DemiMa doesn’t just make music. she builds worlds where chaos finds its counterpoint in calm. When the music industry came knocking, DemiMa said no. At just 16, she turned down major label deals, unwilling to compromise her vision for quick fame or corporate approval. 

 “I’m a resolutionary,” says DemiMa with calm certainty. “I don’t like to dwell on what’s wrong I like to spend time imagining how things can be better.” It’s the kind of mindset that doesn’t just fuel her music, but her entire approach to life, community, and healing.

As a first-time listener encountering her meditative EP Duality Part Two: Peace, I was curious to understand the artist behind the sound someone who doesn’t just make music, but moves with intentionality and purpose. “I’m a healer. I’m devoted to raising our vibration as people within myself, my community, my friendships, my family. I’m about breaking generational trauma cycles.”

That commitment to healing and progress doesn’t end with the music. She also describes herself as a “social butterfly” who thrives on celebrating others from children to elders, introverts to extroverts. “I’m a fan of giving people their flowers just for existing,” she adds warmly.

Her love for music traces back to the womb. “When my mom was pregnant with me, she used to play jazz and classical to her belly,” she recalls. “And when I was born, I was surrounded by music.It was in my blood.” Jazz, she explains, is more than a genre it's a form of freedom. “Jazz is an exploration of expression.Even though I haven’t fully immersed it into my sound yet, it's always been a thread in my music.”

Despite her passion, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. At just 16, she was approached by major labels but turned them down. “There’s something in me that’s just resistant to the capitalist structure of the industry,” she explains. “I’m not a sellout. I could’ve made a lot of money, but I wouldn’t have been proud of those decisions.”

Instead, she’s chosen to remain fiercely independent. “The industry is a mess. It’s anti-musician. It’s built to exploit artists.” And yet, she stays powered by purpose. “There have been times I’ve wanted to give up and study law, do something ‘stable.’ But this is a calling. I can’t leave.”

Her decision to walk the independent path is deeply tied to representation. “I’ve always wanted to be a voice for the alternative girls, the queer folk. We don’t see enough of us. Growing up, seeing other people doing different things made me feel valid.”

She’s not just a musician, but a yoga teacher and sound therapist. Her recent EP Duality Part Two: Peace is a manifestation of that wellness journey.“The record is about two states of being chaos and peace. Part one was chaos, and now we’re in peace,” she explains. “I wanted to create music that soothes the nervous system. Music that holds space.”

Minimal lyrics were intentional. “When you’re in a meditative state, you don’t want words influencing your thoughts. You want space to breathe.”

That understanding of the body and sound comes from her training in yoga and sound therapy. “I’m fascinated by frequency and how it affects our minds and bodies. I want my music to help people relax, focus, and feel safe.”

The recording process of “Let Love Be” was smooth, she says. “It flowed. It was one take. Some people even fell asleep in the studio it was that calming.”

Her creative process varies. Sometimes the beat comes first. Sometimes it’s a spoken word piece. “It depends,” she says. “But with Let Love Be, it was completely intuitive.”

Asked about the pressures of social media and marketing, she admits it's not her strength. “It doesn’t come naturally. It’s hard to constantly document your life. Sometimes we’re more focused on capturing a moment than living it.” She adds, “There’s too much pressure on artists to do everything write, produce, market, plan releases. It’s overwhelming. There needs to be a better system.”

When asked what she hopes her legacy will be, she doesn't mention awards or fame. “If I can say, on my deathbed, that I contributed to healing my community then I’ve done what I came here to do.”

Musically, she’s inspired by women who disrupted norms such as Erykah Badu, Little Dragon, J’Something, Busi Mhlongo. “They made me feel seen. They made me feel like I existed.”

Her music and mission is clear: to create with purpose, to heal with sound, and to honour her lineage. “I feel like my role is to raise the vibration of my community and to hold space for people to feel safe, seen, and free.”

For more on DemiMa read our interview below:

The following interview has been slightly edited for context and clarity

Daniel: For someone who may not know you yet, how would you describe yourself?

DemiMa: I’m a revolutionary. I spend a lot of time thinking about how to solve problems whether they’re personal or global. I don’t like to dwell on how bad things are; I’d rather focus on how we can improve. I’m also a healer, committed to raising vibrations in myself, my family, and my community. And I’m a social butterfly I love people and celebrating them for who they are.

Daniel: Where did your love for music begin?

DemiMa: It started when I was in the womb my mom used to play jazz and classical music while pregnant with me. I grew up in a very musical family, so it was natural. But as I got older, I became the one who truly pursued it as a passion.

Daniel: Does jazz still influence your music today?

DemiMa: Definitely. Jazz is all about freedom and expression. It’s always a part of what I do, even if it’s subtle. I’d love to include more classic jazz as I grow artistically.

Daniel: Was it easy choosing music as a career path?

DemiMa: No, not at all. I was approached by major record labels when I was around 16 or 17, but I turned them down. I come from activist parents, and I’ve always been resistant to the capitalist, exploitative side of the industry. I chose the harder, more authentic route by staying independent.

Daniel: What keeps you motivated as an independent artist?

DemiMa: It’s a calling. Even when I’ve thought of quitting, something always brings me back. I want to be a voice for the alternative girls, for the queer community, for people like me who don't see themselves represented. That representation matters.

Daniel: How do you feel about the music industry as it stands today?

DemiMa: I think the industry is deeply flawed—it often works against musicians instead of for them. It’s like an abusive relationship. Still, I see hope in new, independent labels and platforms that are emerging to change that.

Daniel: What is your creative process like?

DemiMa: It varies. Sometimes I write poetry or verses without music, and sometimes I hear a beat and the words just flow. For Let Love Be, it was a very intuitive, one-take freestyle. It all came naturally.

Daniel: Can you tell us more about Let Love Be?

DemiMa: It was created in a very peaceful state. I worked with my brother League and StarChild. I wanted it to be a zen, relaxing song something that felt like a balm for the chaos in the world. It's simple on the surface, but deeply intentional.

Daniel: What inspired your EP Duality Part Two: Peace?

DemiMa: It’s the second half of a two-part project. Part one was Chaos, and this one represents stillness and healing. After training in yoga and sound therapy, I wanted to create music that could calm the nervous system and bring peace. That’s why it’s mostly instrumental and minimal in lyrics.

Daniel: How has your experience in the wellness space influenced your music?

DemiMa: Massively. Learning about the nervous system and frequency made me more intentional with sound. I want my music to have a healing effect—not just be heard, but felt.

Daniel: What are your thoughts on social media and music marketing?

DemiMa: It doesn’t come naturally to me. There’s pressure to constantly document your life and curate moments, which can feel inauthentic. Sometimes I think we’re more concerned with appearing present than actually being present.

Daniel: What would you like your legacy to be?

DemiMa: Honestly, my legacy is much bigger than music. If I can say I contributed to the healing of my community emotionally, spiritually, culturally then I’ll be proud of the life I lived.

Daniel: Who are some of your musical inspirations?

DemiMa: Artists like Erykah Badu, Little Dragon, Busi Mhlongo, and others who weren’t afraid to be different. They made me feel like there was a place for someone like me.

Daniel: Any final words to your listeners or supporters?

DemiMa: I’m so grateful for my community my tribe that’s stuck with me. Thank you for appreciating what I do. There’s more to come.