Today we’d like to introduce you to Reginald DeWayne.
Hi Reginald , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always loved music. I grew up in a praise and worship singing family which to me made my voice seem small compared to the other singers in my family. For so long I chose to be the one in the back and helping others with following what they wanted to do from music to businesses. My shyness along with what I know now so many years later as my anxiety kept me from going for what I know I could do. Growing up, I went through being abused by my step dad who had a drinking problem. Music and writing became my safe place.
I would write poetry and music but wouldn’t share it because for me it was mine, I felt like if I shared it with others it would no longer be my safe place because at that point I’ve made my escape space public. After going through and getting on medication to help with my anxiety and depression I made the decision that I have so much working against me that I needed to do what makes me happy as much as I can and felt that maybe that will eliminate the moments of sadness that comes out of nowhere at times.
That is what pushed me to releasing a Facebook documentary about my anxiety and depression while also being in my first stage play ‘Trail of Exposure” where I performed one of my original songs for the first time to an audience and from there I release my EP on all music platforms “Hennessy In The Morning”. I also released a T-shirt line called All The Boys and currently filming a YouTube reality show called On The Rise Houston.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
My struggles and obstacle is my anxiety and depression and the living inside my head. Other struggles I endured was being a part of a don’t ask don’t tell family where for so long we didn’t talk about the hard stuff or have uncomfortable conversations. My stepdad coming home drunk and abusing me happened and then it wasnt talk about again until I released my Facebook documentary.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My music is my everything. Writing music and telling my stories through song is literally my therapy. I cry at times while I write music because when writing I’m reliving the situations and grieving it at the same time. Alot of others know me from going live from my Instagram and having those uncomfortable conversations with others.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor for me was doing the research and self study. I tried finding a mentor but that became difficult because some may have other agendas, so when it comes to mentor I say learn as much as you could on your own and then from there maybe lean on someone who is knowledgeable or someone who is currently seeking mentorship and you guys can maybe grow together by putting the knowledge you both have together.
Network is needed in any industry. If you are not networking and going to music events or live music nights showing support and having conversation with others about your craft and what you do, then how will people know who you are. We have to get out of our own way and just go into situations with a positive mindset and trust the process.
Contact Info:
- Email: reginalddewayne@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_reginald_dewayne/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008383626003
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xU9moTbe_4A
Image Credits:
JB Photo and Video
