Today we’d like to introduce you to Dezman “Dezi 5” Lehman.
Dezman, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My grandma was the owner of Vern’s Place soul food restaurant where Serious Pizza is today. I put together a band called “The Gypsy Hideout” and we got our first gig at July Alley which is now the other half of Serious Pizza. Amy Philips, the legendary Deep Ellum bartender who now works at 3 Links, connected us with our first gig. I then met Kim Traylor and she entered us in a battle of the bands at the Curtain Club. About a year later I decided to go solo and change my name to Dezi 5. I performed at all the open mics, The Gritz Jam Session at the Prophet Bar, Blues Jams at The Free Man, and more. I got my first residency at The Free Man and I started to create a character immolating artist such as Lady Gaga, and Madonna. EDM and dance music was the craze at the time. I sang with Ishi at Trees and people started to take notice of who I was as an artist. I later started producing high energy and risky shows and it earned me a Dallas Observer Nomination for “Best Funk/R&B Act.” That nod gave me a lot more opportunity in Dallas and it led me to the Dallas Observer showcase stage with Goodnight Ned, Madison King, and The Roomsounds which were all country/rock acts. My time slot was perfect I had a crowd of 300 in the audience and I’m guessing everyone was in the venue because the city was wondering who was “Dezi 5” the Dallas Observer called me Dallas’ Best Kept Secret and Moody Fuqua named me the Prince of Dallas. I finally was become. I then took my act out to all of the art gallery shows with artist such as Arthur Peña VICE PALACE, Brandi Michelle Adams with WAAS, Lee Escobedo with THRWD magazine. Arthur Peña got a grant from Dallas for his independent record label and I was asked to do a live recording. I was working on my first EP “Crucifixion on the Dance Floor” and we decided to curate an actual crucifixion. It was very sacrilegious and I crucified myself during the performance. That’s when I became a Dallas Pop Star. I was nominated for 5 Dallas Observer awards taking home “Best Live Act.” I then took my act to NYC to increase my LGBTQ audience and to perform all over Brooklyn and Manhattan. I now added a DJ and show producer to my title. I have currently been performing in Dallas and New York for three years doing shows for Dallas Arts District, Denton Pride, Asbury Pride, Brooklyn festivals and more. So here we are, “Je duex amore” I have two loves Dallas & New York. I am signed to an independent label 11A Records and we just released our first single together “Lady.” I am currently in the studio and blueprinting my upcoming releases.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being a gay man of color has given me many challenges. Trying to be taken seriously as a musician as well as an artist pushing through a straight dominated world that we call music. I even had obstacles with the Dallas LGBTQ Cedar Springs scene. The queer world worships drag queens and female pop stars. Anytime a gay male entertainer tries to break through they have to work a lot harder be seen. In the words of Rupaul it’s total self loathing. Deep Ellum and the Brooklyn Queer scene has always protected me and accepted my talent.
Please tell us about your work.
I am an entertainer/singer-songwriter/ philanthropist and my mission has always been to promote humanity and self-love to the masses through great entertainment and produced shows. I am proud to be able to maintain my livelihood as a performer. My ability to connect to the human experience is what sets me apart.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Being in the right place at the right time has given me success. As long as you are treating people the way I want to be treated and not taking no for an answer. Persistence is key. Not being afraid to expose when you are treated unfairly.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 4698260094
- Email: dezi5entertainment@gmail.com
- Instagram: @dezi5
- Facebook: @Dezi5Music
Image Credit:
Parker Moore, Kathy Tran, Dallas Music, Mike Brooks
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