One Thousand Gurus Podcast
Everyone has a compelling story to tell with insights we can all be inspired by. J.R. Yonocruz is a software project manager, self-improvement blogger, relationship coach, dancer, stand-up comedian, and serial hobbyist with a passion for learning. He interviews unique guests from various fields to distill the strategies, habits, and mindsets we can use in our own lives. Each “guru” has a chance to give the audience a peek into a new world.
One Thousand Gurus Podcast
#11: theoneDNA - Becoming an Indie Artist, Vietglish EDM, and Mental Health
What if you could turn personal challenges into a source of inspiration and creative expression? Join us as Vietglish EDM artist theoneDNA shares his remarkable journey of self-expression and cultural celebration. From his early beginnings growing up in Australia to creating his recent bilingual EP, theoneDNA's story is one of resilience, family support, and the power of music to bridge cultures.
He chats about co-founding the Vietnamese Creatives Collective, a supportive community for AANHPI artists, aiming to foster creativity and representation in mainstream media. With a surprise pivot to EDM inspired by a music festival, theoneDNA demonstrates how unexpected turns can lead to creative breakthroughs, infusing Vietnamese cultural elements into his music while maintaining a sense of identity within the group and solo projects.
In a heartfelt conversation, he candidly discusses coming out to his family, the challenges faced, and the importance of mental health. We explore the journey to self-compassion, overcoming the people-pleasing mentality, and the significance of kindness and empathy in personal and artistic relationships. As we wrap up, the discussion shifts to impactful purchases and paying homage to influential artists such as Mariah Carey. TheoneDNA leaves us with a reminder of the importance of gratitude, meaningful work, and nurturing supportive relationships, all while maintaining a balance between passion, career, and personal life.
Guest Bio:
theoneDNA is a "Vietglish" EDM singer/songwriter. He strives to use his music to promote self-expression, mental health, and empower the Vietnamese diaspora to recognize and embrace their heritage by incorporating bilingualism into his work. He is a board member of his non-profit organization, the "Vietnamese Creatives Collective" He is also the co-founder and lead vocalist of his band, "New Tradition", who received the opportunity to perform at Disney California Adventure for Lunar New Year and Downtown Disney for AANHPI Heritage Month, both earlier this year.
Socials:
IG: @theoneDNA
TikTok: @theonedna
YouTube: @theoneDNA
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theonedna
Links/resources:
- theoneDNA - Linktree (all links)
- EDM EP - Beautiful
- @newtradition_official
- @thevietcreatives
- The Meaning of Mariah Carey (book summary)
One Thousand Gurus Podcast:
Everyone has a compelling story to tell with insights we can all be inspired by. J.R. Yonocruz is a self-improvement blogger, relationship coach, and serial hobbyist with a passion for learning. He interviews unique guests from various fields to distill the strategies, habits, and mindsets we can use in our own lives. Each “guru” has a chance to give the audience a peek into a new world.
www.onethousandgurus.com
Instagram: @OneThousandGurus
TikTok: @onethousandgurus
YouTube: One Thousand Gurus Podcast
Email: onethousandgurus@gmail.com
Hello everyone and welcome to 1000 Gurus with me, your host, J. R. Yonocruz. So today's guest is the One DNA, a Vietglish EDM singer and songwriter. He strives to use his music to promote self-expression, mental health and empower the Vietnamese diaspora to recognize and embrace their heritage by incorporating bilingualism into his work. He is a board member of his nonprofit organization, the Vietnamese Creatives Collective. He is also the co-founder and lead vocalist of his band, new Tradition, who received the opportunity to perform at Disney California Adventure for Lunar New Year and Downtown Disney for AANHPI Heritage Month, both earlier this year. So the One DNA, or Dewey, known as the One DNA, on stage is the first musical artist, singer and songwriter on my show. So it was super exciting. Funny enough, all of my guests so far that I've met I've met them through dancing and he's no exception because we connected after I judged a talent show for OC's TED Festival back in 2019, I believe, and obviously I was one of the dance judges, but there were other judges on the panel for singing and I believe the one DNA was in that show for singing. Obviously, and this conversation in particular, was a lot of fun. It was a good look into what it's like being an indie artist, at least in his genre, and we cover some insights that he's learned as an artist his pivot to Vietglish EDM. We also have an insightful conversation about mental health, as it is something that most of us will face in our lifetimes, and overall it's a great conversation that I really enjoyed and I hope you will too. So, without further ado, please enjoy this conversation with the One DNA.
J.R.:The One DNA, welcome to the show. Thank you for having me, jr. I appreciate it. Yeah, of course, thanks for our live studio audience, definitely here. So, yeah, thank you for being on the show. I think this is I'm rearranging the season, so you're guest number one on season two.
J.R.:So you have the revamped rapid fire questions. It'll be a lot of fun, okay, very excited, yeah. So it's going to be a lot of fun. I really wanted you on the show because, like I mentioned in our pre-recording, I tried to get a lot of people my first two seasons of one who I respected, two had really good accomplishments and unique careers and stories and I feel like you epitomize that, at least from the people I know and again, I consider you a friend because it's going to be easier to get friends on my show and it's no proof of concept. So I'm like all right, who do I know? Who I simultaneously like, respect and are accomplished and who will be on my show. So I'm grateful that you accepted.
theoneDNA:I am honored that you even thought of me, so thank you, I'm very excited to be here.
J.R.:Yeah, thank you, thank you, so I'll start off with how I know you. Sure, so I believe after one of the festivals several years back right, and then you invited my girlfriend and I to your live show in 2021, near the end of it, which was amazing. I'd heard you sing on stage before, but then hearing you sing live in the show that was just all about you was, my girlfriend and I were like wow, he's a singer. Filipinos, we like singing and it's fun.
theoneDNA:And y'all have standards, yeah, so yeah, and.
J.R.:Blessy's actually trained, I just do for fun. But then when we're like listening to you, we're like, okay, we don't actually sing, he sings, so you're amazing. And then later on the next year you invite us to your birthday for karaoke, which is a lot of fun, but again you had your own music video. So we're like, damn, this guy's legit. And then we also went clubbing after that, and so it was a lot of fun.
J.R.:And since then you've been doing a lot of good stuff and, like I said, you're one of those people who I know personally who are like doing something that they're passionate about, do something that they enjoy, and I think a lot of people like we need to see people like that right, because it's easy to just get into. Okay, well, society tells me this and I should do this, but if, when you see someone like you going after something that they want, I feel like it's very inspiring. So that's how I, you and you've been doing a lot of stuff, and I think you launched a new album recently. Am I mistaken? You are not mistaken.
theoneDNA:You are correct, nice. Wow, what an introduction. I don't even know how to follow up with that.
theoneDNA:No, but seriously, To answer that little… or segue rather into the first point of discussion, yes, I just released my Vietglish EDM EP on all streaming platforms, so Spotify, apple Music, tidal, pandora wherever you stream your music, it's on there. And yeah, it's been about a month now and, honestly, the reception that I've been getting and still been receiving has been phenomenally positive. I'm super grateful for all the love and support that I've been getting and I just feel very blessed to be doing what I do.
