We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlos Dwayne and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Carlos, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When it comes to risks, I look at them as a necessity on the road to success. I have had to take so many risks as an artist, but I have never regretted any of them because they taught me lessons and paid off a lot of times. Being a music artist is a risk in itself because you put yourself and your art in front of people, and they will either like it or they won’t. It’s almost like putting my heart in a position to be judged because when I write I actually create songs that come from my heart and my experiences. Being an independent music artist requires so much of my own money to be invested in this career because there is no label or distribution deal to finance anything for me. That is one of the biggest risks because I put so much money and time into building myself as an artist and putting out music all I can do is keep working and pray that it all pays off.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a singer/songwriter/dancer/choreographer that just loves to create and perform. I have been writing poems and music, dancing, and creating choreography since childhood but really decided to follow music as a career in 2017. The love that I have for music and art is very deep. What sets me apart from others is that I strive to make timeless music and not “hits” so I am always authentic and trying to find ways to be different from what is popular. I have been working very hard and putting a lot of time, money, and attention into studying and growing in my craft. I always try to be better than the last thing I did, and will put in the work to make sure it happens. This has not been an easy road at all, but it has been a journey that I am enjoying. I have heard so many people tell me “no” but I have also had so many people tell me “yes” and encourage me, so that keeps me going. I have learned that as long as you keep going and growing, nothing will be able to stop you and I will eventually get to where I need to be at the time it’s meant for me to be there.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love the sugar factory, Piedmont Park, Old Lady Gang restaurant, Little Five Points area, Slutty Vegan, House of Hookah, and Stone Mountains Park. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to first start off by shouting out my family, my parents and my siblings. They have supported me since the beginning and I appreciate having them by my side. My dad passed away unexpectedly in 2017 and it really pushed me to go for my dreams. He was such a talented singer, songwriter, and musician that I learned a lot from and looked up to. I take him with me everywhere that I go as I am going through this journey with music. My mother has also been in my corner every step of the way and showing me love and support. I grew up wanting to do a lot of things and my mom has always been there and supporting my dreams. My siblings have also been supportive and I appreciate them as well. We are close in age and they have been my first and longest friendships. I also have to give a shoutout to Jerry Washington of Jwash Productions for being my support system and someone that has pushed me and believed in me since I decided to pursue this career. Also for being my videographer and photographer.
Next a special shoutout to my best friend Louis who has also been supporting and motivating me since day one. For believing in me even in the times where I did not believe in myself.
To the CD team, CJ and Darren, thank you for all that you have done since you stepped into my life and became apart of my team. They have also been with me for most of this music journey doing whatever it is that I asked them to do and going above and beyond to push me further.
Big shoutout also to my music mentor TuKool Tiff and some key people who have been apart of my story Lily, Wayne, Jamal, Daniel, Jay Abe, Chandler R., Chandler S., Gereme, and Frankie B.
To all of the people that have been supporting and riding with me from day 1 and the people that just started following shoutout to you all as well.
Instagram: @iamcarlosdwayne
Twitter: @iamcarlosdwayne
Facebook: Carlos Dwayne
Youtube: Carlos Dwayne
Image Credits
@jwashproductions