A brand-new EP release from Destiny Imani gives off a personal and warm tonality that comes through as a smooth set of R&B bangers that are built from emotionally driven but honest situations standpoints that all show the artist's character as a person and as an artist.
The Out In The Open EP is riddled with a very well-perfected energy dynamic that shows a lot of color and does it all with a subtlety that comes off graceful, especially in the vocal performance all around.
The record certainly boasts some almost old-school approaches as well with production and beats that feel like they were inspired by late 90s or early 2000s R&B and soul-pop styles.
The release sticks to a more personal feel and throughout the course of its play through you get all kinds of great swelling Ambience and pads that create a sort of atmosphere for you to float around in.
I think that classic '90s feelings as well as the beats that are given but it all works really well for the songs themselves and the vibe that Destiny is going for.
The songs have heart and soul along with a clear love for the craft that you can hear from beginning to end on each song across the EP.
The thing with songs like this is the attitude and delivery that's given vocally because with the kind of beats production that's being done here, everything relies on those vocals that kind of drive the record and it's hit or miss depending on how it's done.
Fortunately, Destiny has a great vocal style, and it lets that presence really shine in terms of performance and style as an artist. It really showcases youth in songwriters that are making music that is inspired by classic styles but are giving things a fresh spin with fewer boundaries.
This record comes off charming and tasteful and with the lush production and instrumentation, you get an EP you can fall right into.
When it's over, you kind of want to just stay there.
The EP is three songs long, but it feels bigger due to the songs being catchy and full-bodied.
These tracks were done with attention to detail and a liveliness that is captured very well and that all gives it something special.
With the release of such a well-woven EP, we wanted to have a sit down with Destiny Imani to find out where this record came from, and what may be next for the artist.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay Destiny let's start with the Out In The Open EP! This record has a smooth and lush feel to it and came through honest and genuine! How did this single come about?
- Out In The Open is a project about stepping into who you are in every sense of the phrase. It is about being honest and true about who you are and who you love. It really came about as I was ready to stop hiding and be honest in my own life. I felt it was time for me to step out and be Out in the Open.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as an artist? When did you fall in love with music?
- I have loved music for as long as I can remember, but I really fell in love with songwriting. It is a way for me to express my thoughts, feelings, and desires creatively. My interest in artistry began because I was writing so many songs that I wasn't sure what to do with them, so I decided to keep some for myself and from then on, I have developed a love for artistry as well.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
- My own life experiences really inspire songs for me. There's nothing like feeling the emotions yourself and/or writing about your own love and desire. I also find a good amount of inspiration from films as I have a huge love for movies. I find that inspiration is all around us, but it is up to us to tap into it.
Buzz Slayers: This single has some great styles on it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
- I have been exposed to so much music, and there are so many creators, sounds, and styles of music that influence me. I grew up with Gospel music that really evoked emotion and made you feel something. As I have gotten older I listen to more R&B which is not too far off and is still relatable and real. I really like to showcase versatility in my music and that comes from some of my favorite artists including Michael Jackson, Kirk Franklin, H.E.R and so many more.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
- When I'm not working on music I am playing basketball. I recently just finished my college basketball career, and I still love to play. I also coach a basketball team full of incredible athletes and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences to see them grow as both athletes and people.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
- I am still enjoying SZA's S.O.S.. She definitely delivered on that album and really showcased her versatility. I truly admire her as an artist, and I look forward to hearing more music from her.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
- I am not performing live yet, but I do plan on having a few performances in the near future.
Buzz Slayers: Did you record yourself or hit a big studio for this?
- A little bit of both. I like to sit with my music for a while so having a studio that I record myself out of is very helpful and beneficial, but once the songs are in a good place, I will hit up a studio to add the finishing touches that help turn a demo into a hit record.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
- My fans can always expect more heartfelt and honest music from me, but I do have a summer record that I am very excited to share. Stylistically it is a bit more upbeat, but I think it will be received well and may even be categorized as the song of the summer!
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
- I would just like to say thank you-- thank you for listening! I make music to share it and the fans are the best part of that, so I look forward to continuing to make music that they can be proud of.
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