J.R.:So yeah, thank you. I love that. Anything else that I left out of. Well, that's mostly just our journey. Before this, I would have already read your bio. Any other clarifications or things that you're up to that you want to throw in before we start?
theoneDNA:Yeah, sure, just like upcoming things going on in my life yeah, why? Not. I don't know if I should reveal so soon.
J.R.:Oh yeah, you don't have to. We can save it for later. Okay, we'll save it for later. Nice, all right, so let's just start off. I want to go into first, like your journey as an indie artist, but maybe just for some context for our, the listeners, who maybe don't know who you are like, could you give us like a little bit about your background?
theoneDNA:like where you grew up, what was that like? And then, eventually, how did you get into singing and wanting to pursue this as like your thing? Yeah, I was actually born in australia, minus the accent good, I might that was so bad. Never again. No, but I was born in australia and my family and I moved here. I have two younger brothers. We moved halfway across the world to california, the american dream about 15 years ago. So I was like barely a sophomore in high school and one of the main reasons why my family and I we made the executive decision to move to the US is my parents. They wanted to support my music career.
theoneDNA:Growing up, I was always immersed and very involved with music and entertainment and I'm pretty sure I brought this up to you when we first started talking, but to the viewers here watching 1000 Gurus, I started singing for as long as I could remember, probably when I was like five or six and I knew I wanted to pursue professionally when I was 10. And I've been holding on to that dream ever since. And, yeah, definitely a lot of experiences, definitely many challenges, many blessings and all those things I wouldn't trade for anything else. And yeah, and also my parents, I guess they felt like stagnant where there were in Australia with their work and everything, my parents. They took the leap of faith, they took a major risk, mind you, and we all packed our bags and moved here. And as for me personally, I've just been like grinding and hustling, chasing my aspiration of being an artist.
J.R.:Nice. That's pretty cool that your parents were very supportive of your singing career. Were there any specific influences so you said you knew you wanted to be singing at like 10? Were there any other like influences that kind of you felt like guided you towards that direction?
theoneDNA:or was it just like, yeah, regardless, I'm, you know I'm gonna be singing you know, I'm glad you brought this question up because, truthfully, back in the day, there wasn't much api representation.
theoneDNA:So, to be honest, like there weren't many people you know within my age group at the time that I could look up to now, it's a totally different story, which is great, you know, like AAPI representation is everywhere and we love that.
theoneDNA:But I guess, from the top of my head, like seeing young prodigies like Justin Bieber, for example, and people within his I don't know how to word it, but you know what I mean yeah, just seeing artists like him really take form, it really inspired me and I'm like you know what, if someone like him can do it, then maybe I could do it too. And yeah, I growing up, I knew I've always wanted to do this and just keep your eyes on the prize and I knew that I wanted to do something related to music and, for me, I always love being on stage, I always love to perform, I love interacting with the crowd. It just really makes me feel whole and safe and, yes, I've been doing it all my life and I really can't picture a day where I live without it to be honest with you.
J.R.:I can see that if you ever watch him on stage or any of the videos, you can tell that it's oh, he's, that's where he's meant to be.
theoneDNA:Like you, I feel like that's like my element, yeah exactly.
J.R.:It's like a fish in water, right, it feels natural there. Um, did you ever and maybe this, maybe you don't have an answer, this, or maybe there wasn't ever and but did you ever feel like there was an alternate career path, that you might have gone or pursued your passion?
theoneDNA:I don't think so like maybe in the back of my head, like I had like a semi-plan A, a.1.
theoneDNA:But then what I've learned is that and this might be a toxic mindset, who knows, and maybe I'm like unconsciously trying to like unwire based on what society has taught us, but if you have a backup plan, that means that you don't believe in your primary plan enough and I guess that kind of stuck and especially me being so involved in music at such a young age, mind you, that's all I ever really thought about Like for me my life had to be around music, no matter what.
theoneDNA:And you know, knowing that, my parents and my entire family moved halfway across the world. You know, in many ways I want to make them proud too, because it was such a big move. Even, you know, many of my family members at the time doubted us and I didn't know that until like much later in life when my mom and I had a at a heart-to-heart conversation. So it was very interesting to see familiar support and how that's grown and shifted over the years. But yeah, it's, it's all been such an interesting journey, very fulfilling, very gratifying, tiring at times, but again I can't really see myself doing anything else other than music. To be honest with you, nice yeah.
J.R.:Two questions. So, you said, you had two younger brothers how? Did they feel about moving at the time? I think they're like ugh, okay, whatever.
theoneDNA:And plus they're really young too, but they're chilling now.
J.R.:Yeah, they're like okay, we're here now.
theoneDNA:My youngest brother. He's studying art. I'm about to transfer to Cal State, Fullerton he's still talented, by the way and the middle child? He studies kinesiology at Cal State, Fullerton.
J.R.:Nothing to do with the arts. I guess, on the topic of that… oh sorry. One more thing on music is… what were some of your musical influences? I'm just curious.
theoneDNA:Mariah Carey, okay, there you go yeah, I've seen her eight times and oh, so you're a fan, then that would be an understatement. Yes, no, in terms of like vocal influences, definitely Mariah Carey you can hear like the inflections um Mariah Carey, ariana Grande, demi Lovato, bruno Mars, michael Jackson, like those powerhouse singers, um. But actually, interestingly enough, I was first exposed to Vietnamese music long before western music, so I had my Vietnamese vocal influences growing up. So, yeah, let's just say that it became a huge melting pot for me and because I was so immersed with both the Vietnamese and the western music elements at such a young age, it's also it also plays an influence to towards my EDM EP that I just released about a month ago and I wrote all my songs.
theoneDNA:I write all my songs, but for this specific album, I wanted to pay homage or tribute to Vietnamese culture and my heritage, so I wrote. I really do take pride because I'm really not the best, not the most fluent in terms of Vietnamese, but I really do try. But I do take pride knowing that I wrote all those songs in Vietnamese and English, pretty much all on my own. I would only use Google Translate to confirm like one or two lines, but pretty much I wrote it all on my own Wow.
J.R.:Yeah, that's impressive. Yeah, I'm quite proud of it. Maybe we'll get into this later, but this dude can sing in multiple languages. You Maybe we'll get into this later, but this dude can sing in multiple languages. You know some like Tagalog songs, right? Oh my gosh.
theoneDNA:Filipino culture, Filipino music, Filipino food yeah, they're amazing.
