DeeAnn DiMeo | Echoes of the Heart: Soulful Melodies and Heartfelt Stories

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Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another episode of Mick Unplugged. And on today's episode, I am thrilled to welcome a multi talented artist whose soulful voice and heartfelt performances have captivated audience around the world. From jazz classics to her original songs, she has truly made a name for herself in the music industry. And I need you to please join me in welcoming the incredible, the illustrious, the dynamic Ms. Deanne DeMaio. Deanne, how are you doing today, dear?

I am well. Thank you for that incredible introduction and thank you for having me.

It is all about you and I'm the one that's honored to be here with you. And you know, I've been a fan for a while. I think from everything that you have in the digital space and the social space, I have probably listened to a thousand times each without exaggeration. And I just want you to know how much I love your voice. Like I love soulful, passionate, high energy voices and you to me are the epitome of that. So thank you for being you.

Wow. Thank you. Thank you for listening to the voice.

Absolutely. So let's talk about music. Like when did you first begin your love of music and what really got you into what you're doing today?

Well, I'm one of those where I knew at 7 years old that I wanted to do this and some people say that story, some people don't. But I was on the monkey bars, I'm aging myself. We had monkey bars in the backyard and Irving it to school and I just said yeah, I'm gonna be a Star probably by seven, if not maybe eight. But then I got into choir, third grade, stayed in there all the way through middle school, high school, high school, joined swing choir, did the different music from the, you know, the choral music and went into more pop music. And there was a song that needed a solo and they asked me to sing it. And I was scared to death. Like, I was like, I can't do that. And I did it and. And then I heard myself come through the speakers in the auditorium and I was like, whoa, I'm hooked. This is incredible that I'm singing and it's amplifying throughout the whole auditorium.

And I know early on your father was an influence for you, right? So how did that influence shape your journey?

My father, from day one, yeah, he was a jazz singer and he worked around Buffalo area, western New York area when he could. Cause he was a deputy sheriff and. And he always was singing, always getting ready to go to work. He'd be scatting, singing different tunes. And I fell in love with what he was singing. But I had to go through kind of like my pop, my rock stage, country. I did a lot of country. And then finally I reached the jazz stage and he was so excited. And he calls me Dolly. He said Dolly. He finally made it. Like, thanks, dad. But he passed away a year and a half ago, so I'm so glad he got to hear my last album.

That's awesome. And you brought up, you know, transitioning from singing poppin country to jazz and blues. What was that transition like? And at the end of the day, you know, do you connect a different way with jazz and blues in poppin country?

I connect with all genres of music, as long as it's good music, great musicians. So yeah, I can really relate to R and B, soul, country, rap. I mean, if it's a good song, it's a good song and good players and a special meaning that's coming with the song is even better. And even if it's just a great groove and it makes you want to dance and it lifts your mood and.

That'S what your music does for me. So it's my time.

Talk to me a little bit about.

It'S my time and what inspired that.

When I think back, my producer actually came up with that title for my album. And I was kind of apprehensive about it because as you may know, I lost my son in between all that. And I just kind of felt like it's my time was not something to say after that. But it actually is my time to try to be happy again. It's my time to smile. It's my time to love again. It's my time to create my legacy and share that with others. Because at the end of the day and what I went through, my son was 23 from a motorcycle accident. And you don't take anything with you when you leave, but what you leave behind is how you make people feel. And he left behind tremendous love for others. And that's what I want to do. And if I could do it through my music, which God has gifted me with, then I'm going to do it. That's my purpose.

Amazing. I'll tell you, one of the things.

And you know, music moves me is.

That I feel like music moves a lot of people. But your rendition of you are my Sunshine, and I know a little bit of why that song is on the album. But I promise you, and for all the listeners and I'll make sure that there's a special link to this version of this song. Oh, my goodness. And as a grown man, a real grown man, I can promise you, I don't know if I've been moved that much by a song. And I love music, Deanne, that song and your voice on that song.

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Oh, my God.

