Interview with Destiny Malibu
Destiny Malibu is a pop singer/songwriter.
Why did you want to do music professionally?
My mom was a professional Latin pop star and some of my earliest memories include watching her record music in the studio. Being immersed in that environment allowed me to fall in love with music at a very young age. I started learning guitar at nine years old, and I wrote my first song at that time called "A Million Kisses". I home schooled for a couple of years and then started going to middle school in Malibu in 7th Grade. I entered the talent show and performed this song, "A Million Kisses", acoustically. I was honored to receive a standing ovation and I remember for weeks students coming up to me saying "my parents said you're going to be famous one day!". It felt so comforting to know at such a young age that not only my family believed in me, but also my community.
What inspires your music?
I get inspiration in many different forms. Typically I write about my own life experiences but sometimes I also like to step into the shoes of others and write about someone else's life story. Growing up, in high school when we would finish reading a new book, our teacher would always give us the option to write an essay about it or choose a creative project. I pretty much exclusively opted for creative projects in most of my classes and my creative outlet of choice was always writing a song about what we were studying. I remember when we read Romeo & Juliet I wrote a song called "Oh Romeo" and my classmates absolutely loved it. I think art inspires art, and books, movies, personal experiences and the experiences of others all serve as great inspiration.
What things get you in the mood to write songs, or do lyrics come spontaneously?
I definitely love to write about things I am going through in life at the time... whether that be a new romantic interest, a break up, or mental health struggles, music has always been a way for me to express my emotions. I will say though that sometimes melodies or words hit me out of no where, and sometimes those are my best songs.
How do you want your music to affect people?
I hope that my music finds it's place to live in people's heart's forever. Music often plays such a vital role in our memories. Think about the first song you played after your first break up, or a Sunday driving in the car with your mom, or on your wedding day. Music can trigger so many memories and I hope that my music can be a part of someone's healing, growth, and joyful reminiscing.
Do you test out your songs before releasing them? How do you do this?
My team and I put a lot of great care into every single song I release, and I have a really incredible fanbase, so I wouldn't say that I "test" my music before releasing it because if I'm putting something out it's because I truly believe in, but I will say that seeing my fans react to a brand new song or album for the first time is a feeling that always leaves me beaming from head to toe. It's so incredible to get a flooding of messages from fans who are truly resonating with a new creation of mine. It's the best feeling in the world to connect with people from all around the world through music.
How do you prepare for a gig?
Lots and lots of hours go into preparing for a show. Depending on the venue I either perform with my sister, DJ Dezzee, acoustically, and/or a band. Every venue is different, sometimes we have light shows, other times we have dancers, and then sometimes it's an intimate acoustic session. It takes both physical and mental preparation, but once that music starts playing, I'm in my happy place and I just let the good feelings take over.
What is your favorite song that you've written?
Every song I've written holds a special place in my heart and every single one is attached to a different memory and time in my life, but I will say that my upcoming single "Say My Name" is one of my favorites to date. It's a song about my own mental health struggles and triumphs and I think a lot of people are really going to resonate with it.
Has there been a reaction to one of your songs that you've been surprised by?
Every time I perform my song "Kissed by an Angel" on tour it's really cool to see the reaction of the audience when I go from singing to rapping. I love to bring the element of surprise to my music and it's always a crazy experience when people start screaming at the top of their lungs and I can see the excitement on their faces. At some of my shows people have even started crying and legitimately pulling their hair out when I start rapping. This is and always will be one of my favorite memories on tour because it lets me know when people are truly being moved by the music.
What are some ways that you promote yourself?
Social media is an amazing tool to promote yourself as an artist and connect with your fans in such a personal way so I really try to utilize that to the best of my ability by posting to my stories on a daily basis. I love that my fans can message me directly and I try to respond to as many messages as possible. It's so beautiful that thanks to social media I can have such a direct friendship with my audience!
What would you say has been the biggest challenge of your career?
As with any entrepreneurial business, the music industry can have it's ups and downs as an artist. I've been pursuing my dreams of music since I was a little girl and I think it's really important to remember as an artist that your upward trajectory is not always linear. Sometimes there are lulls or periods of wondering what your next move is going to be, but as long as your heart is in it, trust the process and keep moving forward. A lot of artists give up just before they make it big so when having moments of doubt, remember why you started and remember that the next big wave is just around the bend.
What have been your favorite places to tour?
I absolutely loved performing in Singapore, and I also majorly enjoyed my U.S. high school and college tour. I met so many amazing people at those shows and I can't wait to hit the road again when I release my upcoming fourth album! Most recently my residency at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has been a dream come true. Having 30+ of my own billboards plastered all across Las Vegas was something I could only dream of when I was a little girl. I can't wait to announce my upcoming residencies and party with my fans at my upcoming shows!
Are there advantages to being an independent musician?
I really love that I am 100% in control of my own music as an independent artist! Sometimes when artists are with a huge label they can lose their say in the creative process of their songs and I am so thankful that I can create freely and make exactly the kind of music I want to make.