J.R.:Yeah, this dude is a very… what's it called? In a lot of different cultures and gets like… Learns about them, gets inspired by them and appreciates them, so I think that's a really good thing to do, especially as a singer. You can't just stick to one thing. You need to grow as an artist, right, like being exposed to a lot of different things, right, you can't be in a box. Exactly, you can't be in a box. So maybe this is like a bigger question, but I'm curious if you had any answers Like what are some of the challenges of being an indie artist?
theoneDNA:And then do you have any advice for people who have aspirations to sing professionally in a similar sense? Sure, well, one of the biggest challenges right off the bat finance. Unless you have all the money in the world, it is hard to stay on track, and you also have bills to pay too. And being indie artists, especially like during your formative years, however you want to put that, things can feel uncertain at times. And this leads me to the next part of that question.
theoneDNA:What has honestly kept me grounded and stayed afloat and pretty much prevented me from throwing in the white towel and saying, nope, I can't, I give up, is knowing that deep inside, intrinsically, that music defines me. Music is what I want to do. It's the passion and that burning desire that I have towards music is what's been keeping me going all these years. Otherwise I would have given up, like years ago. Yeah, and again, I want to make my parents proud and I want to, you know, inspire. Like other people who are like me, or even not like me, like anyone has a dream and aspiration they want to pursue and chase. Go for it. You only live once right, and the only person that's really stopping is yourself. And easier said than done, because the inner thoughts in my head that I get. Sometimes it can be pretty loud like the doubts that I have in my head, but again, just knowing the love that I have for music can really trump and overpower all those negativity on all that negativity.
J.R.:Yeah, definitely any specific advice you'd like to give to people who want to pursue singing? So you said finances, obviously. So I don't know if you had any advice on how to overcome that, or even the doubts in your head. Sure, said essentially, you know I want to do this my passion.
theoneDNA:There is no shame in having a day job to stay afloat okay, that's good I know over the years, like you know, after you know watching like podcasts and interviews, like sometimes there's that toxic culture like, oh, you got to grind, which is all great, but like living paycheck to paycheck, like living off of, like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, I'm like that's no way to live and for me, like food fuels you, and if you don't have that fuel, how can you get creative? How can you get inspired? You do your best work, exactly, exactly Like I get it. It it's inspiring, it's admiring and all that stuff. But is it practical?
theoneDNA:No, if you have the ability to and if you have the means to go, get a day job, you need to stay afloat. You have responsibilities, you have bills to pay and if you have a family, you have a family to feed. Right, for me, I do have a day job. I currently work with people with developmental disabilities and I love it. So I honestly don't even consider it a job, because I love being out there in the community. It's keeping me afloat, it's helping me pay rent, it's helping my performances. So, yeah, so that would be my advice. There's no shame in holding a day job to keep you afloat While simultaneously hustling behind the scenes with your career path and, honestly, just to really develop a strong psyche.
theoneDNA:Especially in this industry, having optimal mental health is so important. There are so many barriers, so many challenges that could break you in this industry. It's really tough and you, being a dancer yourself, being in the entertainment industry, I'm sure you can understand and relate to some degree. Always optimize and prioritize your mental health, no matter what it takes yeah, nice, that is the real, okay, exactly that's the tea, thank you, thank you all right, so pivot, but not really so.
J.R.:You mentioned in the the notes, when I asked about topics, that you made a pivot towards edm, yes, and then also adding vietnamese elements into your work, and I think you touched upon that a little bit. There's that. And then also you have you formed a band, new tradition, and then also, a little bit later on, your non-profit vietnamese creatives collective. So what were some of the factors in the decision to do all of those things? We can tackle it one at a time if you want. Um, yeah, let's start with that yeah.
theoneDNA:So let's start with new tradition. So actually it was like a happy accident. That band wasn't supposed to happen in terms of being a long-term gig. What happened there was probably last december. Everything just feels like one giant day clumped together.
theoneDNA:In the last record time I think it was last december a friend of mine who's a talented musician his name's ej shout out to ej if you're watching this he and I we wanted to do a show together. Actually, I hit him up, I was like driving home and I had an idea. I was like I want to do a show again. And I hit EJ up and I was like, hey, would you be down to do something together? Cool, headline a show. And he's like, oh yeah, I'm down. And then I'm like, okay, how about we try to form a band and then with like my music connect and his music connects, we banded together and we picked out who we felt would be best suitable for this show and thinking that'd be just like a one-time thing. Oh, we get together, we practice, we perform and then remain friends and that's it. One time done, deal. But I'm telling you and this is something that I tell the guys constantly the people in the band, the people in the band, there's seven of us.
theoneDNA:After the second rehearsal I remember just sitting there to myself thinking what am I thinking? This has to be a permanent thing. I can't just let these guys go. They are so talented and, knowing what they're capable of, I'm like I gotta talk to these guys. And then, after a few rehearsals, we had a conversation. I'm like, okay, where are our heads here? Do you see ourselves being like a one time thing? Do the May show get over and done with, as the show happened in May, or ride it out and see how it goes, see how far it goes? And I guess all of them unanimously decided yeah, we all vibe, we all create great music together. Let's do this thing. And so glad that we did that because we were able to land such amazing opportunities. We had DCA, we performed at Disney California, did that adventure for Lunar, new Year and then later, oh, it was actually this year.
theoneDNA:Oh, nice, yeah, so this February yeah this February we did Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure and then several months later, for ANHPI Heritage Month, we did Downtown Disney.
J.R.:I'm glad we weren't a one-time thing yeah, what do you think makes the what's like the secret sauce to like making a good band? I know this is like one instance, but you said that they were very talented. You said you guys had like good chemistry or vibes.
theoneDNA:Do you think there's anything else that like made it stand out that, okay, we should definitely do this as a longer term thing I think just seeing like the desire and just being around like-minded people, just being in that room, just being in one room with that energy like emanating from, like wall to wall, it's a feeling that you can't really describe. You just have to be in there to experience. You know what I mean. And then also communication, because there's so many of us are seven, seven heads, seven minds, like gearing, wiring, whatever. Obviously there's going to be times where you'll bump into challenges, creative, creative differences, personal differences, personal challenges and if you don't bring up these issues, it'll catastrophize into something that could have been prevented. So communication, just in anything, really is key.
J.R.:Perfect, do you have a? Maybe this is an apples and oranges thing, right, but as a solo artist or as in a group, do you have a preference for one or the other? I'm sure you get different things from different things. Good question, a group. Do you have a preference for one or the other?
theoneDNA:I'm sure you get different things and different things, but you what a good question. Actually, transparently that was. I wouldn't call it an issue, but it was definitely something that we had to bring up like pretty early on because unconsciously it happened. But after having that conversation again, communication is so important we ultimately decided okay, we're going to compartmentalize. The one dna would be the one dna and new tradition will be its own identity and so far it's been working out pretty well.
J.R.:To be honest with you, yeah, again, communication, nice, very important separate entities and then for you they both work out, but then you enjoy both and different, yeah, they work out so well, actually, yeah, nice, okay, anything else, do you want to go to either the Vimeo Creatives Collective or your pivot to EDM?
theoneDNA:You're the host.
J.R.:You can transition to whoever I'll follow, in case you had one that you want to talk about first. Okay, so what about your pivot? So you mentioned that was like pivotal to you or one of the defining things of where you're headed towards now. So what was the reason behind that sort of direction change, edm music yeah, EDM music.
theoneDNA:So that actually was not part of my plan at all.
