AUGUST 2022- HOUSTON, TEXAS
Destin Gonzales, also known as ‘Derek Elijah’, is a musical artist and creative artist born and raised in Houston, Texas. Staying relevant in his city, Derek Elijah makes an impact with his work. His dedication and skills to his craft has remained consistent and unique since the beggining. Derek Elijah has focused on never stopping working and always having content to drop. He has lots of upcoming projects to look out for.
“I’m constantly working on music. Whether it’s recording or writing, music never leaves my mind. I always have a never-ending melody in my head. I use it to my advantage. I transform my feelings, thoughts, and emotions into music. I’m actually working on a few projects right now. I’m kind of stuck in writing limbo though. It happens from time to time. Once those ideas start flowing again it’s right back to the grind for me. ” With a bright future ahead, the unique artist is hardworking with his work, and motivated in the way he goes about making content. As an artist, he practices being hardworking, ambitious, and selfless.
Derek Elijah remains focused on his journey and remains heavily misunderstood. He knows where his passion starts from and speaks more on his inspirations that keep him consistent. “I have so many inspirations. The things that keep me going currently are my wife and my unborn son. My wife is seven months pregnant. I’ve never felt so nervous in my life. At the same time, it’s what motivates me to keep going. That feeling of being a father is really something else, man. This human being is going to look up to me one day and that alone is what drives me to be the best version of myself. He is a product of love and I can’t wait to raise him with my wife by my side.” Derek Elijah stays consistent and has been seen at shows performing his latest music and staying determined in his endeavors.
Give Three qualities that describe you:
A lot of people might say this, but I personally feel like I’m hardworking. Not a unique choice, but hey let’s stick with it. I work very hard to get where I want to be in life, and I take pride in everything I do. I’m also very ambitious; if I’m not constantly working on my art I drive myself crazy. I’m always thinking about where my music will take me next. The last thing about myself is that I’m very selfless. I value others above myself more than I probably should. I care deeply about other people and it’s one of the things I’m most passionate about. I love giving a helping hand in any way that I can.
How have you overcome struggles to be where you are now?
It took a while, but I trained myself to keep my eye on my goals at all costs. My biggest struggle growing up was dealing with depression. It was a gift and a curse; I remind myself every day that I needed to go through that to get where I am now. You’re going to have obstacles in life no matter who you are. The question you need to ask yourself is, how are you going to get around them? I used to let what other people say get to me as a kid. Once you grow up you realize how little that stuff even matters. Just do you and forget what others think of you. That’s how I overcame it.
As a business owner, what are some obstacles you have had to overcome to get where you are at?
Competition. Music is a very competitive field. If you’re not following the trends and paying attention to what’s hot, you’re not going to get the traction you’re looking for. Also, money. Dollar bills. Benjamins. In the beginning it was hard. I had my phone, a pair of earbuds, and a dream. I was only 18 years old when I started so it was tough. It took time, but I upgraded along the way. I bought myself a mic, a computer, and some acoustic foam. Almost immediately my quality jumped up as well as my followers.
Who were the most influential people in your life?
I never met him personally, but my biggest influence is XXXTENTACION. May he rest in peace. I resonated with him on a spiritual level. That man was going to change music as we know it. After he passed away, I watched the more interviews involving him and I never felt so similar to a famous person before like I have with him. His stance on mental health, his ideologies, and the way he spoke. He was an old soul. He was so wise for his age. To this day he remains my idol and is also one of the reasons I started making music.
Derek Elijah has his sights set on the right goals and sees only growth for the upcoming future. “You are your own person; you are an individual. Only you have the power to change your life at any time. Don’t let others knock you down or tell you what you can or cannot do. You’re only considered crazy until you actually achieve something. Get back up. Always get back up. As cliché as it sounds, follow your dreams. Without dreams and goals what’s the point in living?”
Now, with his listeners, he is motivated by the thought of making a difference not just in this world but when he hits the stage to perform and in the studio working hard no matter where he is. His upcoming projects are only expanding.
“I’m working on a collaboration album with my boy Grayson right now. It’s going to be the first of its kind for us so we’re very excited. I just dropped one of the singles titled “I Miss U”. It’s only available on SoundCloud. Make sure you guys check it out. After that I have an album that I’ve been meaning to release. I’m also working on re-recording some old tracks and re-releasing them in crisp, clear quality. It’s going to be a great year for my music. I can feel it. You guys are going to love it.” His self motivation is the inspiration for others, and he stays steadfastly on his journey.
Public Relations agency, #Focuseddd, continues to promote the stories of individuals like Destin Gonzales, also known as ‘Derek Elijah’.
Tags of people mentioned:
SoundCloud: @derekelijahofficial
TikTok: @derekelijahofficial
Instagram: @derek_elijah_official
