“You have the drive, passion & talent …so what are you waiting for? Introduce the world to your VOICE!” – Billy Branch, International Blues Legend
Hailing from Augusta, GA (Home of The Godfather of Soul, James Brown), Dee Hemingway is the quintessential entertainer.
Never one to slow down on a musical opportunity, Dee is a dramatic, soulful mezzo-soprano vocalist who can sing darn near any style of music.
In fact, she is the total package. She sews most of her stage outfits and actually gets into full character on stage.
Dee worked on her individual vocal style by studying her many music idols in Blues, Soul and Rock. Even going so far as to study formal musical training in order to further her goals. The voice you hear is HER voice…no imitations, no Auto-Tune.
As a matter of fact, if you ask Dee her PREFERRED musical genre, she would answer without pause:
Rock. Soulful Rock with a Blues edge.
Dee puts on a wonderful show, interacting with the audience at every given opportunity. She recently made the decision to become a National Touring Performer. Dee has shared many stages in the past, from the small & intimate…to the larger stages with MANY entertainers (Local to International) across the United States and abroad.
Dee is an outspoken advocate for Rock and Blues Music. She has been recognized for her Humanitarian efforts in bridging the cultural gap in music communities across the country. She helped with establishing the Rock and Classic Rock categories for The Northern California Entertainers Music Awards in Sacramento.
Dee has also worked across the United States as management/promotional representation of various musical entertainment (Southern Soul, Rock, Blues, Tribute Band) projects. She has gained many lifelong contacts, mentors and referrals.
In addition, she has mentored other performers through the years in vocal and stage performance.
Dee performed at Sherry Gordy Presents: Take The Stage- Las Vegas in 2015.
She is currently touring as a backing/featured vocalist with National Blues Artist Brad Wilson and The Rollin’ Blues Thunder Band. The band is opening for Blues legend Buddy Guy in Arizona–March 2018.
Dee is featured as a backing vocalist in an upcoming song by Hunter & The Dirty Jacks (Blues/Rock), to be released via Spectra Music Group in Spring 2018.
She is also touring with her band across the country, performing Blues/Rock/Soul covers and Originals.
Dee is currently based in Sacramento, CA. She is a member of Musicians Union Local 6 in San Francisco, Sacramento Blues Society and Black Rock Coalition in New York.
Exclusive Interview:
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in Augusta, GA. Home of James Brown, The Godfather of Soul. The oldest of three kids.
I grew up during the time of desegregation in The South. I did not see a lot of what my mother experienced as a person of color, but there were definitely some covert expression going on. Not with all Whites, let me make that very clear. My family (immediate and expanded) are a mentally- tough bunch of people, since there are so many of them! I got through my childhood.
My mom is really big on books and reading. To be associated with her, you had to read. She is about being educated and armed with knowledge. Especially if you were a person of color. Her attitude about reading was ingrained into me. I read books like “The Mis-Education of The Negro” by Carter Godwin Woodson. and “The Autobiography of Malcolm X.” I was turned onto those books by my mom.
So for me, I had to deal with TWO sets of “Us versus Them.” growing up. The covert expressive Whites, and Blacks who did not read, and thought I was different because I DID read. The beginning of being different and alone in this world. Imagine that growing up as a kid. And when you’re alone in the mind like that, it has a long-lasting effect on how you deal with people. You learn a different set of survival skills that most people never get to experience.
There are several factors that got me into music. Church was one. I was raised a Southern Baptist, so that meant church every Sunday. Eventually I was singing in the choir. Another factor was my uncle, who was considered to be “The Black Sheep” because he played music (he was a drummer) with anyone, was very open-minded and listened to a lot of rock music at that time. Of course, he was my favorite uncle. He turned me on to Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Stones, and so many others. My musical personality today is a lot like my uncle was back then. I miss him terribly, because he was one of the rare few who understood me without judgement. And to this this day, I still don’t fit in. Not really. But I’m at peace with what I am musically. I “came out” as a rock/blues performer just last year. In front of an audience. One of the best decisions I made.
The main factor was a guy I met when I got into high school. He was a couple years older than me, and a musician. He was in a band that traveled across The South. I was all about that, so I quit school to be in that band and with him. My decision did not make my family happy, but I was happy at that time. As with all choices in life, I figured out later that was not the best decision, so I got my GED and other degrees later in life. I don’t regret making that choice, even now. I got to see the human condition in the music business with no shiny yellow-brick road to follow.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Shows at the local level are where you polish your performance. Where you select the players to take you to the next level. That will be a task within itself.