J.R.:Like for real. What Things didn't go according to plan. I'm kidding, that's just the beauty of life, though. Right, yeah, exactly, of course. Keeps on your toes.
theoneDNA:No, but seriously I will say, though, up until recently, like two years ago, three years even, I was more or less close-minded with EDM scene, just because, like at the time, like my way of thinking, I would always associate EDM with, like toxic culture and and all that stuff. But then my ex-boyfriend, a couple years ago, we were up in San Francisco, he lives up in the Bay Area he took me to like my first ever music festival and there were a bunch of DJs who played that night. Remember what it was called?
J.R.:I forget, yeah, I can't remember what I ate for lunch yesterday. To be honest, I don't know. That was too far yeah.
theoneDNA:But I remember, just like, standing there, dylan Matthew performed that night and he sang like his smash hit, love Is Gone. And I'm just standing there and I'm like, oh my, oh, my God, like where have we been all this time? I feel like I've been living under a rock. I just felt so inspired, just like by everything and everyone around me. And I kid you, not, jr shortly after, when I came back, I remember just sitting in my room, I had an epiphany. I was like I want to try this out.
theoneDNA:And then, coincidentally, simultaneously I was also trying to figure out ways, a creative way, to really pay homage to Vietnamese culture, vietnamese heritage. So then I'm like, okay, edm music, it's always in, especially within our generation. How about I merge those elements alongside the Vietnamese elements and see where these things go, see where this thing goes? And I'm telling you… I was a little like skeptical, like stepping into it at first, because I didn't know what to expect. And again, like me, being in the EDMC was the last thing in my mind, to be honest with you. But it ironically became one of the most organic transitions that I've had in my entire career and I'm so glad I made that call. So shoutouts to my ex-boyfriend for inspiring me.
theoneDNA:Yeah, and I've been doing EDM music for about two years now and along the way, I have met and worked with such amazing collaborators, amazing artists, musicians and I've just been enjoying the ride Really being so involved in the process from start to finish. And, yeah, I I'm so looking forward to see where all this takes me and the people that I work with. Yeah, so currently, right now, my edm ep is out. It's called beautiful, seven tracks. You can listen to it on spotify Music Tidal all those things nice, yeah.
J.R.:So like, how does one transition into what was? How would you categorize your genre before the switch, is it?
theoneDNA:like pop, like pop R&B, but mainly pop, which I guess it explains why, like, the transition wasn't too drastic, just because the idiom that I do is very melodic, it it's very simpy. So, in terms of like… Like melody and like musically… I don't think it was that drastic of a change. But like the genre itself, yeah, I guess like there are certain nuances, but, yeah, I would identify myself as a pop artist. But even to the same… Pop EDM, it's not too farM Right. Yeah, it's not too far off. No, I don't think so?
J.R.:So, as a non-music person, what is that transition like? Like in a technical or in terms of you're creating the music, right, you're like producing the music, you're writing the songs or recording it. How is that transition from when you were just doing pop into EDM and the Vietnamese elements to it? Is it hard to figure out the music or do you have to work with different people?
theoneDNA:My process has remained the same Usually. Oftentimes people would ask me what's my songwriting process like? It just really depends on the mood or the situation, but typically I would come up with the lyrics first. Whatever is on my mind, whether it be a happy thought or a not so positive thought, happy or not happy, yeah, exactly, I would write it down.
theoneDNA:Anything that I'm feeling like I'll just dump into a doc and then from there I would go to my keyboard and I would start doodling chords and come up with a top line. And then from there, once I have some kind of structure, like a skeleton, what I call it, once I have some kind of foundation established, from there I go find a producer, someone that I want to work with, I'll pitch the idea and send them the skeleton like a rough vocal and piano track, and I'm like here's the chord progression, here's the top line, here are the lyrics. I just need you to like zhuzh it up a little bit, like basically put the track on steroids and add your flair. And that's pretty pretty much my process, how I've been doing it for the past several years, and I think it's been working out pretty seamlessly yeah and it's been great being able to work with a lot of people, right?
theoneDNA:yeah?
J.R.:I imagine it like opens up an avenue of like different people you can collaborate with absolutely, absolutely, and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon is the? Are the like audiences that you perform for… the people who listen to your music… Is it much different from what you were doing before, or is it mostly the same?
theoneDNA:Pretty similar and it also depends on the type of event that I'm doing. I want to make sure that… Whatever event that I'm performing for or at… I want to make sure that I'm catering to them… In the way that best represents the situation. Like, for example, like if I were to perform in a Vietnamese show, then I need a tailor in a way where it would best appeal to them. So I would sing more Vietnamese songs. Or if I'm singing to an older crowd, then maybe I can throw in a couple songs from the 80s or the 90s, like songs that they can like, vibe to and reminisce and just have a good time. Also, obviously, I'll throw in some like new tracks and stuff. So just really depends. And then, as for a non-Vietnamese crowd, for example, people within our generation, our demographic, then obviously I'd throw in more current stuff and my own material, for example. It just really depends.
theoneDNA:Yeah, nothing is out of reach Right right.
J.R.:Yeah, so what about let's go to Vietnamese Creatives?
theoneDNA:Collective.
J.R.:So what's the vision for that to Vietnamese Creatives Collective? So what was like? What's the vision for that and what is the? What are you up to?
theoneDNA:with that. What is the plan? Yeah, absolutely so. We've been around for about two years now.
theoneDNA:So my high school friend her name's Kate. She actually reached out to me a couple of years ago. She was like, hey, I've been having this idea and I want to bring it up to you about it. From one fellow creative to another, I've been having this idea and I want to bring it up to you about it. From one fellow creative to another, I'm like, yeah, sure, what's up? And then she was like I've been doing a lot of thinking.
theoneDNA:Obviously, an HPI representation. We're seeing a lot of progress and positive strides. Obviously, there's so much more work left to be done, but compared to where we were like just a few years back, we've come like quite a long way. I'm really happy to see where this trajectory is taking us All. That's great.
theoneDNA:But we both recognize that there's still a lack of Vietnamese representation in mainstream media and we want to change that. And there's not many Vietnamese creative non-profit organizations that really emphasize that A few. I don't want to diminish them or discredit the organizations that we have come across and worked with. All of them have done like groundbreaking work, so shout out to them. But yeah.
theoneDNA:So Kate was like you know what? I want to make a difference and I'm like heck, yeah, I'm down, let's do it. I'm honored that you even thought of me. We gathered a few of our other creative friends and creative contacts and we established a board friends and creative contacts and we established a board, and we have since become Vietnamese Creatives Collective and when people ask us who we are, our mission is to provide an uplifting space for AANHPI creatives emphasis on Vietnamese creatives a platform to hone in and nurture their craft and to connect with like-minded people, and also to use their creative medium, whether it be like visual arts, music, storytelling as a way to bring back and pay their respects to a Vietnamese culture.
J.R.:I like that. So what is it that? Again, as an outsider, like, what is the…? Everyone is welcome, by the way.
theoneDNA:Yeah, yeah, yeah.