That's amazing. And I could actually tell you how that came about again. My producer, Rashan o', Dowell. He's a bass player for Brian Culverton right now. Najee. Before that, after everything happened, I didn't know if I was going to sing again. And he definitely inspired me to come around with my vocal. And I said, I feel like I should sing you Are my Sunshine. Because that was a song I sang to William every night before he went to sleep. Until one day he told me, mom, I'm okay. You don't sing to me tonight. I was like, broken hearted. I'm like, what? Because he was getting older, I said, I think we should record it. So I went into his studio, and he said, just sing at a capala. That's how it started. And then he was like, okay, raise the key. You know, go half step or higher and sing it again. And when I got done, like, it was just me singing. I had no music around me. He put all the music arrangement around it. He did an incredible job arranging. He's a wonderful producer, bass player, friend. We got done, and I just broke down, you know. Cause I sang that about. That was probably four or five months after the accident. And I said, I didn't realize how hard that was going to be. He said, neither did I. And so then I didn't hear the song again until he was finished. And I was like, whoa, that's so good. So he did all that.

That's awesome. I'm going to stay on this album for a minute because it quickly became one of my favorites. And it's one that I keep in rotation that I'm going to listen to over and over again. Like, as a matter of fact, we just had family over this weekend, and guess who? And what we were listening to? It was you. Again, I love music. I have an ear for music. I like to believe.

And there's a couple of songs that.

You do that I always warn people that they should never sing if they're going to try to do it professionally. And you freaking crush them. Oh, first Killing Me Softly. Everyone can't do that song, Dan. Everyone can't do that song, but you can. And then My Funny Valentine.

Just one of those classics that just.

You can't help but put a smile on Your face. When you hear that song, you do.

A little bit more than that.

Like, you. You put the smile on my face, but then I can feel it in my soul. So those two songs, again, I always tell people you probably shouldn't do them unless you can really do them. So I want you to know you can do them.

Thank you so much. Now I'm thinking, do you want to be my manager? You know, just. Thank you so much. That's awesome. I'm glad I could do that again. The purpose of music is to bring a tear to your eye, make you feel joyful. You remember me not because I used to drive a really cool Mazda Miata 6ft. Just, may I add that it was great. You remembering my voice and what it made you feel, that's what it's all about.

Yes. And I can promise you, There were about 15, 16 people that were in and out of my house all weekend. And they all heard you, and they were like, who is that? And I was like, oh, it's one of my new friends. Let's sit down and let's go through the whole thing. Like, you were a hit at my home this weekend.

That just warms my heart. Thank you so much. Thank them.

I totally will. I totally will. So let's talk about some of your originals in songwriting, and in particular, how do you approach songwriting and the inspiration that you have for those songs.

I was just telling my friend here a song I wrote called Torn, which is not on the albums yet. It's. We're talking about doing some more, a new album starting in the fall. And that's one of the songs that's going to go on. And everything is always written from an experience that I've gone through or listening to others talk and what they say and their stories. Torn came from. I was torn because I didn't know. We're not married anymore, but we're great friends. My ex husband, he was like, you know, it's time we got to start talking about children. And I was like, yeah, but I. I got to do this, and I got to do that. My career. And I knew that one of them was going to have to be given up a little because I just knew myself. And I'm not saying can't do both, but I knew myself. So I knew I was torn between, you know, which bridge I was going to burn, which. Those are the lines in the song. I mean, I came back to music after my kids got older, and I did sing music, though, throughout their younger days. I just did. I just Sang in church. I sang weddings, funerals. And then I started teaching pre K to grade eight music education. And I threw two huge concerts a year with the kids. And it was where my kids went to school. So that's good stuff.

So let's transition to something else because whether you're a music fan or not, there becomes a time in your career as an adult that you have to balance career with family. And for Deanne, how did you balance your music career with the other aspects of your life, especially family?

Yeah, so I didn't do the nightlife as much. And I would get hired to sing for funeral masses and Catholic churches mostly where I did it. And that was very inspiring because I was helping others through their healing. Did a lot of weddings, wedding ceremonies, did the teaching. That's how I could balance being a mom. I was a stay at home mom and that. But then when the kids got older, probably early teenage, I started getting back into the nightclub and that's where I got into the blues first and then got into the jazz coming from before my children, it was rock, pop, dance, country.

