The Talkaholic: The Talkaholic Chats with Destined Universal

Hello guys,

I got a chance to talk to meet Destined Universal, a upcoming singer and songwriter. Check it out below

THE TALKAHOLIC: Love, Pain, & The Dancefloor EP. What is the concept behind the name for the album and what in turn inspired the whole project?

DESTINED UNIVERSAL: I came up with the concept of LPD about a year ago. The name of this project reflects its overall sound and message. It is very self-explanatory once you listen to the record. All of the songs talk about love and pain, and sonically this is a dance project.

LPD is a true account of all the things the modern day young person faces concerning love and relationships. I personally believe that we all fall into the same cycle when it comes to love. No matter who you are, where you come from, who you love… that struggle to find the “perfect” person is universal. In music today, I feel a lot of artists talk from a fantastical approach in regards to relationships. I want to be one of the first artists, male artists at that, to present a contrast to the fiction pumping out of our airwaves.

All of the songs featured on this project, and every project I release, are inspired by either my own personal experiences or experiences of others that I’ve witnessed first-hand. I wanted to give people a glimpse of the artist I am now, rather than the artist I was when I first came into the industry. I’ve grown so much since then and I wanted to share my experiences that I’ve had that brought me where I am today, whether it be about love, relationships, coming of age, loving yourself, or discovering who you are. I just feel people are more perceptible to relate to you when you’re talking from love’s standpoint, and that’s what has brought about this EP.

THE TALKAHOLIC: From your first single till now, how have you grown as an artist and a performer?

DESTINED UNIVERSAL: If anything, I have definitely grown more into my artistry. When things really started to jump off the first time around, it was all about capitalizing on the attention and not so much focusing on the QUALITY of music I was putting out. “LoveLife” is the prime example of that. Although the single did wonders for me and has brought me this far, I feel that it could have been so much better and more impactful if I had really take my time with the song. My focus now is more on the quality of my music and not so much on how soon I can release it. You cannot rush good music, and the music I release here on out will reflect that. This new single is more of my redemption, which is why I am really excited about it.

THE TALKAHOLIC: Talk to us a bit about the new single?

DESTINED UNIVERSAL: I cannot quite tell you the name of the single just yet (for leaking purposes), but it is definitely an empowering track. It is very different from my previous single. Whereas “LoveLife” talks about the struggles of being single, this new single celebrates the independence and freedom that comes along with the ending of a relationship. I think we have all been in situations where we have felt like we gave all that we could give to a person. So when the relationship ends, we’re comfortable with that because we did everything we could. That is what this new single is for me.

THE TALKAHOLIC: How will you describe your sound?

DESTINED UNIVERSAL: My sound is a variety of things: pop, R&B, soul, alternative… I think my sound reflects all of the music that inspires me. I listen to just about everything and that’s what communicated through my music. Although this project is a dance record, I don’t believe that it sets the overall tone of what I will sound like throughout my career. But I have had so much fun breaking out of my comfort zone and working on LPD. It really has shown me my potential as an artist.

THE TALKAHOLIC: What is your creative process like?

DESTINED UNIVERSAL: Writing sessions and recording sessions are usually VERY intimate for me. When writing a song, I relive the moments I write about. And because I’m so passionate/focused when I’m writing, it can get a little dangerous. Sometimes reliving my past can take me to a very dark place and I will get depressed for two or three days even after writing and recording the song. It has gotten a little better now that I am learning to control it, but it used to get really bad. Before I step into the studio to record, I usually listen to artists who cater to the type of song I am recording that day. If I am recording something up-tempo and fun, I listen to JoJo. If it is something a little more emotional and slower, I’ll listen to Gary Go of Jessie J. Ballads and extremely personal songs usually require a lot of Stacie Orrico. These are just things that allow met me to set the bar for the overall session.

THE TALKAHOLIC: Who are your musical influences?

DESTINED UNIVERSAL: I have gone on record before to say this before and I do not mind saying it again… If there had not been a Stacie Orrico, there would be no Destined Universal. Out of all of the music I have been acquainted with, she’s is the only artist that has been able to touch, inspire, and motivate me in ways I cannot even begin to fathom. I’m also influenced by a lot of Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Kid Cudi, Gary Go, John Mayer, James Morrison, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Aaliyah, Missy Elliott Jason Mraz, Whitney Houston, Nina Sky, P!nk, Christina Aguilera… I could go on for days. There are just so many artists that I look up to and hold I high regard.

THE TALKAHOLIC: What are the challenges of being an independent artist in America?

DESTINED UNIVERSAL: Wow… well I think the biggest challenge would have to be financial support. A lot of the things that you have to do as an independent cost a lot of money. Photo shoots, music videos, studio sessions, touring funds, marketing, management, A&R…. It all adds up VERY quickly if you’re not signed by a major label. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It just makes a need for sacrifice and a little discomfort. But as long as this is something you love and have the talent for, you’ll definitely experience the benefits of your sacrifice.

THE TALKAHOLIC: What do you want the fans to take away from this new project?

DESTINED UNIVERSAL: I seek to empower, inspire, influence, enlighten, and motivate everyone who hears this project. Hopefully someone will feel empowered enough to break the cycle, rather than adhere to it. I also want my fans to be proud of me. This project was a risk since day one, and I’d love for my fans to believe it was a risk worth taking.

THE TALKAHOLIC: What non music projects are you involved in?

DESTINED UNIVERSAL: I am still the Artist Ambassador of SUPERCUTS’ “Rock the Cut” program so I am proceeding with that.

It has been a lot of fun going through different looks and I love the fact that I can be as creative as I want to. I am closing in on a couple of clothing endorsement, so definitely keep an eye and ear out for that. I am very excited. I have a junior novel series that I am looking to publish either sometime after the EP release or the tour preceding it. I will release more information on that as we progress with that project. Right now, I am definitely looking to join/partner with foundations encouraging the youth and independent arts. I’m made so much noise within the past year, and I definitely want to help other indie artist receive more recognition.

THE TALKAHOLIC: Final word for your fans

DESTINED UNIVERSAL: I just want all of you to know how much I love you and appreciate your support. It has been a crazy ride so far and I know things are only going to get crazier from here, but as long as I have you guys with me, I know I’m going to be just fine. I hope you all enjoy the new single.