J.R.:So let's say I'm a Vietnamese creative artist, right? What does this, your group, do for me? Is it like a community for me to help nurture my talents and to help me get out there, give guidance?
theoneDNA:What is the… yeah, I… Well, not I, we. Rather, over the year… Throughout the year, we would host community events Free resources, mind you Like. We try to make it accessible to everyone, free resources, mind you like. We try to make it accessible, like, to everyone. Throughout the year we would host events, just like early this year, in august, we did a music networking and community event. We had an incredible lineup of amazing talented vietnamese, american artists, indie artists, to come and speak to the people who attended, and then a moderator was someone from TikTok who's also V2V's American?
theoneDNA:It was just a very insightful experience just being around like-minded people who are, like, so deeply active and involved in the industry. And, yes, if you are an artist trying to break into the industry or you want to learn more or you want to connect with more people, that was a great opportunity for people to do all those things. And then last year we also did something called real voices, so we would emphasize more on the film industry. So there's something for everybody in the creative world. And actually we're gearing up to put together our annual fundraiser, which we're projecting to be in march of next year. Nice, yeah, cool that's awesome.
J.R.:It sounds like a space for to connect and uplift those artists which we're projecting to be in March of next year. Nice, yeah, cool. That's awesome. It sounds like a space to connect and uplift those artists and creatives in different spaces and allow them to be seen You're not alone.
theoneDNA:And to provide opportunities, to help provide opportunities. Yeah, of course that's great.
J.R.:Okay, so quick pivot back to yourself. Two things. I don't know if we'll hit on this completely. Maybe we'll have a part two someday. But what as the one dna, what do you think makes you stand out as an artist, like compared to all the other artists out there again, not diminishing anyone else, but just like what makes you you? If you could put that into perspective. And then two, what is like the long-term vision for yourself, like in your career, let's say, five, ten years down the line?
J.R.:if you could paint that roadmap. What would would that look like?
theoneDNA:In the US at least, I think what sets me apart from other people is me writing my songs in Vietnamese and English and me really embracing my identity as a Vietnamese EDM artist. I feel again, here in the US at least, I don't really see many people who are doing what I do. Here in the US at least, I don't really see many people who are doing what I do. I would love to Honestly, I would love to see more people take whatever it is that I'm doing and make it their own, and then vice versa. We're constantly learning and evolving from each other. That's the beauty of art, right?
J.R.:We're always learning.
theoneDNA:Yeah, I think that's definitely one thing that sets me apart. Actually fun fact. I don't't know when yet, but the goal eventually is for me to live in vietnam for a bit and check out the music industry there.
J.R.:Oh yeah, have you been to vietnam like fifth grade.
theoneDNA:Oh, okay, okay that doesn't really count. Yeah, yeah, so be like my first time back whenever that happens as an adult yeah, nice.
J.R.:Anything else for, like long-term vision for you as an artist, if you get a princess dreams, or if I could make this happen in 10 years, like this is where I would like to be I think, just to continue using my voice as a platform for something much larger and greater than music.
theoneDNA:It goes beyond the love that I have for music, not only. I want to like, inspire and empower and elevate all those things. I want it to be a safe space, and one of the main themes that I talk about on my EP is mental health. Mental health is something that I prioritize constantly and we need to continue talking about it. We need to continue having these conversations, and so I hope that the message that I develop through my music, I hope that it becomes a safe space for people so that reassures them that, yes, life can be tough Adversities. Obviously you can't really avoid them, but just know that everything will be okay. Yeah, no matter what, as long as you're in the right headspace, as long as you're surrounded by positive people, positive influences, then you'll be okay and pain is only temporary.
J.R.:Nice, I love it. All right. Influences and you'll be okay. And pain is only temporary. So nice, I love it, all right. Perfect segue now. So the last topic. I want to talk about mental health and then your own personal journey. So I saw on an ig post recently that you made that in, so I'm just gonna read like what I was typing out. So, like in 2014, you said you came out to your parents at 17, which was a big I made that post.
theoneDNA:Yes, yeah, exactly yeah.
J.R.:Thanks for reading of course, course, good job. Just doom school, just doom school. I saw if it was LinkedIn or Instagram, something like that. So, yeah, you said it was like I imagine it's a big challenge for you, and then you mentioned that they've come a long way since then your parents and so I guess my question I know a lot of people could is what was that experience like and what perspective would you give yourself 10 years later, like yourself now to your younger self?
theoneDNA:you repeat that question, yeah, of course.
J.R.:so then, since then, right, like what was that experience like? Like going through that, because I'm sure like maybe some people want to hear like what your experience was like, and then also, what perspective would you give yourself from your current self to your past self?
theoneDNA:I see, Well, I will say 28, 29 year old me now would be proud of the 18 year old Dewey then, because the amount of courage and determination and guts that it took for me to like really proclaim and live my truth and say it out loud, to like my family to my nuclear circle, it took a lot out of me and I remember that day well as if it were yesterday. Hence the fact that I have crappy memory. Selective memory, yeah, yeah, I don't know. It's just one of those things because oftentimes people would ask, oh, like, how do you know when to come out? I'm like you just don't Like sometimes. Sometimes you just do it like when it comes naturally to you. You don't even have to schedule it or time it whatever. Let it happen as it approaches With my journey.
theoneDNA:It happened on Valentine's Day, february 14, 2014. So a little over 10 years ago. I remember feeling incredibly distraught that day. Then my dad like he stepped into my room and then he took me to my parents' room and then they were like not knowing what was about to unfold. I remember my dad. He was like not knowing what was about to unfold. I remember my dad. He was like, oh, anything that's troubling you anything that's bothering you. You can talk to us Like this is a safe space, we're here for you. And then I'm like brace yourself. So I was like okay, mom, dad and I went on a mini tangent which then led me to say I'm gay, I'm attracted to men, and I got dead silent for a good 20 seconds. It was pretty awkward.
theoneDNA:And then that quickly segued into anger and then your end on their end on their end, and I was raised Catholic and so they brought up like the Bible and all those things and they're like, oh, like you're a sinner, this is wrong, this is all wrong.
theoneDNA:This can't be, you can't be. Yeah, so it just became so tense in that room and, honestly, everything just happened so fast. Yeah, at that point I was just riding an autopilot and that day was over. And then, from that point on until the moment I ran away from home, honestly, the environment was hostile. But then, at the same time, they kept trying to sweep under the rug, as if that conversation never happened, which never does any good for anybody, right? But it's reached a point where I'm like I feel suffocated in this house. I don't feel safe anymore, especially having that conversation. So I ran away from home and then I spent a few days at my then boyfriend's parents' house at the time, and then, after the fifth day, came back and at that point my parents and I we focused on, we began focusing on reconciliation and repairing.
theoneDNA:And then, during that moment, my parents would ask me questions like oh so when did you know? Are you sure it's not a phase? And I had to like plant seeds. I had to like reassure them that, hey, I've always known since I was like five or six. And what confirmed it was when I saw Titanic, the car scene I was looking at Leonardo and not Kate, and I was like seven at the time and they just kept pestering me with these questions. But I guess I just wanted to like figure things out because it's also a coming out process for them too, not just for me.
theoneDNA:So it definitely took some time, but I was persistent. Any opportunity that I had to plant seeds, to have the conversation with them, no matter how uncomfortable and unsettling it was For both ends, I did it Because I knew that I had to do whatever it took to really advocate for myself At this point in time. I never. I already ripped it off like a band-aid. There's no turning back from here. And so over time they came around. I'm very, very blessed and fortunate to say that my parents, they support me now and they support me and my identity and my career. They've always supported my career. I'm privileged in that sense. But it wasn't easy.