You know, I love that today you do a lot of. I mean, you've always done a lot of live performances, but I, I love that you do that because these are the words of Mick and Mick only. And I've said this before, can't really listen to today's music. Right. Like, I. I don't have an ear for that because it feels like everyone's trying to create like a viral moment. And it's not really about the words, the feeling or the emotion of music. Right. It's just when what can I create that I can go make $1 million on? And the song is trash and it's all about the production anyway. How do you feel about live performances? I'm not going to. I'm not going to have you talk about today's music. Those were my words. But you feel about live music and live.

Oh, that's my favorite. Because when you're in a studio, you know, you have to feel all that energy and you have to try to create all that energy. It's definitely difficult. It's not the easiest thing to do. And not everyone who sings live can go into the studio. But the live performance, the energy of the people, because we are all energy. We're all connected to each other through our energy. And if they're buying a ticket to come see your show, they want to see you, and their energy's there. They're supporting you. And that all comes back to you. And then, like, there's so much that comes out that you don't even try to do. You don't even remember how you sang it, and you might not sing. You probably won't sing it that way again the next time. So, yes, I love live. Live energy.

Same, same. There's nothing like live music. And I, you know, I love live music city. So you're going to see me in Nashville. You're going to see me in New Orleans, right? I know you're in the Buffalo area. I'm a Patriot fan, Dan, so it's hard for me to go to Buffalo because I feel a certain way about it. But I made a commitment that I'm going to come up there this fall. And so one of my items for this year off of my 2024 bucket list is to see you live. So I'm going to confirm.

Sing. Oh, awesome. Yeah, Yeah, I sing. I do sing every Wednesday, too, at a club in Buffalo. It's called Sportsman's Tavern, and they bring in national, international acts and local acts. They are amazing seven days a week. And I sing there every Wednesday afternoon from 12 to 2 with the Joe B and T. We bring in a lot of people.

Well, I will be there, and I just need the city of Buffalo to embrace me. And again, I'm a. I'm a Patriot fan. Don't. Don't hurt me, Buffalo. But I will be there to support DM for sure. Dan, one of the things that I find amazing about you and one of the things that I think you inspire others is what I call. It's a part of the MC Factor that was given to me by my mentor, Les Brown. And the K in the MC Factor is keep going. So the perseverance that you have, I think is truly inspiring. So for the listeners that are out there today or those that are watching, what are some things that you can tell people about the power of Keep going or the power perseverance?

First of all, my daughter, who is living and a beautiful soul, she's 24 now, and even before anyone, actually, God, that's what keeps me going. My faith definitely keeps me going. And then my son's spirit, no excuses, mom, just do it. Is his model. And he used to say that to me all the time, William, I can't go. Because he was a professional bodybuilder, and he tried to get me into the gym, which I finally am, and. And he was like, oh, Mom. I said, william, I can't do this because, you know, I'm older. My body's sore, you know, he just kept saying, no excuses, mom, just do it. So that kept me going. Friends, I mean, a few family members and lots of friends that kept coming around, kept coming around, checking on me. And then music, you know, music and purpose, you know, why are you here? William was 23 when he left. He did a lot of great things before he left. What am I doing? What's my purpose? What am I leaving for others? And that's my goal, to keep going, to keep fulfilling that purpose.

That's amazing. What advice would you have for the listeners that maybe need that inspiration or that kick?

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I know we're not all believers, but definitely praying is my grace. And, and when you pray, you need to listen. And I used to be like, okay, God, I need this. And then I'm like, where is it? Still not here. It's been a day. You know, it's two days now, and a lot of times we need to listen. When we pray for something, we listen through a song that came through on the radio, we listen to someone who just spoke to you. The next day, we listen to something we saw on TV or someone's reading a book. We ask them what the title is and that might be the answer. You gotta pay attention.

I agree. And I also tell people, don't try to find the answer you're looking for because then most of the time you miss the right answer.

