IN CONVERSATION WITH DE’WAYNE
interview by JANA LETONJA
DE’WAYNE is part of a new generation rewriting the rules of rock—loudly, fearlessly, and entirely on his own terms. Blending elements of funk, soul, and alternative with a swagger reminiscent of Prince and Lenny Kravitz, the Los Angeles-based artist has carved out a sound that feels both nostalgic and unmistakably modern. His latest album June positions him at the forefront of a genre in flux, where identity, style, and sound are fluid, and meant to be challenged. As he prepares to hit the road across North America and Europe alongside Machine Gun Kelly and Kravitz, DE’WAYNE is stepping into a defining chapter of his career, one that cements him as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary rock.
photography SHAI LEV
Your music blends rock, funk, and soul so seamlessly. How would you define your sound today?
I’d define it as rock’n’roll glam funk soul, with a little bit of theater.
June feels both deeply personal and sonically expansive—what headspace were you in while creating it?
I was in a really optimistic creative space. My vision and direction were very clear, and everything came together nicely. It actually started as a script, and telling a story about joy and love was really important to me.
You’ve cited artists like Prince and Lenny Kravitz as inspirations. What have you taken from them beyond just music?
When you see people that look like you in this space doing what they did, and are still doing, it’s incredibly inspiring. Honestly, the best way I can describe it is that they’ve been like spiritual teachers to me, guiding me through life not only musically, but personally too.
Collaborating with Lenny Kravitz on the Highway Robbery remix feels like a full-circle moment. What was that experience like?
I still don’t really have the words to explain how this moment makes me feel. He’s my hero, and being able to create with him was beyond my wildest dreams. It truly feels like one of those defining moments for me.
You’re heading out on tour with Machine Gun Kelly and Kravitz. How are you approaching these performances?
I’ve been rehearsing like I’m getting ready for my very first tour. Thinking about every note, every dance move, every piece of clothing my band and I will wear. It’s a moment where I’ll be introduced to the music world in a big way, so I’m approaching it with everything I have.
photography SHAI LEV
What can audiences expect from your live shows this summer?
Pure love and rock’n’roll. Real energy. What I’ve always loved about my shows is that nothing about them feels fake. Bringing that same spirit to arenas every night is going to be crazy.
Rock music feels like it’s evolving again. Where do you see yourself within that movement?
Even the fact that I’m finally here where people can see me in this space is huge. Honestly, I see myself as one of the rock artists of this generation who will continue to evolve the genre.
Your visual identity is such a strong part of your artistry. How do fashion and self-expression play into your music?
They go hand in hand for me. The colors and world of June speak directly to the music and to my live performance.
You often challenge traditional ideas of masculinity. Why is that important to you?
To quote Miss Lady Gaga, I was born this way. Truly, it’s just my default setting, so I’m honored by the question. It means I’m living in my truth.
How do you balance honoring rock’s legacy while pushing it forward?
If you get to be part of this beautiful lineage, it feels like your duty to do exactly that. You become a student first, and then you try to take it even further than your professors did.
What do you want people to feel when they listen to your music or see you perform?
Love. Hope. Senseless optimism.
Looking ahead, what directions are you excited to explore next sonically or visually?
I can’t tell you all that just yet. But, I’ll be trying to evolve the world and the music until I go bye-bye, so hopefully that answers it.
photography STEFAN BOJILOV
