Today we’d like to introduce you to Deni Phoenix.
Hi Deni, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Music has been a part of my life since I was born. Between my mother being the minister of music at our church back in Detroit and being the granddaughter of late R&B musician Andre Williams, it was no surprise that I would follow through what was already in my blood. I participated in band as a saxophone player, sang in youth church choirs, school chorus, and theatre growing up. By the time I got to high school, I realized that music had become a lifetime passion and goal.
I attended Valdosta State University first, before transferring to the University of West Georgia to major in music education and mass communications. Yes, you might as well call me an “insane woman” for tackling two different degree programs. I had a part-time job at the campus radio station and music department, served in two music organizations, and participated in choral and band ensembles every semester. I worked hard to make it through my arduous schedule, and in 2014, I graduated with both bachelor’s degrees. However, the main question I had in my head was this: continue in music or pursue another career path? The answer might had been obvious; however, I wanted to make the right choice for it was a life decision.
In 2015, I began my career as a middle school chorus teacher. It was an amazing experience to start at a school with no established chorus program. You hear me correct. I started the program from the ground up with little equipment and built it for three years until I decided to go for another achievement. I am still blessed to know I made an impact on every student who began with me at the school; however, knowing me, I wanted to do more.
I returned to UWG in 2018 to work on my master’s degree in music performance. I could have done education again, but I honestly wanted to learn the art of performance. During that time, I was hired as a vocalist for a local band, Mayhayley’s Grave, a southern gothic, Americana swing band. I must admit transitioning from operatic to contemporary music was difficult and being part of this group pulled me out of my comfort zone as a vocalist. After graduation in May of 2020, I was back to the same question: what path did I want to take? I think after everything I had accomplished, I felt it was time to “put up or shut up.”
In 2022, I came out of as a solo artist, Deni Phoenix. Shortly after, my band Deni Phoenix and The Fervor was established. It started as a 3-piece band (before me) hosting a weekly open jam session at a coffee shop in Carrollton. One night, I got a call from them to come sing a couple songs. The next thing I know, a temporary job became permanent. The band quickly took off, especially after opening for artist Marc Broussard at a benefit concert at the Carrollton AMP. Now, we are a 5-piece neo-soul, jazz band with a little fusion of rock.
My life’s journey has been quite an adventure. Without the support of family, friends, and colleagues along with my love and passion for music, there is no telling where the road could have led me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I had some serious events hit me throughout my life. My major struggle: I was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety when I was a teenager. I know it is touchy to speak about mental health issues, but it is a serious matter in one’s life. I would self-criticize and sabotage myself on a daily basis. I still do it till this very day, kind of. Honestly, if I did not have the art of music as a passion, I would not be here at all. If we look at a famous person like Robin Williams, who lived his life through his art to make people laugh but now, also knowing the internal turmoil that he dealt with for most of his life, we, sometimes, must consider that people use their art to aid in navigating their way through their own personal challenges. I believe that goes for everyone.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Outside of The Fervor, I am a private voice teacher at Pippin Music Academy and Carrollton Center for the Arts in genres of classical, musical theatre, jazz, and R&B. Also at Carrollton Center for the Arts, I am the choral director of the Carrollton Young Singers (ages 6-12) and Carrollton Youth Chorus (ages 13-18). I am proud to teach and perform because not only do I get to build my experience as a performer but, I have been empowered to teach what I love to young men and women with the goal to inspire them to make music a hobby to a possible long-term career goal.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Simply, my friends and family. I am a little bit of a social butterfly, but I have certain people who have made a major impact in my life and have pushed me to become a successful person and artist. Also, this should come as no surprise, music makes me happy!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.adeniharling.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/deniphoenixmusic
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/deniphoenixmusic
- Other: www.adeniharling.com/deniphoenixandthefervor
Image Credits
Personal photo: Jim Lussier (JimboVision) 2nd, 3rd, & 5th image: James Davis (TwinFlame Entertainment) 4th image: Video still by Albert Reid 6th image: Glynn Wesmorlan
