Stylinzine: Hi D'Shawn, it's great to chat with you again. So, tell us what you've been up to, in terms of your career, since our interview with you in 04'.

D'Shawn: Wow...a lot of things have been happening since back then. I've been back and forth to Europe a lot promoting and performing releasing things over there. That has been my main mission.  Also helping other artist succeed, whether its teaching vocals, or producing a hot track for them. I've always got my hand in the music industry somewhere.

Stylinzine: What's been the biggest highlight/most memorable event of your career over the last four years?

D'Shawn: My most memorable has been performing in England on stage with several UK artist. They had a "D'Shawn Dance Idol" contest up there for me, and whoever won the dance competition, got to dance with me in concert. So I selected 6 dancers, taught them the dances to my songs, and they rocked the house with me! There was a lot of love there. I loved it!

Stylinzine: Where do you see your career this time next year?

D'Shawn: I am actually doing some collabs and finishing up on my album which should be released soon in select stores and on i-tunes. I don't know if you remember the "Mickey Mouse Club", with Britney, Justin, JC, Christina, and Jennifer McGill, but I'm currently mixing a duet song with myself and Jennifer McGill called "My Number One". Hot track! It will be out soon as well. So I see myself touring again within the year definitely.

Stylinzine: How much do you think modern technology has influenced the contemporary music industry? 

D'Shawn: It has in some sense made better the music industry as far as editing, effects, and things of that nature goes, but it has also hurt some artist too. When in the studio you can get something to sound hot, but the question is, can you make it that hot live on stage? Some artist tend to hid behind the studio mic and can't do it in person.

Stylinzine: What are your thoughts on file sharing programs that allow free downloads of tracks.

D'Shawn: I think to a certain extent that sharing is ok for promo purposes. For example, if there is a new artist out there that doesn't have the credibility of getting 1 million paid downloads, it would at least get their music out if people could download it for free. Most listeners won't pay to download someone who they have never heard of. Then on the flip side, its still a loss of money to the artists that already have that name.  So I think their should be guidelines for downloads. If the artists has status, then they have to pay. For new artists, there could be a certain amount of downloads up to the amount they can have status as well.

Stylinzine: If you could open for any artist at all, who would you pick and why?

D'Shawn: I would probably pick Boyz II Men. I like their style, I've met them and they have given me tips in the game and I seem to flow with their style. It would be a hot concert!

Stylinzine: As a headliner yourself which artist do you think would best compliment your sound?

D'Shawn: Trey Songs

Stylinzine: 'American Idol' great idea or seven seasons too many?

D'Shawn: I think its still a good idea. It still gives people of all ages the chance to be in the spot and possibly make a career out of something that they love and obviously America still loves it.

Stylinzine: What's playing on playing on your iPod right now?

D'Shawn: Funny you ask. I'm actually listening to a mix I did to make sure the eq's are correct. Gotta have a hot product!

Stylinzine: Well it's been nice chatting with you again, before we wrap up, tell us what's in store for you next?

D'Shawn: Stay tuned to iTunes. Look me up, my album is available for download. Be sure to add me to your Myspace. www.myspace.com/dshawn2, www.dshawnmusic.com

Keep it hot!

Published: November 05, 2008

Smooth vocals, loads of style, and incredible talent sums up what R&B/pop artist D'Shawn brings to the turn table.

His credible for multiple specialties in the industry including songwriter, composer, producer, audio engineer, dancer and much more, he loves music and knows the trait inside out.

D’Shawn’s music is an eclectic mix of dance numbers, slow crooning melodies, and upbeat club tracks.

This multi-talented musician has a lot to offer, he has an incredible charisma, as we found out from our recent interview with him.

Here’s what he had to say about why his group didn’t work out, his solo ambitions, making it in a competitive market and much more…

Stylinzine.com: Hi D'Shawn, well thanks for taking time out for us; to start off with tell us a little bit about you and you career thus far.
D'Shawn: First off, my name is D'Shawn, and I've been in the music "industry" since about age 6 or 7, when I started out playing the drums with my parents’ group. I've actually played instruments since the age of 3. I started my own home recording studio at age 12, and it grew on from there…and now here I am!

Stylinzine.com: You are some what of a new face to the industry but you've had such a great start, tell us about that.
D'Shawn: I have never really taken "no" for an answer. I've always pursued my dreams and ambitions regardless of what people might have said. I learned a long time ago that the successful people never give up. That's why they are successful...so I just put that in my own perspective towards music, and I will be on top before you know it!

Stylinzine.com: What are your thoughts on the difference, and similarities between the UK and US music scene in general?
D'Shawn: The UK verses the US music scene is somewhat different. I think the UK is allot easier to break into because there is less competition and the UK seems to have more of a genuine love for music...I don't know how to explain it, but the UK is a great place to start out, not saying that the US isn't, but the UK seems to have open arms to US artist.