Joanna Hi my name is Destiny Malibu! I am a singer/songwriter/musician/mental health advocate from Malibu, California.
I fell in love with music at a very young age. Some of my earliest childhood memories include spending time with my mom in the recording studio. She was a professional Latin pop star and watching her record and write music so young was a huge inspiration to me. The opportunity to be immersed in that musical environment allowed me discover my own true calling and passion for music quite early. I stepped in front of the microphone with giant headphones on for the first time recording at five years old. I started learning guitar at nine years old, and I wrote my first song at that time called “A Million Kisses”. I home schooled for a couple of years and then started going to middle school in Malibu in 7th Grade. I entered the talent show and performed this song, “A Million Kisses”, acoustically. I was honored to receive a standing ovation and I remember for weeks students coming up to me saying “my parents said you’re going to be famous one day!”. It felt so comforting to know at such a young age that not only my family believed in me, but also my community. Fast forward to today and I am so blessed and thankful to say that I have performed all over the United States & Internationally, I’ve been on American Idol, have billboards all across Las Vegas, and am living my dream. I decided to call myself Destiny Malibu so I could honor my roots, and bring a little bit of the beach and my hometown everywhere I go. Making music and through it, connecting with people emotionally all over the world, is the most beautiful experience imaginable for me.
Could you characterize your musical style and the genre(s) you associate with? Are there specific artists or musicians who have played a significant role in shaping your sound?
I make pop music and I love to experiment with genre blending. Depending on the mood of the song I’m creating, I love to genre blend EDM, Hip-Hop, RnB, Latin, Funk, and/or Blues into the mix. I have been compared to Ariana Grande, Ellie Goulding & Iggy Azalea. Artists like Elvis, Michael Jackson, Prince, Aretha Franklin, Amy Winehouse, and James Brown have majorly influenced my singing style. In modern music, I admire artists like Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, and Kali Uchis for their innovation and artistry.
Share with us the inspiration behind your most recent single. What triggered the creative process for this specific piece?
My latest track, “Say My Name,” dives into the crucial topic of mental health, shedding light on my personal struggles. This song is a story about some of the darkest moments in my life, and how I found the light. It serves as an anthem of hope, emphasizing that genuine happiness comes from within, not external factors like wealth or popularity. The song resonates with those facing similar challenges, reminding them they’re not alone. It encourages reaching out for help and being there for one another. Combining both singing and elements of rap allowed me to share intricate details of my story, which I think adds fun, unexpected dynamic changes. The positive response so far has been incredible, and I’m grateful that people connect with the message. You can watch the full music video on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUSgiucEoZ4
In what way do you anticipate your latest song resonating with your existing fan base and attracting new listeners? What message or emotions do you aim for listeners to glean from the song?
We have gotten an incredible response to my new song so far & I think the reason it’s resonating so much with people is because of the message. This is a song with a lot of lyrics and heavy story telling about my personal struggles with mental health. Lyrics in the song like “I’d say my emotions border sane & pure madness, drowning in an ocean of clinical sadness and nobody knows…” are very raw and authentic lines that I wrote from my heart, and I think if someone is struggling out there, or knows someone who is, that maybe they are hearing this song and then feeling a little less alone.
How does this track contribute to the overarching narrative or theme of your upcoming album or project?
A recurring theme in all of my music is finding the silver lining in life’s challenges. Through my music and my mental health podcast, “The Destiny Malibu Podcast,” strives to explore the complexities of our human experience and how they impact mental well-being. “Say My Name” is a direct reflection of my personal journey through mental health struggles, and it sets the tone for the uplifting messaging that will continue to embody my upcoming album.
Maintaining creativity and motivation can be challenging. Do you have any rituals or habits that you find instrumental in sustaining your artistic drive?
I think it’s important to let your music inspiration ebb and flow. I think when people try to force themselves to write too often, it can lead to burn out. There are times in my life where I’ll feel extremely inspired one week and write ten songs, and then other times where I’ll go a few months without writing and instead focus on other aspects of my creativity. It’s important to remember as an artist that this is normal, and that you don’t have to be in a constant state of creation to be an artist.
Do you have any upcoming projects or releases that you’re particularly enthusiastic about? Can you offer any teasers or details?
I’m very excited for my upcoming fourth album. All I can say is expect some fun, flirtatious, feel good music coming very soon. I will post teasers and updates on my social media as we get closer to release. I would love to connect with you there! https://linktr.ee/destinymalibu