J.R.:You got to put in the work specific that maybe you've learned since then or, like you said, more perspective for yourself or for other people out there in a similar situation that maybe you wish you would have known or could just give yourself advice.
theoneDNA:It's a loaded question. Okay, I like it. I think it all comes down to one thing to not be afraid to speak your truth, and even like to today, I still struggle with it from time to time, but I am getting better at it now because one I'm aware having self-awareness is so important. I do actively try to find proactive, healthy ways to navigate through these experiences. But yeah, I would. I would tell my past self yeah, don't be afraid to speak your truth, because you know you really only live once and, being someone who is pretty much anxiety ridden, there have been many occasions like where I would miss out on certain opportunities because my anxiety would get in the way and again coming out is such a huge, monumental moment. It was obviously very nerve wracking, but again I am proud of myself looking back that I took that chance. I took the risk, I knew what the outcome would be, at least during that point in time. So I'm glad that I just trusted my gut and I went for it.
theoneDNA:But my advice to other people who are going through something similar if they're struggling to gain that acceptance and support from their nuclear family, so, like their parents, siblings, even extended family members, just know that you have so much support around you, even though it may seem like dark and lonesome and alienating at times, because you always want to get support from your nuclear family first. Right, of course. Know that you have such a large community who will be there to guide you and help navigate you through all these experiences, if you allow them to do it. Yeah, so that's what I would advise people.
J.R.:I love that and on top of that too, I found in my own experience with some of my own struggles, I'm also blessed that my to my, have, my family that support me, but also you will have. You will find people found family, friends, close friends, whatnot? People who actually care about you. They're there to support you too. You will find them, or they're already there, like you said.
theoneDNA:Yeah, like my, I can consider, like my closest friends, like today, as my own family members. I feel very fortunate to have them in my life, through the ups and downs, through the accomplishments, through the ups and downs, through the accomplishments, through the trials and tribulations. They experienced it all and I wouldn't be where I'd be without them, honestly, love it On mental health.
J.R.:I wanted to ask if you I don't know if that's the right way to word it right but if you could walk us through your mental health journey. I know you've had your own struggles we all have but what were some of the biggest realizations or perspectives that you gained throughout the years?
theoneDNA:Well, therapy is very, very, very important. I can't stress that enough, honestly, and even if you feel like you're mentally stable, or if you feel like you're in a… Like you're in a good place Exactly.
theoneDNA:Even if you feel like you're in a, you're in a good place exactly when, even if you feel like you're in a good headspace, you can honestly benefit from therapy. If you feel like you're physically healthy, you just still get your physical right, because who knows what happens if they discover something that you never thought you had right right. So, again, same thing applies to mental health. You want to make sure that you have these check-ins with yourself to make sure that you are doing okay and who knows? And and through this journey, through this process, maybe you'll help unlock certain things about yourself that you've never discovered before in the past. It's honestly such an enlightening and, more times than not, liberating experience. Yeah, if you have the means and the access to it, I strongly optimize therapy. Therapy has helped me in so many ways. I've been in and out of therapy because life and all that stuff, but I will say, just having that professional guidance, it really made things less difficult for me and I'm just fortunate that I have access to those mental health services so yeah.
J.R.:Are there any particular things that maybe you've learned through your journey in therapy and mental health that you feel like benefited you? Like? Any things come to mind that you'd like to share?
theoneDNA:It's not be so hard on yourself, especially being an artist. You are your own worst critic and I guess that just applies like to anywhere in life, really, not just music. But yeah, like I am super hard on myself, like after a performance I'm always like nitpicking like every single note and like growing up I, you know, I've always had that people pleasing mentality because how I see it, like when you're an artist, you're a performer, you want to make sure you give people what they want. You want to make sure that you appease them right. So over time I guess that unconsciously made me develop that people pleasing mentality, but not so much anymore. Thank goodness we grew out of that and we've learned from it yes, I've lost my train of thought on that.
J.R.:We've covered a little bit of this already, but my last, final question is one piece of advice you'd give to others who may be having their own mental health struggles. I know, obviously mentioned you mentioned therapy, you mentioned giving yourself grace. Yeah, anything else that you would, any advice that you would like to give people who are maybe struggling in that Maybe they don't have access to like therapy or something like that, but in that case, anything you'd like to say.
theoneDNA:Right. I'm also very well aware that certain areas, like certain people, certain communities, might not have the best access to mental health services, which we should change. I feel like everyone, each individual person, is just as entitled to have access to the same resources, right? We're all human. Obviously, that's not the reality that we live in at the moment. So, on that note, even if you don't have access to therapy, there's still many avenues you can go about it.
theoneDNA:Go out to your community. Go to your local wellness center they provide free resources. Go to your friend. Even Even just talking about it openly with a trustworthy friend sometimes can be the right remedy for you, because the more you bottle your emotions, what's that going to do? It's just going to make you feel worse, right? You're just going to continue spiraling. So, even if you, as long as you have that one friend to confide in and to share your feelings and your woes with, it, can really make all the difference. So, in the meantime, if you don't have access to therapy at the moment, find someone you can talk to so that you don't feel alone.
J.R.:I love it. All right, any last thoughts on that topic before we go to rapid fire questions or any other topic that we might have missed. We'll also have another check-in point at the very end. Yeah.
theoneDNA:I think. For now I have nothing on top of my head. Perfect. I'll let you know if I remember it's all good.
J.R.:Yeah, all right. First rapid fire question is the billboard question. If you could put up a sign for millions of people to see, what would it say?
theoneDNA:I can't think off the top of my head, but I guess something along the lines of your fave vehicleish EDM artist is blank, I don't know. Kind of fill in the blank for me, yeah, but something along the lines like vehicleish EDM artist. I feel like those are like strong keywords Because you know, when you look at a billboard, you got to have certain things that like draws people's attention. And oh, like vehicleish, oh, that sparks curiosity. Edm oh, okay, that's cool, all right.
J.R.:Like we'll work with that. So it's a. So it'd be like, with you on it, like pointed, directed to you, is it like self-plug EDM, vehicleish artist? And they're like wait, what is that? I guess my face would be on that.
theoneDNA:Okay, gotcha, gotcha, we're all going with self plugs. Yeah, maybe like something in there, maybe a splash of something that acknowledges my heritage, my culture. Whatever that might be, maybe it might be me like wearing an Aoyai or something like that, who knows, but definitely something where I can really my cultural identity Nice.
