We had the good fortune of connecting with Dende and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dende, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I would say my success is directly linked to me being real. I seem like a real person as apposed to some other people that may seem like they are putting on a personality. I will also say im pretty talented and that helps, but also making every fan feel like my friend is a big thing for me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is an extension of myself. Im not just “one thing” and my music reflects that. Im mot one to be boxed in so neither is my music. If you listen to it i never stick to one genre. I feel like that sets me apart from others because i just make what I feel. Coming up in the music industry is NOT easy especially in a big city like Houston. At first I couldn’t even get booked anywhere. Thats where that motto kicked in for me “find a way or make one”. I started throwing my own events in parking lots, clothing stores, wherever people would let me. I started going to open mics 3 times a week EVERY week to force people to hear me perform. Eventually I built up a fan base, threw an album release party, and over 100 people showed up just to see ME. Im not anywhere near where I want to be in this industry yet, but i will be one of the best artists. I promise that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well speaking PRE- covid, we would hit the conservatory downtown. Go to the museums district on thursday because most of them are FREE and im cheap. DEFINITELY go to Barbarella to dance and listen to dope music. If it so happened to be on the week of a Bounce & Turn event we would DEFINITELY go there to hear some of the best artists in Houston perform.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Although i dropped out, my time at. Clark Atlanta University was a big thing in my life simply for the school motto that I use in my everyday like. “Find A Way or Make One” Another big inspiration to me is my mom. I grew up watching her work day in and out to build her own business up and it made me never want to quit.

Website: www.imdende.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamdende
Twitter: www.twitter.com/dendeisme
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DendeKamiSama

Image Credits
Images taken by: ldiop.photos & ninjafoomedia

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.