pot of so many of my musical influences. I’m inspired by all kinds of genres and eras of music. I feel my sound and artistry reflects that.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative and entertainment?

DORIAN: I believe music is one of the most powerful mediums in the world! I think many don’t realize or sometimes forget just the level of influence & magic that music has. I definitely find it necessary for my personal catalog to help the overall force of music; in a more positive and uplifting manner. Music can literally heal you! And in knowing that; I’m severely passionate about using my gifts for the greater good.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfilment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

DORIAN: While I am dreaming bigger and bigger every day; the love and support I have gotten for my music has been incredibly fulfilling! I started back into doing music as a hobby—and it reignited a fire in me that is growing more and more. I just want to see where God takes me. But personally, it has already been a very fulfilling experience on a multitude of levels.

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

DORIAN: It honestly varies depending on the song and environment I’m in. I may have a melody or some lines of a song come to me any time of the day. But once I start to really create a song and song-write, I’m normally in a more quiet and intimate space where I can focus and listen from within. Currently, my thing to do is browse beats online by various producers. And if their production inspires me, I start carving out the type of song I hear in my head over the particular instrumentation. It’s a fun process to me because it doesn’t pigeon hold me to a particular sound. It keeps the entire process feeling new and refreshing!

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

DORIAN: Coming out to my family, at the age of 30, was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do because it forced some distance between me and many members of my family. Which is tough coming from a family so closely knit. I then lost my Great Grandmother; whom I love and cherish so dearly, just shortly after doing so. But I thank God for my husband and his family because they gave me the love, support and motivation to keep going all while I was trying to grieve, dream, and embrace my new life.

Truthfully, the entire struggle and story is woven into all 4 of my projects thus far.

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

DORIAN: There’s a few: one being the release of my first single “Any Thing Goes” , because it took a lot a faith, courage and vulnerability on my part. But just recently I was awarded “Artist of the Year 2022” at a DMV based open-mic night platform called ‘En(Joy) The Mic” ! It was such an awesome and humbling experience. Simply having people support your dreams, show you love, and want good things for you—that’s a priceless feeling!