J.R.:Yeah, alright. Next question what is one of the hardest challenges you faced in your life and what did you learn from it?
theoneDNA:We might have covered it already, but if you had anything else, Coming out would be one of them and, honestly, just navigating through this music industry. It's an ongoing thing, but I try to keep myself grounded. I try to be around positive, uplifting, like-minded people and again it's been helping me Again. Going back to the other question, whenever you go through challenges in your life, talk to someone and, easier said than done, I'm guilty of being that person. Oftentimes people be like oh, talk to me. I'm like, yeah, yeah, I will, but I don't because I don't want to burden them. But seriously, like word of advice, don't be afraid to speak up, whether it be like a close friend or even like even a family member.
theoneDNA:Yeah, I like that and communication, yeah, very important, so they know how to help you of course.
J.R.:Yeah, there's just one quote tendentially related, but it was about trust. Similar to that, though, but it was trust isn't built in offering of help, it's in asking for help, and even from yourself. Yeah, you need to ask for help and rely on other people. That's the best thing you can do. But, at the same time, strengthening relationships and building trust is also in asking for help, and some of us don't think that way. I didn't think that way before, because I'm like, oh, let me just offer help to people and then we'll build our relationship.
theoneDNA:But no, also asking for help is the one that, like, really builds that relationship and the trust us exactly and I feel, like a lot of people like myself included. There's a lot of pride. Oh, I don't want to ask for help. I can handle things on my own, but in a way it's that's like a destructive like way of thinking.
J.R.:Yeah, so, yeah sounds um, all right, this is called the self-inflicted wound. Do you have a story or anything that's about something that went wrong in your life that's your own fault, and then you can't blame anyone else because you did it to yourself. Oh, that it's my own fault. It's your own fault. It's a self-inflicted wound.
theoneDNA:You may not have one, but in just in case you do I guess from the top of my head sometimes oh okay, got it. I think there was like a specific performance where I wasn't vocally the best, and obviously you can't really redo it, because what's happened, what happened, has happened and there's really no one to blame but myself, I. I can't blame the sound engineer, I can't blame the speakers, I can't blame the environment but myself. And just because I knew I hadn't properly prepared, my voice up well that day and you got to be very disciplined because your voice is an instrument.
theoneDNA:You got to take care of it right. It's a muscle, but I love eating spicy food and especially before performance. You should avoid eating spicy food at all costs because it inflates your vocal cords. That alongside dairy, because it produces mucus and phlegm and it restricts your vocal cords. I love spicy food and so sometimes I let that get the best of me and I came in anyway, but I regret it later. It's all about having self-control and there's a time and place for everything. I guess that would be an example I allowed for that moment to happen. Had I been more disciplined about it, then I probably would have performed better that night.
J.R.:Yeah, nice, I like it If you could redo one thing what would you do differently?
theoneDNA:Anything right Along the way, being on this earth for 28, 29 years, I've definitely lost touch with a couple people, disconnected myself from people, maybe burned a few bridges or two, unintentionally, I think. Now that I'm older and I want to say I've grown a little bit wiser, I feel like if I were to go back, maybe I would have approached things differently, Maybe I would have addressed things in a more proactive way and maybe the outcome would have been different. Honestly, there are times in my life where I would sit and reflect and be like damn, I can't believe. I don't talk to this person anymore and some of these people we had a mini fallout and sometimes I would ask myself a bunch of what if?
theoneDNA:questions. Had I done this, had I done that, would the outcome be the same? But I also try to live my life without having regrets, because that's not weird yeah, looking back all the time, yeah but it's definitely a good life learning experience. We call them growing pains.
J.R.:I think even for myself too. I think some of my biggest regrets are always how I treated people and of course you think about that and it haunts you and I think and it's unintentional to you.
theoneDNA:Like you don't like you're not actively like going out there and trying to make people feel bad yeah.
J.R.:Because it's like we're young, we're stupid and we just don't make the best decisions, as humans do. But then it's like that stuff will always haunt you. Yeah, but we can't spend, of course. But at the same time, people say I don't live with regrets and I get the sentiment behind that and that's great. But if my new perspective now is you should be aware of what you regret, because that's how you learn and grow, if you just dismiss, it and wipe it under the rug.
J.R.:How are you growing? For me, I'm not aware it is a badge of honor, but like I'm aware of what I regret because I know it keeps's there and I will acknowledge, like I'm not gonna pretend it doesn't exist, right, um. So I think that's very important oh, ted talk there's this whole thing. That, that's all hopefully.
theoneDNA:No, I agree, yeah, definitely who.
J.R.:Oh sorry, if you could give your younger self advice, what would it be? Now?
theoneDNA:you might have covered it already, but in case you had anything else, just to be more gentle in myself, and even to the and even to this day I'm still pretty hard on myself, but I guess that kind of keeps me grounded, keeps me on my toes, because I know that I'm constantly striving for better. I'm always trying to find ways to be a better version of myself than I was yesterday. But I guess, just to be more compassionate, just to be kind on the soul and just to deliver that same energy to those I love and care for yeah, of course.
J.R.:In the last few years, what new belief, behavior or habit has improved your life?
theoneDNA:Repeat that question again.
J.R.:Yeah, In the last few years, what new belief, behavior or habit has improved your life?
theoneDNA:Well, this is a work in progress. Eating habits, sleeping habits, exercise they all go hand in hand. Again, to have an optimal mindset, to have good mental health, you need to encompass all those things Right. You need to eat well, sleep well, exercise regularly, where we're tackling one day at a time.
theoneDNA:So that's definitely something that I feel gradually has been helping me really maintain that mental health yeah, right some days are better than others, but again, just just knowing that I'm aware of it and it's priority for you, exactly and just, and holding yourself accountable, I feel that's so important.
J.R.:I feel that's what's been helping me who would you call successful and how would you define success?
theoneDNA:hmm, I feel like. To me, success is knowing that the purpose that I set for myself through the career path that I'm doing, when I can see that it has made a positive impact in someone's life. And again, this is a lifelong journey and it's honestly such a humbling experience for me whenever, after a performance, for example, people would come up to me they'd be like, oh my gosh, your story inspired me. Thank you for this, thank you for that, thank you for making me feel seen and heard and to remind me that I'm not alone in this journey. It's really such a fulfilling moment, which further reinforces why I'm doing what I'm doing.
theoneDNA:What I do within music goes beyond the love that I have for music. I really want to make a difference in people's lives and know that, despite different backgrounds and our unique journeys and stories and stuff, there's still that common ground, and that's something that I want to continue emphasizing within my career and even beyond my career too, both my personal and professional life, of course. Is there anyone that comes to mind that maybe encompasses that definition of success within my career and even beyond my career too, like both my personal and professional?
J.R.:life, Of course. Is there anyone that comes to mind that maybe encompasses that definition of success? Let's see Anyone right.
theoneDNA:Yeah, anyone. I want to say at the top of my head, demi Lovato. Demi has always been vocal with mental health issues and she's been such an advocate, a strong mental health advocate, and also part of the LGBTQ family as well. She's definitely someone that I look up to. In that sense, I like it.
