DeRon Talley
Some of you may recall this month's Featured Artist from last year when I decided to introduce you all to the phenomenal talent and person that DeRon Talley is. A lot has taken place over this past year, and with the new release of The Young Professionals - Deserve (DeRon Remix), this seemed like the perfect time to highlight DeRon again. As always, it was a pleasure to touch base with this exceptional man once more.
AUM:Tell me about your latest release.
DeRon: My very latest release, offered as a free digital download, is my remix of "Deserve" by The Young Professionals. I have also been honored with the opportunities to remix Sah ril, Seinabo Sey, and Azealia Banks. I encourage everyone reading to give them a listen.
AUM: You produce other artists through Palisade Hills, as well as create your own music. What type of musicians do you look for to highlight? What sparks your creative interest in others?
DeRon: There's always a certain type of energy or vibe that I from musicians. I can usually tell instinctually if an artist and I are on the same frequency, artistically and beyond. I love to be around ingenious and positive souls that aim for success. I enjoy working with the entrepreneurial artists that think outside the box. The sharp mature minds that show their longevity through innovative risk-taking. The young creative minds that have strengths in goal setting. As long as there is a clearly defined purpose in the mind of the artist, than my creative interest is sparked.
AUM: What has this past year since our last conversation brought you? What were some of your favorite highlights?
DeRon: In our last conversation, I mentioned that I recently moved back home. Since then, we've had a tornado (http://goo.gl/kMluz) followed by a week long power outage. I've had my car broken into and suffered a minor head injury. And through it all, I can honestly say that this is the best year I've had in a long time! Through it all, everything that seemed to be a trial has made me stronger and given me a reinforced appreciation for life (see: The Four Noble Truths). I believe this new wave of inspiration can be felt in my new music.
AUM: There are a lot of political and social uprisings taking place in our country at the moment. How do you view this new awakening in our consciousness, and does it spark anything creatively in yourself?
DeRon: I'm not going to linger on politics too much, but there are too many people that subscribe to the “us vs. them” outlook on life right now. Once the citizens of the United States genuinely become united, only than can we start moving in the right direction. As a whole we have a long way to go. But we'll get there in due time...
AUM: If 2012 were the perfect year for your personal music and productions, what would it look like?
DeRon: Let's just wait it out. I'm focused, driven, and highly inspired right now. Without a doubt, 2012 will indeed be my perfect year. Mark my words.
AUM: You have three wishes which will automatically be granted, what are they?
DeRon: I have to be selfish for the first one, so I would wish for endless success, fame, and finances with my music. Second is health, wealth, and longevity for my family and friends. And yes, it's cliché, but world peace would be on my list. Seriously, if you know anyone that has lost their life unjustly, fighting a war which has a highly disputable cause , then world peace should be something that we should all crave right now.
ॐ An Underground Mainstream ॐ
DeRon has an impressive bio, discography, and resume within the industry. For more information, make sure to check out the following links!
Interviewer, LeeAnn Hively-Insalaco, is a contributing writer for An Underground Mainstream and a participant and occasional host on The Collective Perspective.