DaShawn Miller: R&B's Prince Asks "Can You Handle It?"

by Cyrus Webb

For 24 year old recording artist DaShawn Miller the success he has experienced so far has been a culmination of hard work and incredible blessings. The Waco, TX native is living his dreams and sharing his love of music with the world in ways that few artists have been able to.

I have interviewed the rising star several times over the past couple of years, and it's easy to see why he is winning over fans of his music all over the country and beyond. He's stays up late using social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to talk with his fans, get their input and promote his latest project. Even at his young age he realizes that with such attention his looks and charm can only get him so far. He has to make sure the music lives up to the hype as well.

When preparing the music edition of Conversations Magazine we knew that it would be incomplete without DaShawn voice within it. In this interview he talks about where he his, what has got him to this point and there is much more to expect in the future.

DaShawn, first of all congratulations on all of your success. When did you first realize music was something that you had a real interest in?
It was early in life, about the age of twelve. My mom played alot of R&B in the house, and I fell in love with it.

Now that you are writing and producing your own music, what does it feel like to be focusing on what you love?
It's a crazy feeling, but it's also a blessing. When you have alot of people all over the place who like your music, that means alot.

How would you describe your particular lyrical style?
My music is more for when you are trying to set the mood right for that special person. If you find yourself loving groups like H-Town, Sillk as well as K Cee and Jo Jo then more than likely you will like DaShawn.

Congratulations on the digital distribution deal with Def Jam for the song "Can You Handle It?" Tell us about the meaning behind the song.
Thank you. The deal with Def Jam is just proof that all of the grinding with this music is paying off. I'm really grateful. As for the song, "Can You Handle It?" is more of a slow, club song. Basically I'm asking the girl if I give you my all can you handle that?

Because of the popularity you are generating, DaShawn, it is inevitable that you will have individuals looking up to you. Is being a role model something that you are comfortable with?
You know, I do want to be seen as a role model. That's why I try to keep my image clean. I want to portray myself in a way that others will look at me and what I"m doing and say they want to be like that person. That's important to me.

When it comes to getting your music out there, how have social networking sites like Twitter, Myspace and Facebook helped you reach a larger audience?
It makes it alot easier for your fans to connect with you, and you can get their feedback. It is also great for networking, linking up with producers and songwriters. For me, it's been a big part of my lifeline to the world.

I mentioned earlier about other individuals including artists looking up to you and what you have accomplished. Do you have an advice for them?
I would tell them that you have to keep doing it everyday. In the music industry there is no such thing as an off day. Even if and when you get the negative feedback, you have to keep going. Believe me, I am living proof that it will all pay off in the end. Repetition is the key to success.

In June 2011 recording artist DaShawn and good friend Bryan McCann of the Dallas Cowboys became the national spokespersons for the Ballin' With Books Literacy Campaign. Ballin' With Books unites sports lovers with books that fit their particular interests.

It was in six grade that DaShawn started getting interested in sports, namely football. His uncle played and was really good at it. I always looked up to him," says DaShawn. "I even wore the same number he wore (45) and played the same position." From football, DaShawn began to show an interest in basketball. When he began to pursue his music, he was able to do so balancing his love of sports.

No matter what he was doing, though, education was something he was going to excel in regardless---and that included reading. DaShawn hopes to use the spotlight that is on him to bring attention to this important topic as well as get others to see that you can be cool and still better yourself.

Look for two new singles and a video to be released by Dashawn in the near future, with details about his album coming soon. You can also find him this summer on the U Rock tour visiting stops in New Orleans, Dallas and Houston.

We at Shadow Play Entertainment and Conversations congratulate DaShawn for following his dreams and encouraging others to do the same. For more information about him and his upcoming projects visit www.reverbnation.com/dashawn.