From a young age, DaVionne has used music as a therapeutic outlet — her voice and pen are vessels for her deepest emotions. Growing up in Atlanta’s southern churches, she developed a love for music that led to self-producing music as a teenager. At 19, DaVionne’s talent earned her a spot on J.Cole’s “Revenge of the Dreamers III.” As a result, she earned a Grammy nomination and other opportunities, all before signing a record deal.
Now, at 23, DaVionne continues to make her mark in the music industry. She was recognized on Femme it Forward’s 2024 MUSE 50 List and has written for top R&B stars. The singer also starred in the 2023 documentary “Uncharted” with Alicia Keys. Her debut EP, “Good Grief,” released on Feb. 16, 2024, offers a deeply personal and introspective musical journey.
Beyond her impressive track record, DaVionne’s debut EP, “Good Grief,” showcases her artistic depth and emotional vulnerability. Each track is a cathartic release, transmuting her personal experiences with loss and healing into a source of inspiration for her listeners. DaVionne’s talent for translating complex emotions into her music highlights her skills and fosters a deep connection with those who have faced similar struggles. This EP is a testament to her ability to blend powerful lyrical introspection with diverse musical influences, creating a compelling and relatable musical experience.
Inside DaVionne’s “Good Grief” EP
“Good Grief” is a musical dive into the psyche, exploring the five stages of grief through a unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, folk, and psychedelic influences. As a stream of consciousness, DaVionne’s lyrics are a therapeutic release. They delve into the emotions felt during a loss and the journey to finding light again. The EP creates a sonic landscape that expresses a spectrum of emotions and inspires others to embrace the beauty amid life’s pain.
DaVionne’s career has catapulted due to appearing on “Uncharted.”
In June 2023, DaVionne starred in Keys’ and She Is The Music’s “Uncharted.” The songwriting camp-turned-documentary explored the experiences of three young women in the music industry. Starring DaVionne, Ayoni, and Jean Deaux, “Uncharted” examines the inequality and lack of access that young women of color face. This film marked the singer’s on-screen debut and landed at the Tribeca Film Festival. Produced by an all-women team, this film is a testament to supporting women through and through.
The Interview
In an exclusive chat with MEFeater, DaVionne opens up about her creative process, her Grammy nomination for “Revenge of the Dreamers III,” her perspective on the music industry, and more.
MEFeater: Congratulations on your Grammy Nomination for “Revenge of the Dreamers III!” How does it feel to be recognized for your contribution to such a highly acclaimed project?
DaVionne: “Thank you so much! Being part of “Revenge of the Dreamers III” was such a groundbreaking experience on many levels. So, getting a Grammy nomination was truly the icing on the cake. I’m just happy to be associated with greatness. I remember the day we were nominated. I was actually working two jobs, so I couldn’t celebrate like everyone else and pop bottles with the team. Nevertheless, the recognition was incredible, and it’s rewarding that my work speaks for itself now.”
MEFeater: Being appointed to Femme It Forward’s MUSE 50 list is a huge achievement. Congrats! What does being recognized as a trailblazer in the music industry mean to you, particularly as a songwriter and at a young age?
DaVionne: “Oh my gosh, I’m just a baby — I’m only 24! It’s surreal to be called a trailblazer. Being seen as a trailblazer is both humbling and affirming. I’ve always hesitated to fully embrace the title of “writer” over “artist.” But, over time I’ve learned that they go hand in hand and that I can be one without taking away from the other. Femme It Forward’s mentorship reaffirmed my talent and I was honored to be selected by my incredible mentor Jozzy. Our first session was amazing —Jozzy made the space comfortable for me to be myself among industry heavyweights. I’m just grateful to be here and am excited to see where this journey takes me.”
MEFeater: You’ve collaborated with J. Cole and even wrote the hook for Ari Lennox on their track “Pricey.” Can you share your experience working on that project, how your verse came to be, and your collaboration with those other artists?
DaVionne: “Working on “Pricey” with J.Cole’s team in Raleigh was full circle after “Revenge of the Dreamers.” Cole wanted my voice on it, which meant a lot. It was amazing just to be in the room. However, Cole was adamant about creating a space for me on the song and doing my thing. It was amazing to witness the song’s transformation from its early stages back in 2019, before it even had its final name, and to see it become the track it is today. Seeing the song evolve during such a dynamic time was incredible — I’m proud of what we created.”
MEFeater: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your recent EP, “Good Grief?” What themes or messages you aimed to convey through the music? Talk to us about the energy and emotions you were channeling when you wrote and recorded this.
DaVionne: “The EP “Good Grief” stemmed from a breakup in 2021/2022. I didn’t even know I was making the EP when I was making it. I was just coping, and I cope by making music. It was a journey of intense emotions that were brand new to me — I didn’t realize that I was grieving until much later. And I’m like, What do you mean “grief”? Because nobody died, and you never really hear grief talked about like that. You don’t typically hear grief associated with the death of a relationship or outgrowing your old self. You can grieve in so many instances, but we only really discuss it around a physical death. My therapist helped me understand what I was going through, and it finally clicked one year later. “Good Grief” became a way to process and share that experience.”
MEFeater: This EP is cathartic — you give the listeners a taste of the five stages of grief, including anger, longing, acceptance, and more. Do you feel like this project was therapy, in a way?