Yes. Because you're not listening. Absolutely, absolutely agree with you. I was doing a massage with one of my girl that does my massage and we were talking about how you can change your thoughts because when negative thoughts enter your head, you can't control when the negative thought enters, but you can control what you're going to do with it. So. Yep. So it comes in and then you say the thought could be, oh, my God, I have to weed the garden. There's so many weeds out there. You could change your thought. Wow, I have such a beautiful garden and it's going to look beautiful when the weeds are gone and just completely change your thought. So right after we had that conversation, I Walk out to the reception area and I go to pay the guy for my massage and he's reading this book. And I said, what are you reading? And he says, oh, Wayne Dyer, how you can change your thoughts and change your life. I'm like, okay, God, I'm listening.

Totally agree. So all the amazing things that you've had going on in your life, what's next? What's new with Deanne now? Like, what do you want listeners to know? What should we be looking out for?

So I have a couple shows coming up. Posit is actually next week. It's a very beautiful room in Buffalo, the Plaza Art House. It's a listening room. And it's pretty much same thing as being in New York City. That's July 18th. And then August 24th, I'm doing the Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, New York. And then right after that, I'm going right back in the studio and I'm gonna start producing the next album, maybe even start with a single because I have a lot of originals that I want to get recorded. My bass player that I'm working with right now, we're talking about trying to coordinate the tour for 2025.

For your tour, you have to come to a city near me so I can make sure I see you at the.

Yeah, well, I work with New World and Jazz Neil Sapper with my radio airplay, and there's been several stations throughout the country that have played my music. So we're going to focus on some of those and get in that area. So that's been really lovely. And Tom SD has been just a godsend. He connected me with you and others. So I'm going to continue working with him and continue bodybuilding.

All right. Deanne the bodybuilder. I like it.

Well, my trainer just competed for Mr. Universe, close to first, got second place. So he's still doing his thing, Aaron Newman. And he trained my son. So stay focused and all that and take care of my daughter.

I love it. So where can people follow you and find you? And I'll make sure that these links are posted in the show notes and I know you're going to tell us where, but here's my promise to everyone that's listening and watching. One of your best follows on Social will be Deanna. I promise you that I can.

Thank you. Dnmusic.com sO-E-E-A-N n music.com that's my website that pretty much includes everything. I'm not sure if my YouTube video link is on there, which I have to check that. D.N. demeo is my YouTube link and Demeo is D I M as in Mike e. That's my YouTube where I just posted some recent videos. I did a Sarah Vaughn tribute for the hundredth centennial this year at Seneca One Tower through Jazz Buffalo and Tony Zambido coordinates all that and we did a wonderful show there and a sold out show. Some of my videos are on my YouTube channel. They're on my website too. And then all the social media links are all on my website, dnmusic.com so.

Everybody do me a huge favor, make sure you're following Deanne. Tagging Deanne and Dan. We can't wait for the new project to release and see all the amazing things that are going to happen on the 2025 tour. Can't wait to see the results of your bodybuilding. You better win.

Right?

I'm putting it out there.

I did compete. It was June 5th, was my son 2021. So it went into, yeah, it was October 2022. I competed through Kenmore Barbell in the Powerlifting association and I got third place in my age bracket. Yeah, I think I was deadlifting about 2:15, 220.

Serious.

Okay, I'm serious. I saw this other woman walk in though and I saw what she was lifting. I'm like, okay, I'm not making first place. I knew it as soon as I saw what she was lifting. But it was very awesome experience. I did it in honor of William and my trainer Haley. She just at the time I had Haley and she just was driven. But now I'm doing it to just stay in health, the good shape because as we age to our like we need to keep our bones, our muscles strong. I don't know when and if I'm doing a competition again but if I do, I'm going to let you know.

You'Re doing a competition. I'm going to push you. You're doing one. Deanne, thank you so much for blessing us with your time today. I know you're a busy person and that means a lot to me personally and I know it means a lot to the guests and audience of Nick Unplugged. So thank you for blessing us with your time today.

I have to thank you because I like I said when we were talking earlier, I watched some of your videos and I watched some of your interviews. You are such an inspiration to others and you are doing what your purpose is. You're inspiring others.

Well Dan, again I appreciate you for taking some time and for the listeners, remember your because is your superpower. No one loses.

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