Introducing Da’Shawn

By: Trista Kinman
Posted: September 12, 2011

Born DeM'arcus DaShawn Miller June 4th 1987 The Dominican/African American Artist DaShawn Has Made A Huge impact into the R&B World. Gaining More and More Fans Everyday from different states even countries with his smooth voice and catchy Songs.. DaShawn went Solo in 2008 after being in a group since his was 12. Group had little success but in two year period DaShawn has become a household name with Hit Singles like "All Night Long" and "Can U Handle It" Now 23 years old DaShawn has also Stepped foot into the acting world after recording a role in Disney's Generation Y which Debuts August 2010 as well As NBC's "Friday Night Lights" No Set date on the release yet.

OneTen: You were first discovered as a member of “Unique” as a teenager. Tell us about your beginning and how exactly you were “discovered”.

Da’Shawn: Can't remember the exact month but it was in 2001 when we (unique) went to G-Spot entertainment to Record our demo. After The session the CEO of that label was impressed with us and the next day we received a call from him saying he wanted to set up a meeting with us to talk about signing with his label. That was really when we were discovered. Back then I really didn't sing too much in the songs just background. Because at the time I was very shy. Still Shy today but not as much lol

OneTen: After being able to produce a hit single with ‘Unique’, the group parted. How did this split affect your mindset as an artist?

Da’Shawn: The Split affects your mind in a negative way and a positive way. The negative is that now you’re on your own. Them guys you grew up singing with is no linger in the picture. The positive is you can take everything you learned and continue to press forward. You know longer have to wait on people. I feel going Solo was honestly the best move I've made. Not knocking the group at all but we never had radio play or just that Hit song. But as a Solo Artist I've been on multiple radio stations and had 3 songs hit Music Charts. But i really appreciate everything i learned from them guys.

OneTen: You didn’t begin working on your solo mixtape until you were about 19 years old. What was it like to finally be singing on your own? How does this differ from you being in a group?

Da’Shawn: Like I mentioned in the last statement being solo you really don't have to depend on others to get stuff done. Really all the pressure is on you. So it motivates you to stay on your grind. It’s funny because my First mixtape (Diary of Da’Shawn) was recorded in my Dorm Room Freshman year in college. I was bored so I just started singing to different beats. Wasn't shooting for a mixtape but after recording about 5 songs I started the Project. At The time of that mixtape I was still in a group with former Unique Member Sino B. We formed a two man group called 2 A.M. Not too many people know it, but that mixtape was the biggest reason our group split. I never officially released that mixtape but I let some friends get copies. Then before you know it, it was everywhere and I began to get noticed as Da’Shawn & not 2 A.M. I never intended on that happening that way.

OneTen: Tell us about your first single, “All Night Long”.

Da’Shawn: All Night Long was actually the First Single for Us (2 A.M.) It was our best single as a group. My First Hit Single as a Solo Artist was "Late Night Show" This song is the song that made radio play and it was actually my Debut Video. Late Night Show reached #12 on the Top 100 R&B Songs of the week on onlylyrics.com

OneTen: You were also involved on an ABC show. Tell us a little more about that and how that played a role in your current career.

Da’Shawn: Yeah I had the privilege to be apart of a ABC Network Show called "My Generation" starring Jamie King & Mechad Brooks. I was originally in one scene which was the graduation scene in the show. Then with my size they asked me to play the role of one of the football players at the pep rally. After that, I also played one of the starters on the basketball team. (lol) I really enjoyed working with the cast especially Mechad, "Great Guy". Its funny cause during the shoot I never knew who he was. Then one day I was home watching A BET Show & saw him. (lol) Guess he remembered me because he added me on Facebook. But doing this show helped get my face into the public eye in a major way, because millions watch ABC. It also helped me out by showing that I can be multi-talented

OneTen: You started singing at such a young age. Did you find it difficult to transition yourself into a more mature sound and audience? (Explain)

Da’Shawn: Yeah it was difficult at first being so young because in the music industry there's so much stuff you have to do which is time consuming. And being young I still wanted to live my regular life; Play sports in school, hang with friends. I quit the group like 2 times so that I could do those things. (lol) But my love for music never left. Starting young you learn a lot because you see a lot. And as you grow and mature you know most of the do’s & don't in the game. It’s crazy listening back on some of my younger songs; nothing sexual or anything. Now that I'm an older artist, I can talk about those things.

OneTen: You have a distribution deal with Def Jam I believe. Tell us how this opportunity was presented to you and how that changed your attitude or encouraged you from an artist stand-point.

Da’Shawn: This opportunity was brought to me by my management company. They put it together. But it encourages you because it keeps you motivated to see your music online and next to Label it says Def Jam Digital Distribution. You work to keep that title. Also depending on how much you sell they could possibly offer you a record deal, so that alone is enough to make you work very hard.

OneTen: Where are you at this point in your career and what are your major long-term goals?

Da’Shawn: At This point in my Career I already established my Role as an artist. I’ve gained radio play, magazine appearances, and gained fans all over. My long-term goals are to finally sign a Major Deal & Go on a Major Tour. I want reach out to as many fans as possible.

OneTen: What has been the most exciting experience thus far in your career?

Da’Shawn: The most exciting experience has got to be either the working In That ABC T.V. Show or one time, when I was in a drive thru getting some food, the worker recognized me and tripped out. I was more surprised than her though! It’s crazy to know that people listen to me. It’s a feeling that never gets old.

OneTen: What else do you feel is relevant and important for your fans and our readers to know about Da’Shawn?

Da’Shawn: I want everyone to know that I am currently working on my debut album, "On My Way", and we’re getting the details together for my Next Single Video Shoot.

OneTen: Where can our readers and your fans get more information about you?

Da’Shawn: Fans can read about me and keep up with what I'm doing on
www.reverbnation.com/dashawn or www.imdashawn.com. Also, if they want to connect directly with me, add me as a friend on www.facebook.com/dashawnmusic and follow me on twitter@dashawnonline.

Shoutout to All My Fans for Making This Journey Fun & Well worth All The sacrifices. I love yall!!!