Who Is Mariyo Deon?

If there is one thing at The YOUniverCITY  we respect and admire in individuals its their ability to get out, grind and hustle.  Mariyo Deon is exemplifies what it takes to build a fan base as an artist and the commitment and dedication needed to perfect your craft.  I had the privilege of coming in contact with Mariyo about 4 years ago while I was in TN.  Since then his fan base has increased and he continues to network and grind just as hard as he had four years ago.  It impressed me to see an artist still getting out hitting the pavement and marketing his campaign through other marketing tactics other than depending on social media as their only outlet.  Mariyo uses social media as a tool to amplify and connect with his growing fan base and to allow his fans to help spread his camping through word of mouth marketing.  I was impressed with the number of people that I have encountered wearing "Who is Mariyo Deon?" T-shirts throughout the Tennessee area and that question really got me wondering the answer to that very question. I reached out to Mariyo for an interview and to answer a few questions along with some background insight into Who Is Mariyo Deon.

Background Information

Nashville, Tennessee’s most sought out upcoming urban hip hop artist, Mariyo Deon, delivers his empowering new mixtape entitled Freedom of Speech: My 15 Minutes (November 1st, 2013). Leading into the release of his official album, Mariyo Deon has decided to take this time to address all of his most loyal fans in this five song collection. As the demand for Mariyo Deon’s music continues to build, Freedom of Speech is musically reassuring that the wait for the album is well worth it. As an indie artist, he performs to engage his audience in an exciting way that’s entertaining to create memorable experiences they will share with others. Deon has already built a sizeable army of fans, and his promising EP release, Mind Made Up, debut will undeniably spark interest from new listeners and industry insiders alike. 

Questions:

How long have you been doing music?

I started doing music when I was in the 6th grade. As a performing artist and songwriter, it has been 4 years as a professional.
 

How would you describe your style/genre?

I would best describe my sound as down-to-earth southern charisma, unfeigned lyrics, and hip-hop styling infused with an ardor for music.

How do you respond to the question, Who is Mariyo Deon?

“WHO IS?” \_(**)_/ ..ha depending on how they respond to that tells me if I should offer more info. As of late it’s become more common to hear when I walk in a room. “WHO IS?!”


What is the name of your new project that you have been working on?

Currently released Freedom of Speech: My 15 Minutes available at whoismariyodeon.com and via app CertifiedMixtapes for iphone only. Aside from that, the focus is the album Mind Made Up produced by Jon Lucas of Jon Lucas Music.


What can people expect different from this project versus others you have done? 

Production value in all capacities and songwriting quality are two areas of growth in my career thus far that will be instrumental to the success of the upcoming album, Mind Made Up.

      What has been one of your greatest accomplishments as an artist so far? 

      My greatest accomplishment so far is “tapping in”. A lot of people are NOT, and when you are, you see things a different way and people see you for who you are.

      In your opinion what has been the biggest challenge for you? 

      Finding my optimum pitch consistently and controlling it each time I’m performing. Whether that’s a face-to-face interview, on stage, or in the booth.

      How does living in Nashville, “Music City”, shape your music, writing or overall composition? 

      It has been everything God has allowed it to be, and for that I’m beyond grateful. I’ve had the chance to work with some of the most professional musicians, producers, and artist in the city. They’ve done more than just support my ideas and give feedback. They’ve genuinely opened up their proximal space and time for the opportunity to work beside them. Taking me under their wing showing me the in and outs of networking, first and foremost, as well as an effective workflow to produce my best work each and every time, has been influential. If I had to sum up everything Music City has taught me I’d say this, “Give no disclaimers, do your work, and be “THIS ME” everyday.”

      Do you have a website or way that people can connect with you? 

      Follow me on Twitter and Instagram via @mariyodeon | whoismariyodeon.com | Video Content | EPK | iam@whoismariyodeon.com (booking)