DaVionne: “Absolutely. I feel blessed to be able to process life through my music. I can work out my emotions through songwriting, and it helps me get to the nitty gritty of my feelings. Writing these songs was a way to work through those emotions and grow from the experience. When it came to sequencing the project, I had to pick songs that represented each stage of grief. I hope listeners feel that journey too.”
“On the other side of this, I’m going to be better, and I’m going to be different, and I’m going to be unrecognizable in all the best ways.”
DaVionne
MEFeater: “Not the One” is a hauntingly melodic record, with a general warning ‘not to F with you’and emphasizes the importance of maintaining your peace. Can you tell us about your mindset of confidence and the energy you felt when writing that record?
DaVionne: “This track is my favorite type of record because it’s so multi-faceted — like an onion, it has so many layers. On the surface, it says, “Don’t f–k with me, I’m that b—-,” but deeper down, it speaks to confidence and self-worth, making it relatable and empowering for anyone. Whether it’s a feel-good song to play while doing your makeup or an anthem to reaffirm and boost your confidence, it serves multiple purposes. While creating it, I embraced the anger stage of grief, challenging societal norms that tell women to suppress their anger because it’s not ‘ladylike’ and for the sake of other’s comfort.
For “Not the One,” I was like, forget all that noise—I’m MAD. And it’s not just purposeless anger; it’s a way to speak to myself, boost my confidence, and remind myself that I’m exactly who I think I am. Plus, it’s about not letting anyone get me to this place again.”
MEFeater: Your starring role alongside Alicia Keys in the documentary “Uncharted” sounds insanely exciting. What was it like working with Alicia Keys? Can you give us insight into your role in the film and what viewers can expect?
DaVionne: “Alicia is iconic. I’ve always loved her. She’s a trailblazer for women in all areas: producers, writers, vocalists, and more. Being asked to be part of her film was so cool and unexpected, especially as it evolved from a documentary about She Is The Music’s writing camp to highlighting me. The camp, filled with women producers, writers, and engineers, was amazing. Most of my career highlights have come from collaboration — like the SITM camp, the Revenge of the Dreamers camp, “Pricey,” my EP, and more. It reinforced that more minds are better than one, and to stay open to working with others.
With Alicia’s cosign, it’s like, ‘Yeah girl, you’re doing the right thing.’ I’m just happy, you know? The film followed my real life — working, performing, writing, even moving. It was a unique inside look at my life and process, and I’m happy that my story might touch someone watching. I was still working a nine-to-five, juggling work and music, and they captured that. I’m excited for people to see it’s possible to do both and make space for yourself.”
MEFeater: “Uncharted” follows you, Jean Deaux, and Ayoni attending a songwriting camp created by Alicia Keys and her foundation, She Is The Music. What was the most memorable experience you had during the filming process?
DaVionne: “My favorite thing about the experience was the camaraderie. Ayoni and JD are like my sisters, and I love them deeply. I was a fan of Jean Deaux before we met, and connecting with her was amazing. The sisterhood energy, even before we got to work, was incredible, and it’s a testament to the space Alicia and She Is The Music created. We formed a real sisterhood and relationships that’ll last through time. Another memorable aspect was that the entire crew, from the videographer to the director and the audio, was all women, just like the music camp. This all-women’s space allowed us to focus solely on creating. The friendships and supportive environment were the most memorable parts, and such all-women’s spaces are rare and important.”
MEFeater: The documentary aims to reveal the odds women face in music and how things can change one song (and one woman) at a time. From your perspective, what challenges do women in the music industry encounter, and how do you hope this film will address them?
DaVionne: “They did an excellent job highlighting the reality of the industry, where women feel safer with other women. Many of us have faced uncomfortable situations caused by oblivious or uncaring men. When there’s a shared experience, you become more sensitive to the problem. There was a default sense of peace and safety with only women in the room, allowing us to be fully expressive without worries. Alicia mentioned how, earlier in her career, she had to endure negative energy to be in the mix, but now she’s determined to change that. The lack of opportunities for women isn’t due to a shortage of talent but because of the patriarchy. It takes one song, one woman at a time, to extend the olive branch. As my mom always says, “If ever there’s a problem, you become the solution.”
MEFeater: As someone who has achieved success in the music industry, what advice would you give to aspiring songwriters, especially those who may face similar challenges as depicted in “Uncharted?”
DaVionne: “Before I wore the title of “writer,” I didn’t see writing as a service but as a way to be creative. Even then, I constantly created. My team calls me a hyper-creative, but I see it as staying sharp. It’s like going to the gym — creativity is a muscle, and the more you use it, the more effortless your process becomes. You have to stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready. As writers and artists, we sometimes wait for the moment to come. However, it’s crucial to keep sharpening your tools so you’re always prepared. Especially as women, we should extend the olive branch. I’ve connected with many amazing women and always keep them in mind for opportunities. Even before I got recognition, I stayed open to collaboration because it’s key. So, stay creative and be collaborative.”
DaVionne’s journey in the music industry is just beginning. Her story is a testament that determination and resilience can turn your passion into your profession. Amidst achieving groundbreaking success and collaborations, DaVionne’s growth is all about staying true to herself and her artistry. Her debut EP, “Good Grief,” showcases her musical talent. It also transforms her personal experiences and struggles into messages of healing and empowerment for everyone.
As she continues navigating the ever-changing music industry, DaVionne remains a source of inspiration for upcoming artists, proving that with dedication and staying true to yourself, the sky is the limit. We can’t wait to see what’s next for this rising star.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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