Today we’d like to introduce you to DL Zene.
Hi DL , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, musician, and vocal arranger. Music has really been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started playing piano as a kid, and that’s where I developed my ear. Later on, I taught myself how to play guitar, and that journey eventually led me to the Hollywood stage on Season 21 of American Idol.
Growing up, I was influenced by so many different styles of music—gospel, jazz, classical, R&B, and soul—and all of those genres helped shape the artist I am today. I’ve always admired Ella Fitzgerald’s musicality and the way she listened to and interacted with the band, and I’ve also drawn a lot of inspiration from Lalah Hathaway and her unique musical choices.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to share the stage with incredible artists like Maxwell, Anthony Hamilton, Tasha Cobbs, Chrisette Michele, Common, and Rapsody. Every experience has taught me something different and helped me grow, not just as a performer but as a musician.
Originally, I studied music because I wanted to become a music therapist. That experience really shaped the way I view music. I realized it’s so much more than entertainment—it has the power to heal, connect people, and help them through different seasons of life. That’s become the foundation of everything I do.
Whether I’m writing, arranging vocals, performing, or working with other artists, my goal is always the same: to create music that moves people and leaves them feeling something. I also love pouring into others because I believe music can change lives, especially for young people and anyone searching for hope or healing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t always been easy being a singer, songwriter, and musician. There are a lot of opinions that come with this journey. People can look down on what you do, place expectations on you, or see potential in you that you haven’t fully discovered in yourself yet. On top of that, comparison can become one of the biggest battles, not just for me, but for so many artists. It’s easy to measure your journey against someone else’s and start questioning your own gifts, your timing, or whether you’re enough. I’ve learned that comparison creates doubt, but growth comes from staying true to who you are, trusting your own path, and allowing yourself the grace to evolve. That’s something I continue to carry with me, both as an artist and as a person.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, musician, and vocal arranger. I specialize in creating music that blends gospel, R&B, soul, jazz, and classical influences, and I’m probably best known for my background vocals, vocal arrangements, and my ability to bring emotion and depth to every performance.
What I’m most proud of, above everything else, is being a mother to my son. Watching him grow up in a household where music is part of our everyday life has been one of my greatest blessings. My husband is incredibly musically gifted, and he has inspired my own musical journey in so many ways. Seeing the joy in our son’s eyes as he learns from both of us reminds me why I fell in love with music in the first place. Those moments are priceless, and they continue to inspire me both personally and creatively.
I’m also proud of my resilience. There were seasons when health-related issues landed me in the hospital more often than I ever expected. Those experiences took a toll on me physically, mentally, and emotionally, and there were times I struggled with depression because of everything I was facing. It was difficult trying to pursue my purpose while battling things that people couldn’t always see.
Those challenges changed my perspective on life and on music. They reminded me that music isn’t just something I do—it’s part of how I heal, how I connect with people, and how I encourage others. I know what it feels like to fight through difficult seasons, and that’s why I create from such an honest place.
I believe what sets me apart is my heart. Whether I’m writing a song, arranging vocals, performing, or collaborating with other artists, my goal is never just to make something that sounds good. I want people to feel seen, understood, and encouraged. My journey has taught me that authenticity will always outlast comparison, and I hope every person who hears my music walks away knowing they’re not alone.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of networking and finding people you can learn from. As artists, we grow the most when we’re willing to be students first. I truly believe everyone should find someone they can shadow, study, or simply observe—someone whose work challenges and inspires them to become better.
There’s always going to be someone who knows something you don’t, has mastered a skill you’re still developing, or can offer a perspective you’ve never considered. Instead of letting that intimidate you, let it motivate you. To me, that’s where real growth begins.
I’ve been blessed to work alongside incredible musicians and artists throughout my journey, and every room I’ve stepped into has taught me something new. Those experiences reminded me that no matter how much you’ve accomplished, there’s always room to grow.
I always encourage artists to find people who won’t just celebrate them but will also challenge them. Find mentors and collaborators who are willing to push you outside of your comfort zone, because that’s where your creativity expands and your confidence is built. Staying comfortable might protect your ego, but stepping into unfamiliar spaces is what develops your craft. If you remain teachable, you’ll never stop evolving.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dl_zene?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DLZene/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCZhB0A3vshXQuiapbcK9DjQ
