The debate over what genre had the best this and that is neverending, especially when it comes to R&B. Yes, the ‘90s brought us powerhouses like Boyz II Men and Brandy, but by the end of that decade and for much of the ‘00s, there is no denying that the genre got a lively makeover thanks to the likes of some heavy hitters we mention later. Mentioned because they’re who I was reminded of listening to the very talented Dajuan Dawson.

Hailing from West Virginia, he’s set on making his presence known with his dynamic tracks that deliver both universal and personal moments. We talked about his locale, music, and future plans below…

Kendra: It’s not every day you meet an artist from West Virginia, but you’re dead set on making a name for yourself – and proving that talent resides everywhere. With that, are there any plans to ever relocate to a music-city like LA or New York City to make connections or do you feel the internet provides indie artists enough reach nowadays?

Dajuan Dawson: I believe here in West Virginia, we have some of the best talents around but we do go unnoticed. As for me leaving? I do have plans on moving soon. Though I do feel like the internet provides reach, personal relations I believe can take you further.

Kendra: Your 2020 EP, ‘Just Being Me’ is really freaking good! It reminds me of the R&B that was making waves in the early ‘00s due to the likes of Usher and Mario. Were they some of your earlier inspirations?

Dajuan Dawson: First of all thanks for taking the time to listen, glad you liked it…But Usher was one of my favorite artists growing up, so for you to compare even a little is huge to me. I grew up in a very diverse home so I had inspirations on the R&B side as well as Country, so I’m just trying to combine my life into one thing to create something new, and bigger.

Kendra: People can’t seem to get enough of “I Can’t Erase” and I think that’s because it’s a very universal feeling. Was this written from a singular relationship gone bad, a collection of, or were you pulling from your imagination for this one?

Dajuan Dawson: Definitely from a past relationship, but also much more even though the verse is talking about my relationship. The chorus I wrote is universal whether it’s pain you can’t erase from absences (like from a father, or mother not being around), bullying, toxic Relationships, etc.

Kendra: When thinking about things you can’t erase, what’s one random thing you could never erase from your everyday life? Besides music and loved ones of course.

Dajuan Dawson: Good question LOL, probably making money or clothes. I’m in the process of creating my own fashion line, and I’ve been growing my wardrobe like crazy as well.

Kendra: I have to point out “Hate You?” because you and Emily Wyrick sound so amazing together. How did you two come together for this track?

Dajuan Dawson: Really appreciate that. To be honest, when I wrote this song I knew she would be a great fit. She is one of the most talented artists I’ve met. As far as how that came together her father (Travis Wyrick) is my engineer/producer, and I told him I needed her for this song. So he put it together. They did the song, sent it to me, and in my opinion, it couldn’t have been any better.

Kendra: It’s hard to have a definite answer when it comes to future plans given the current state of everything, but as far as what you can control when it comes to your career and creativity – what do you have planned in the coming months for yourself?

Dajuan Dawson: In the coming months I will be dropping the video for “I Can’t Erase;” you get the information exclusively. I also plan on dropping another single in the next two months and pushing this EP as far as it can go. I just wanna grow as an artist, and make a difference showing these kids there are other ways to make it in life by just being themselves.