Djembe Dragonfire
Djembe Dragonfire is a quick rising star to enter the live singing arena on SL! His genre of songs range from Musical to Pop, and is always growing! I was lucky enough to recently catch up with Djembe for a chat.
Neo: First of all Djembe, thank you for being willing to share a bit about yourself as our November Artist of the Month. Since Second Life is such a melting pot of nationalities, would you tell us where you are from and if you still live in your birth place?
Djembe: I am from the United States, currently living in Georgia, but from Ohio originally, where I grew up in a musically household. My mother was a Trumpet Player in the Cleveland Women's Symphony Orchestra, along with my two aunts, and my Dad played a little piano. I took piano lessons and started on Trumpet as a kid, but then got braces so I switched to Percussion because the braces hurt when I played! I went on to study music and became a successful band director
Neo: I find your name very interesting and know it has something do do with a drum. Would you mind sharing a bit about it?
Djembe: Yes, a Djembe is an African drum played with your hands like a bongo or conga drum. It's often used in "Drumming Circles" to raise positive energy in social events. I used to lead drumming circles in the past with large groups and attended some with over 100 drummers all playing together. I've always enjoyed it. I am also a percussionist by trade, with a music education degree. I've been very involved in Metaphysical stores, where drum circles are popular, and also used to have a set of Crystal Bowls which are played for meditation. I really believe in sound therapy and the healing power of music. Music is the manifestation of emotion, and it has always been my inspiration. My parents didn't want me to study music because they thought I would be poor forever.... which turned out to be true LOL but I wouldn't change a thing. Music as a career has been very fulfilling, and it continues to be fulfilling here in Second Life.
Neo: Many have an interesting story on how they found or came to be in Second Life. Would you tell us a bit about how you came to be here?
Djembe: A friend told me about it. I didn't have a clue there was live music here. First I just played it as a game, then I danced in a club to pay tier, and eventually became a DJ. It was about 4 years before I realized there was a live music scene and became involved. Here in Second Life I sing almost every day, and I own a store where I create fun things for others to enjoy. I also have a passion for Virtual Reality, and have owned several headsets. Last year I discovered a Virtual Reality game similar to Second Life, where I was able to acquire land and build a music venue. It has since grown, and now I run the "Virtual Performing Arts District" and bring in musicians who want to perform there. It's very exciting to perform in Virtual Reality because it's all done on Voice, so there's only about a half second delay. Both the audience and performer get a realistic experience. Our website is www.virtualperforming.org, and our twitter is @VPerforming if you want more information. People can also enter without VR just like second life.
Neo: I know you do songs from many different genre's but is there one that you feel most comfortable with and prefer?
Djembe: I am classically trained, so I feel most comfortable with ballads, classical, and musicals. But I also really enjoy jazz, and Michael Buble. I've been singing since the age of 7, and had classical training in high school. I even sang in an opera once when I lived in Florida which was very exciting. Acting and singing on stage in front of thousands! Certainly an experience I will not forget.
Neo: I know you have said in your bio that you have done some work with ice capades. Please tell us a bit about how you got involved with it and your experiences?
Djembe: In college my percussion professor played for the Ice Capades every year when they came to a nearby hockey arena. One year he was unable to do it and he recommended me to take his place. It was extremely awkward because I was with all professors and other pros, as a college kid. But I had a blast and it was a very unique experience. We played back stage, and we could see the skaters skate by and go through the curtain, but couldn't see the actual performances lol. It was fun though!
Djembe Thank You