The start-ups I’ve met along the journey think it’s supposed to be fast and quick. They use people they meet as a means to an end to get to the next level. Good, if it works for you. But somewhere along the line, someone is going to catch on to what you’re doing. And you’ll be the one who’s being used, okay? There’s a lot of talent out there. In order to get to the next level, what exactly makes YOU, the talent, a standout?
My advice is to get a spiral notebook. The kind students use in school. Write down the reason you’re in the music business. If you find that reason difficult to write, then maybe this isn’t the business for you, because this business is hard work. It does not let up.
If you know why you’re in the music business, it’s going to take steps to get where you wish to be. Start with the small steps first. Say you wish to play X venue. The first thing you need to have is a EPK (electronic press kit). Does not matter yet if you can’t fill the EPK up yet with your experience. You NEED one. List band members, the set list, stage plot, contact info, and quality band photos for starters.
Now go back to that spiral notebook. It’s where you’re going to list your contacts, dates of contact. DO NOT use your phone or any electronic devices to list this info. This spiral notebook needs to be written in your own handwriting. If your notes are choppy and disorganized, guess what? Back to Square One. Over time (if you organize properly) , that spiral notebook is going to become your Music Industry Bible for getting gigs. But you have to be patient, and you have to be organized.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Oh, yes! Everybody makes mistakes because they’re human. I’ll flub a line, or better yet forget a line in a song. I have to be an organic performer. Thinking on my feet, fast. Sometimes I’ll playfully let the audience in on it, and sometimes I’ll let the band members in. The band member’s response also gives clues as to how they feel about you as well, so pay attention. If they try to make you look bad in front of an audience because you made the mistake, it might be time to seek other band members. Professionalism is what you’re looking for, not an opportunity for put-downs and around-the-way jealousy.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
I do tour. I tour as a solo performer and with other bands. The most interesting people I meet is when I’m driving from Point A to Point B. When I have to take a break at some gas station along the way, or at some shopping center because I forgot to pack something. Or I want to just window shop, if there’s time for that. Meeting the locals gives you an idea on future gigs in the area. Take every opportunity you can to get information. The town you’re traveling through could be the basis for your next original song!
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
I’m working on one song at a time. I have complete songs that need some studio time. I travel to Orange Blossoms Studio in the Los Angeles area to record them, one song at a time. I’m in no hurry to record an EP, or a full album. I would LOVE to have a mini-studio in my apartment. I’m taking some masterclasses on sound production. I have most of the equipment in order to make that happen. But I also love how Geoff Davis works his studio magic. For now, I’m sticking with what works and is working.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Social Media is one way. But I do not rely on Social Media alone. In- person is really the best way to promote music, and I do that the most. Prefer to promote to people I do not know. You are the salesperson and you are selling YOU. Unless you’re shy. You’ll have to break away from that shyness, especially if you wish to go outside the local area.
Grab a guitar, backing tracks, cables, mic stand, a small PA system and a mic. Find a small business or alternative location (check with local ordinances first) and ask if you could set up. Once you get approvals, busk away! You might even be able to make a few coins in the process.
It amazes me how many musicians I’ve come across turn their noses down at busking. If you think you’re “too good” to busk, what in the world gives you the idea you’re “good enough” to stand on a larger stage? To each his or her own, I guess.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
I’m at the stage in my life where I am at peace musically. If I get the opportunity to perform with someone who has more clout and exposure than myself, sure, I would be very grateful for the chance. But I don’t actively seek the opportunities anymore. As long as I gain at least one fan with what I do, I’m good. That’s all that matters.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
I am a backing/featured vocalist in a National blues band called Brad Wilson and The Rollin’ Blues Thunder Band. Brad is opening for Buddy Guy in Parker, AZ in March. That’s very exciting. A true blues legend, Mr. Guy.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
I can’t see myself doing anything else. Of course, the reality is that rent/mortgage and other bills are due every month. Can’t quit the day job. I’m going to continue to make music. And keep my day job skills current. I’ve learned to not depend on just one thing. Or one skill. Life is definitely unpredictable.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
More music to be created! More, more, more!
Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?
Yeah! Shout-outs to those who believe in what I’m doing. My kids and grand kids for having to put up with Rock Star Mom and Grandma. Those who have helped me along the way, past and present. Way too many to mention,. And for those whom I’ve helped…you’re welcome! And last but not least: To SWBI – You’re the real MVP.
