Today we’d like to introduce you to Derica Booker.
Hi Derica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For as long as I can remember, I have always been in love with music. But I’ve always been someone who was super shy, even as a young girl, I never sang in front of anyone. It took participating in talent shows and performance days in school to help hone my shyness. Fast forward to turning 30 and realizing that I have spent my entire life wishing and dreaming of singing and performing music instead of actually pursuing a career in music. It was in that moment of reflection that I realize that I have allowed fear of an audience to paralyze me. During the height of the pandemic, I took that time to start healing my inner child and to keep the hopes and dreams that that little girl had ALIVE. December 27, 2020 (my 30th birthday)
I released my debut single, Wolf. I decided that it was finally time to step out on faith and stop letting anxiety stand in the way of what I love most, music.
And from then, I have taken initiative to learn everything I can about creating music.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Without a shadow of a doubt, I can honestly say that this has been the roughest Journey I’ve embarked upon. In my opinion, exploring a creative career is probably one of the biggest risk you take. There is no guarantee that the craft you are pursuing will be successful. But something deep down in your heart loves it more than you are afraid of it. It can be very depressing, very lonely, and at times you feel lost and question yourself if you’re doing the right thing. Holding on to your ‘reason why’ can be a bit daunting. I’ve quit a lot, ironically before even getting started. LOL, I worried what people would say or think or would they even accept what I have to say. But you have to push past the white noise and hold dear to your purpose.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer-songwriter and aspiring producer, and sound designer. I am fascinated with the Grassroots of what creates a story. Building a song from the bottom up is what has always intrigued me. If you’ve heard the name DBook or “Book,” Your first thought would be karaoke., I performed in my share of open mic and karaoke events around the DFW.
What I am most proud of is my perseverance. I’ve learned so much about granting myself Grace and the space to show up as my full and authentic self.
What sets me apart is my willingness to remain transparent. “Wonderfully winging it” is a motto I live by. I don’t mind sharing even the ugliest part of my journey if it means that I’m going to help or inspire someone else to live out their dreams.
What do you think about happiness?
Listening to my favorite song/playlist is what makes me the happiest. To have such a deep and profound connection to someone’s message or Melody has the power to transcend you into another space, even if for a moment. You feel seen and related to.
As a songwriter, I want to be the best storyteller I can be. So, I’m always inspired to dig deeper and remember that there are no rules to this; while listening to some of my favorite songwriters.
Contact Info:
- Website: linktr.ee/DBook
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iitsdbook
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iamdbook
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dericabooker
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iitsdbook
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/Derica