J.R.:Sorry, if you knew you couldn't fail, what would you try or what would you be doing now? I saw obviously like singing and everything like that. But is there anything else that comes to mind?
theoneDNA:what would you be doing now? I saw obviously like singing and everything like that, but is there anything else that comes to mind? I wouldn't call it fail, but I do have future plans. Obviously, I'm going to maximize with the time that I have here on this earth and again, tomorrow's never promised. So you want to live each and every single day as if it were your last right. Live like this is your tomorrow.
theoneDNA:Cliche as it sounds, but here's how I see like my vision board, my mental vision board. So, like, maybe 60 years down the line, once I feel like I've accomplished everything that I wanted to accomplish in the music industry, I'm going to take a step away from the spotlight. Obviously, music will always be a part of me, and like community work, being a public servant. So my goal and this is a plan that a few of my friends like no, I don't think my parents know about this yet, but they will eventually I would really love to eventually open up a nonprofit to help serve underrepresented and marginalized communities. Emphasis on music therapy. So I'm still incorporating the music element to it and, again, I want to continue to be deeply involved and work alongside community members.
theoneDNA:So that would be like my secondary plan, but it goes contingent to my current plan.
J.R.:Yeah, exactly what is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you've ever made time, money, energy, etc. Time, you know um what is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you've ever made time, money, energy, etc time.
theoneDNA:You know, for many years, like it's all like in my head it was always, you know, hustle, hustle, hustle, like, and then disconnect yourself from the world. You know, I've definitely learned the hard way. I definitely did a toll on me and those around me, but despite no matter how busy you are, you can always find time to make time for people that you care about. So I think, just being mindful of the usage of time and being able to divvy that up between your, your passion projects and your career, and then your own personal, because you need time to recharge for yourself right, and then also setting time for for your loved ones, your family and friends I think that's definitely something that I've learned over the past few years and because I've now been actively, you know, been putting in more effort to make time for people, I feel like the interpersonal relationships that I have with people have grown stronger because of it. Yeah, I'm so working my ass off. I'm sorry if I wasn't allowed to say that yeah.
theoneDNA:I'm so working extremely hard on my dreams and my aspirations and my career and all these things that I have going on in my life, but also to make time with people as well, because there are people out there who want to be there for you and want to make time for you too.
J.R.:I like it Alright. Last two Favorite recent purchase under $50 to $100 that has impacted your life the most in the last six months. It's a consumerism question. Anything you bought that was like bought six months, any time period, but like a recent purchase, not too expensive, that you're like I love that I bought this. What's the price limit, the price tag?
theoneDNA:I would say 50 to 100 tops I don't know if there's anything within that price range, though oh more you think a little bit more yeah but definitely more than six months ago for sure. Yeah, I think a maybe a little less than a year. Well, I upgraded my studio mic. Oh, okay, there you go. It sounds much better now. Yeah, so I'm glad you got to continue investing in yourself, especially in this industry. So, yeah, I was quite excited about that purchase Nice, that was good yeah.
theoneDNA:Books, movies, videos, articles, media that you share or recommend the most.
J.R.:I'm not much of a book person, I probably should Any media. It could be songs, it could be anime, it could be anything You're like. I think you should… here, check this out. It's great, I think… Beside your own music, beside your own music. We all want to do that.
theoneDNA:I think Mariah Carey is slept on, so y'all should not sleep with her and actually give her more close attention. Obviously, like everyone knows who, she is right, but I feel, like you know, in this day and age, like, obviously you know there's other artists, now that you know that the label you know want to prioritize, like I understand that you can't forget about the legends who paved the way too. Right Now, obviously you now, obviously, when you think of Mariah Carey, you think of the greatest hits. Like you know, christmas is coming up, so all I want for Christmas is you.
theoneDNA:But Mariah is more than that and you know, because, like I'm one of her, like you know she's one of my biggest vocal influences and like I'm a huge fan of hers, I definitely think y'all should have an open mind and really take the time to hear her music. Her lyrics beyond compare. Honestly, it's like AP lit status and just her story. And I know she has a reputation of being a diva, whatever. But if you actually take the time out to do research, it's not just a character, right? Yeah, it's an alter ego, yeah. And if you actually, oh, if you read her book, the Meeting of Mariah Carey that nails it right there, Thank you, Thank you.
J.R.:I was about to say Well one. I'm also a huge Mariah fan because my mom oh, okay, my mom's biggest. They're the same age, I think. But I grew up on Mariah Carey but also I read her book Amazing. Shout out to my own book summary website.
theoneDNA:I read it orleyonacruzcom or just get the book. It's five stars, wow, I'm very happy to hear this. Yeah, that was a great book. I feel like oftentimes it was New York Times bestseller. I think she's oftentimes misunderstood and she's gone through a lot and still is so. I think reading that book really helped bring things into perspective and I've always been supportive with her and all that she follow her or have these perceptions about her I think she'd give it a read.
J.R.:Yeah, she's a pioneer, so definitely I agree with you. Slept on. Um, yay, definitely cool. All right, let's wrap it up. I know we're a little bit over time, but so I like no, it's not your fault. I would like to always end with gratitude, something I also learned from my mom. So the one dna. What are you grateful for?
theoneDNA:I'm just grateful for life that every day I get to wake up and do what I love, to be surrounded by great people, whether it be my family or my close friends. We all push each other to be the best version of ourselves. We all love and care for each other, and it's something that I will never take for granted. And just to make every second count, and on that note, I just want to say thank you, jr, for this opportunity. It's so nice to reconnect with you, jr, for this opportunity. It's so nice to reconnect with you again in this way, and thank you for having me on this podcast nice thank you, the feeling's mutual thank you.
J.R.:Any final ask or takeaways? Any final ask from the audience aside from following you and everything on that, or any final takeaways you'd like them to get from our conversation?
theoneDNA:sure, be kind to yourself, be gentle to yourself, chase your dreams. You only live once. Go get them. Tiger. God, that was so gross.
J.R.:That was all we need to hear, great. So where where can we find you? I know I have all your links it'll be in the show notes but where can we find you if people want to connect?
theoneDNA:yeah, so you can connect with me on instagram, tiktok at the one dna t-h-e-o-n-e dna. I'm also on YouTube. I have like music videos on there. I have exciting things coming in the very near future. Well, this, this airs in December, right?
J.R.:yes, it'll be December. Yes, okay, we'll figure it out, yeah anyway, so I have by then.
theoneDNA:I have exciting things coming up. So if you want to follow me and be a part of that journey, you know where to find me in all socials and I look forward to seeing you both on and offline yeah, nice, cool.
J.R.:Well, thank you again, the one dna for being here. I really appreciate it. I learned a lot. It was a great conversation and I know that our my audience will also enjoy it as well. Thank you listen to this. So just to wrap it up. So, thank you guys again for tuning in. I really appreciate it again, as said, reminder to always be kind to others, especially yourself, and that you can always learn something from someone if you just take the time to listen. So thank you, yes.
