Life & Work with Destiny Stone

Today we’d like to introduce you to Destiny Stone.  

Hi Destiny, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I like to say that singing is in my blood. My granddad was in a gospel quartet, his dad was in a gospel quartet, and I have plenty of aunts, uncles, and cousins who sing as well. I started writing songs in elementary school and have not looked back since. I won my first talent show with an original song in the 5th grade, and I remember that really boosted my confidence. Then, when I was 12, my dad took me to the studio for the first time, and I recorded a couple of my original songs. When I was 15, I put together my first show – had my friends and neighbors to be the band and background singers, and we had a packed house. I think once my mom realized that I was so serious about pursuing a music career, she had me audition for Mississippi School of the Arts, a public, residential arts school in Brookhaven, Mississippi four hours away from my hometown of Holly Springs. After graduating from high school, I went to Catawba College in Salisbury and got a degree in Popular Music and Worship Arts. Now, I am still pursuing my career with the help of an awesome public relations company, Lanaya Enterprises. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has not been a smooth road. I have dealt with personal self-doubt, especially as an artist who creates music for a genre that is no longer as popular as it was in the early 2000s. I have also had to learn how to balance my life as an independent artist with my roles as a wife and mom. After I had my son, Joseph, I went through some postpartum depression and couldn’t even sit down to write any music or sing. I’ve also had to deal with the temptation to compromise my values just to “make it.” As an independent artist, it’s a catch-22 having the freedom to make your own choices without the input of a record label, but it is also hard financially and mentally when you wear so many hats, including being the musician/artist. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a singer/songwriter, recording artist, producer, music educator, wife, and mom. In almost every aspect of my life, I am involved in music in some shape, form or fashion. Since I was a little girl, I always knew that I wanted to write my own songs and travel the world performing. Since I’ve gotten older, I have also realized my passion for music education, and I’m currently working on my masters for Music Education online at Liberty University. I teach piano lessons and was a public school music teacher for 4.5 years. I am most proud of naming myself the #musicmakinmama and not giving up on my dreams after getting pregnant and having my first son. I had to remind myself that I am not the first woman who’s brought life into this world while pursuing their career. I take solace in knowing that I am the only one who can do what I do. Even though you may hear remnants of my inspirations in my music, what I bring to the world is still unique and one of a kind. I am learning to admire my own voice and practice what I preach in my music. 

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I will say what Issa Rae said and work horizontally, not vertically. I used to feel like I needed to reach up and try connecting with the “big dogs,” but I have learned to look around me. I also learned in college to develop genuine relationships and put your best foot forward because, many times those people you meet will help you along your journey. I also try to practice “do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” so if there is a person I admire and want to support, I do that because I know what it’s like to work from the ground up to build something that you’re proud of. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.destinystonemusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinystonemusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1156957074339185
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/destiny-stone-767a68261/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/DestinyStoneMus
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChLNqjNZd6bKnXvX1NjW0Kg
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/destiny-stone-music