Meet Orlando Dixon | Artist/Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Orlando Dixon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Orlando, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As the owner of my own clothing line, #BlackBoyJoy® Apparel, my vision was to promote positive imagery while celebrating my community in an empowering way. The idea was birthed from a song, #BlackBoyJoy, I wrote and produced in 2016. I felt there was a need for more black-owned, street style apparel options in the market, much like what I experienced growing up (i.e. FUBU, Phat Farm, Sean John). My hope is to use my platform as a means to shift the narrative and bring awareness regarding issues specific to the Black men and women.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My passion is music. Growing up in the DMV area I started singing at the age of 6, and began showcasing in talent shows regionally at 8. My first major opportunity was “Showtime at the Apollo: Apollo Kids.” I’ll never forget it because it was the first time I had put work and effort into something, only to not reap the rewards. I didn’t advance to the next round, but the process taught me discipline and introduced me to work ethic. My mother was instrumental in making sure I didn’t miss any of those lessons early on in my career.

By 12, I was recording my first demo and referencing records for songwriters to pitch to artists. Being in the studio is really where I tapped into my creativity, even at an early age. I learned the importance of connecting the music with storytelling, and bringing emotion into the booth.The next few years after that I saw more than my share of close calls and near misses between record deals and shelved projects.

After I graduated from College I started doing work behind the scenes. I convinced myself that being in the forefront wasn’t going to happen so I put my energy into songwriting and vocal production. After a couple of moderately successful projects in the Gospel and Adult R&B spaces (Christopher Walker’s “Everyday Woman” #17 Billboard Adult Contemporary; Regina Belle’s “Higher” Top 10 Billboard Gospel Albums) I decided to move back into my own artistry. At that time Youtube was the wave but was still on the come up, so I was able to use it as a platform to be seen and build an audience. About 25K+ subscribers in I caught the attention of NBC’s The Voice. My stint on Season 4 landed me on both Usher and Adam’s Team (after a steal during the battle rounds) and up to the semi-finals in the knockout rounds. My biggest takeaway from that experience was during my one on one conversation with Usher and his advisor that year, Pharrell Williams. I’ll never forget Pharrell’s words, “Your voice is incredible. You just need to tap into who you are so we can see that too.”

Once I left the show, my career hit an upswing and I started functioning as a working artist, doing background and touring for One Republic, Zac Brown Band, K. Michelle, Jason Derulo, Regina Belle and The Tonight Show on a few occasions. One of the biggest things I’ve learned as an independent artist is networking and showing up ready to work. When people see you are capable of being professional on a high level, they trust you. And when they like working with you, your name stays in the right rooms for the right opportunities.

After a few independent releases and the creation of my clothing line birthed from my song #BlackBoyJoy in 2016, I decided to take a risk and move to NYC with no job, no gig and no real place to stay. About two months in, I booked a gig as a guest performer on a cruise, and four months after that I was chosen to be a part of Disney Music Group’s new Acappella Pop group, DCappella. Not only has it provided career milestones (performing on American Idol, featured on Disney’s Soundtrack, touring the U.S. and Japan) but it empowers me to be clear about my own brand. In 2020 I released my second EP first self written, self produced project that garnered over 650K+ streams on Spotify and debuted in the Top 25 on iTunes R&B chart. These days my brand is focused on self-care, mental health and focusing my efforts on highlighting and empowering my community.

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 living in the city! I spend most of my leisure time eating, drinking and experiencing all that DC has to offer so my week long itinerary would definitely include:

Brunch at Belga Cafe (Hearty Belgian cuisine that mirrors some of your classic American dishes. Also featured private greenhouses for year round outdoor dining)

Lunch at The Coupe/The Smith(American cuisine with family style seating to accommodate groups and tasty bites to enjoy with great drinks)

Dinner at BusBoys & Poets (great ambiance coupled with great food and vegan options, and sometimes live entertainment during your meal)

Drinks 12 stories or Whiskey Charlie’s (great outdoor/rooftop bars & restaurants on the waterfront that offer over looking city views and great music)

A visit to the National Museum of African American History & Culture and some of other attractions by the smithsonian. Then a bike/scooter ride through the city from the NW to NE corridor, but not before stopping by Black Lives Matter plaza

Maybe a late night eat at The Diner on 18th street if you’re in the mood for a throwback feel.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my mom and sister. Family is everything to me, and these two women have loved on me unconditionally through patience, grace and accountability. I honor Black women the way I do because of what I’ve seen from them, and the way they navigate the world. I’m grateful for their belief in me and supporting my dreams. They are my reason and motivation.

Website: https://www.orlandodixon.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orlandodixon/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/orlandodixon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrlandoDixonFan

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/user/museman18

Image Credits
Sam Gross, Photographer