Apple Valley native, Dimitri-Maurell, is a rising triple threat: a visual artist, a selector, and an inspiration to others. Since the age of 4, music has been a major part of Maurell's life, including the moment when young Dimitri fell down the stairs, losing his two front teeth. The cure? The sound of music. Since his adolescence, Dimitri has dedicated his life to making art full-time, recording dope mixes, and inspiring other fellow youth to follow their passions by connecting with oneself and to take action, instead of aspiring to do things. My advice to Visual Artists and DJ's is to understand & connect to yourself as much as you possibly can. Understand that DOING YOU doesn't require explanation nor connotation.What you let be seen should be enough for them to draw up a personal interpretation. Lastly, self expansion by way of wandering outside of your comfort zone is key. - Dimitri - Maurell Sticking to this mantra, Dimitri continues to blossom this year, by working alongside several recording artists and fashion designers, to help build their brand through art and graphic design. Q: How long has music been a part of your life?
A: Music has been apart of my life since i was 4. I actually lost my two front teeth falling down some stars in the apartments I lived in, then, and music was used to stop me from crying. Bloody mouth and all. Q: Did you know that you always wanted to do music?
A: No, I wanted to make cartoons & video games before music. Q: What are some of your best accomplishments from 2016 and how do you plan to make 2017 better?
A: One of my favorite accomplishments from 2016 was honoring my passion by establishing myself as an artist that wanted to make art full time and not as a secondary gig. I also began to establish , organize and give purpose to brands I've envisioned since the age of twelve. 2017 will be better for me because I have fully grounded in my sense of self , wisdom & confidence. This alone should make 2017 all the better experience for me. Q: Were there any moments in your life where you had setbacks in your career? How did you overcome these setbacks?
A: I've overcome a million and one setbacks in the past year and a half alone & I overcame them all by keeping the vision of my desires alive in my heart and head, regardless of what was physically happening around me. Q: How would you describe the style of your mixes?
A: My mix style is a very fly medley Soul , R&B , & Contemporary R&B artists with an occasional rap , urban or indie vibe in between. Q: How would you describe the growth of your skills, from the time you started until now?
A: I need to get my skills up, but I believe I've gotten better since my very first mix. I've always had an impeccable ear for music, I just need to tighten up my actual mixing. I'm a steady growth and I will get there. [soundcloud url=https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/321952366 params=auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true width=100% height=450 iframe=true /]
Q: What is your favorite piece of equipment to use?
A: I actually loving learning on the Numark NS7 Q: Are you working on any major projects?
A: I have an untitled compilation tape series. I'm slowly gathering and accepting content for that and I plan to have released on iTunes. Q: Who are some of your musical inspirations?
A: Andre 3000, Musiq Soulchild , Pharrell , Irv Gotti & T Pain are among my music inspirations. Q: What's in your current music rotation?
A: Tons of gems: Mars Parker, Ojerime , Che Ecru , MAZ , Roni , K Forrest , Tyro Da Savage. Q: If you could describe the future of your music in one word, how would you describe it?
A: Inclusive Q: What advice would you give to those who are working towards being a visual artist or DJ?
A: My advice to Visual Artists and DJs is to understand & connect to yourself as you possibly can. Understand that DOING YOU doesn't require explanation nor connotation.What you let be seen should be enough for them to draw up a personal interpretation. Lastly, self expansion by way of wandering outside of your comfort zone is key. Q: How long has art been a part of your life?
A: Art has been apart of my life since conception. I would describe it as wild , emotion evoking & transcend. Q: How would you describe your work in three words?
A: I would describe it as wild , emotion evoking & transcend. Q: How would you describe your personality in three words?
A: I'd describe my personality as wavy, meaning mutable, intense, but warm. Q: Why style of art do you typically handle?
A: I can't pick one style, since I've studied tons of art and have since I was 14. I try to use any given combination of styles at any given point. I really love Futurism though. Q: When did you decide to infuse your art skills into graphic designing?
A: I once wanted to be a rapper and wanted to be self sufficient in making my own covers, so my best friend put me onto Photoshop CS6 Q: What was the most challenging part about learning graphic design?
A: Graphic design was easy. The most challenging part for me to learn was remembering where everything was. Q: What advice would you give to those who aspire to be graphic designers?
A: Don't aspire , just start. Its truly a matter of desire , giving it a little thought and bringing the many different operations into your own understanding. Q: What type of graphic design work do you do?
A: Party/ Concert Flyers Posters Clothing Business Logos , anything basically. Q: Have you done any graphic design work for any brands/businesses/musicians/etc.?
A: Yes! A rapper named DeezyTheSuper has some of my art & I helped make a logo for his Label TWC ( The World's Cure ). I've made a design for a medical marijuana delivery service, as well. A singer named Tranquilt and a rapper named Mad Max have covers by me & I[m helping my younger brother T Dot with his Clothing Line OAK. Q: Are you working on any projects?
A: I have so many art collections ranging from short films, music videos, skate tapes & clothing collections that I plan to have my art featured in. All of which has been organized by me. Q: What is some ultimate goals for yourself and your career?
A: My ultimate goal is to inspire a million minds to do them with self care and confidence. Q: Who are your inspirations?
A: People don't inspire me, colors, my own ideas & nature do. However, if i had to pick an inspiration it'd be Grandmother Alfreda. Q: What is your opinion on visual/graphic artists not getting the recognition they deserve, when it comes to creating art for musicians/events?
A; Well, you make your art using your heart and you certainly don't have heart to hearts with every stranger you meet. I think connecting is much more important than being recognized.There are two different types of acknowledgements, one i believe is more heartfelt than the other. Your resume is your resume by what you do, not who saw you do it. It is a shame to see, but at the same time those who truly want to know will find out. Q: What goals do you hope to achieve in 2017? What are some things you want to accomplish/do in 2017?
A: In 2017 , my younger brother Deron aspires to be a model , entertainment personality & photographer so as long as he becomes successful in those three categories, my heart will be full of joy. I just want to travel to and get well acquainted in 11 cities within the US and visit 4 countries. I also need my art to attract the mind of a soul mate or a few lol. Q: Is there anything you would like your supporters to know?
A: I want my supporters to know I love them!!! Stay Updated W/ Dimitri:
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