Today we’d like to introduce you to Dion Davis.
Hi Dion, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello!
How I Started:
I was given opportunities to sing and cultivate my musical gifts in church. It was a path I followed from age 3 until I was 26 years old. I was heavily involved with ministry as a young adult. I began deconstruction and decolonization in 2020–I interrogated everything I was taught within those spaces. I sifted all the precepts and tested foundations til I was left with nothing but LOVE.
How I Got Here:
I had access to instruments as a child and taught myself how to play guitar and piano. I was relentless in my pursuit and zeal for music. How I got here–to the present moment, has been by embracing the truth, becoming more authentic, and healing from a lot of bullshit.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not always been smooth. To be the current iteration of myself, I’ve had to give up what I thought I wanted. There was an internal war within me regarding my sexuality and being involved in spaces of faith. I lived in a sort of torture trying to exist in those spaces. I had to hide who I was to belong. I knew I had to be vulnerable and honest with myself–and then the world to become the artist who would have the most impact. I had been crippled by fear for many years and stuck in that struggle until one day, I decided there is no way god would intend or ask me to live in torture and an unsatisfied life.
I was actively decolonizing and deconstructing my faith, which made me feel at odds with some lyrics I had written and the songs I sang. I was blindly going along with the music and songs without questioning the theology or the impact they have. It began to feel pointless and like I was only making noise. I could not reconcile who I was becoming to where I had been.
I’ve also had people make money off of my talent and skills, been preyed upon by many church leaders, and essentially pimped without a payout.
Beyond all of the discomfort of
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a singer/songwriter. I think most people probably know me from my performance of “Lean Back” on Capital City Music’s “Kingdom Come” album.
Currently to pay my bills, I manage a hotel in the Atlanta area. I think I specialize in writing music–melodies come to me easily. I specialize in teaching music as well–I feel fulfilled equipping people with the knowledge they need to express themselves musically. It has made all the difference for me and I want everyone to engage with that creative energy within them more.
I am most proud of the integrity I’ve been able to keep intact despite the craziness I’ve been through. I’ve managed to stay kind despite having gone through the wringer, being exploited, and being preyed upon for most of my time in spaces of faith.
I think what sets me apart from others is my quiet confidence. I’m not the type to burst in and yell for attention. I’m an observer and I think that’s the best way to listen–to be quiet.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Cheerleaders:
Freddy Pineda
Ralph Jones
Edgar Galindo
Hilda Masip
Johnny Mendoza
Brooke Williams
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dionxdavis?igsh=MTQzenc0Z2M1a2NmbA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHQOcUizZuQ&t=38s
