Digital Cover: DE’WAYNE
Talent: DE’WAYNE
Photos: Shai Paul Lev
Polaroids: Stefan Bojilov
Words: Anthony Vu Cao
Managing Editor: Chrissy Wang
Creative: Juri Watanabe
Music Editor: Do Young Kim
EIC: Anthony Vu Cao
Digital Layout: KMG Studio
In an era where genre lines blur and authenticity reigns supreme, DE’WAYNE emerges as a fiery, fearless voice of a new generation. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, and now a staple on stages across the globe, DE’WAYNE does not just perform—he detonates. With a sound that fuses funk, rock, hip-hop, and alternative soul, his music channels the creative cords of rebellion and the clarity of purpose. It’s an electrifying collision of styles, much like the artist himself: authentic, bold, and unbothered by boundaries.
Behind the signature scream and glitterstreaked performances is a story of persistence, vulnerability, and transformation. DE’WAYNE isn’t just making music—he’s building a movement, one soul-baring show at a time.
At just 30, DE’WAYNE has already carved out a niche that defies easy classification. After moving to Los Angeles with nothing but a dream and the kind of reckless hope only the truly driven possess, he spent years hustling—sleeping in cars, crashing on floors, and sneaking into open mics—until his raw energy caught the attention of those who could not look away. Now, with a growing fanbase and critical acclaim following his debut album STAINS and the blistering follow-up My Favorite Blue Jeans, DE’WAYNE is no longer knocking at the industry’s door. He’s kicking it off the hinges.
We caught up with DE’WAYNE as he prepares the release of his third studio album “june”..
Your music blends rock, punk, rap, and pop. How did you find your unique sound, and how has it evolved since your early work?
I grew up surrounded by music — rap from my dad, gospel and R&B from my mom. I discovered rock later, but it felt like home. Once I found it, I gave it everything. That journey led me to June.
Can you walk us through your creative process — from the first spark of an idea to a finished track?
It usually starts with me alone, writing lyrics on guitar. If I don’t finish a song in one go, I leave with a strong line or concept. Then I bring it to my producer, and we jam until it clicks.
You often speak on identity and self-expression. How do your personal experiences shape the messages in your music?
I lead with my heart. On this record, I gave it everything — my voice, my vulnerability. It feels like the first time I’ve truly shown who I am.
Your lyrics often feel deeply personal and raw. Do you find songwriting to be a form of therapy or more of a performance outlet?
Absolutely. It’s therapy for me. I write love letters, notes to my younger self, and things I can’t always say out loud. It’s healing and beautiful.
Are there any songs that were particularly hard to write or release emotionally? Why?
“Sundays” was the toughest — it’s about my relationship with my dad. It touched a wound I didn’t know I had. Finishing it felt like real growth. I was proud.
Your live shows are high-energy and emotionally charged. What do you want fans to feel or take away from your performances?
I want to turn people on — wake them up emotionally, spiritually, physically. It’s my favorite part of being an artist.
How has your relationship with your audience changed as your platform has grown?
Not much. I still try to respond when I can. I’m grateful every day, and I try to give the same love I receive.
You’ve cited everything from Prince to Rage Against the Machine as influences. Who are some lesser-known artists that have inspired you?
Ohio Players. Fela Kuti. Parliament Funkadelic. All pioneers. All soul.
If you could collaborate with any artist — living or dead — who would it be and why?
Lenny Kravitz. He’s my hero.
Coming up as a genre-defying Black artist in the alt/rock scene, what challenges have you faced — and how have you overcome them?
It’s real. I always say — when Black artists are let back into the rock space we helped build, you get Hendrix, Prince, Lenny, Living Colour, George Clinton. We make history when we’re let in. There’s room for more than five of us.
How do you balance artistic freedom with the commercial pressures of the music industry?
I don’t see them as separate. I think freedom and success can live together — and when they do, it’s magic.
You often talk about being unapologetically yourself. What advice would you give to someone struggling to express their identity?
Find an artist you love for being themselves, then apply that courage to your own life. It takes time, but when you start loving what you see in the mirror, others will too.
What does success look like to you — and has that definition changed over the years?
It’s always been the same: living off your art and loving what you make. There are levels to it, but that’s the foundation.
What’s something new you’re exploring in your next project — musically or thematically?
I’m diving into concepts, like my heroes did. And I’ll keep exploring love — I’m infatuated with it.
Where do you see DE’WAYNE in five years — creatively and personally.
Somewhere peaceful, near green land and water, making the best songs of my life. Hopefully with someone I love, cooking, working out, and living simply. GR8T
Follow DE’WAYNE Instagram: @yeahdewayne