Interview: Demetria McKinney - Someone You Should Know

Demetria McKinney: Someone You Should Know

Demetria McKinney is the voice behind the chart topping singles “Trade It All” and “100”. And a recently signed artist to the record label eOne. Her face may seem familiar to you if you’ve watched Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne” or if you kept up with Season 7 of the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Demetria sat with MusicXclusives to discuss, her music career, love, and what inspires her. Holding no fear, Demetria was open with our correspondent Tabitha Williams, even calling out one of her biggest critics by their first and last name. You don’t want to miss this.

Check out our exclusive with her after the jump…

MusicXclusives: Hello, recently you’ve been taking on multiple projects. From walking in NYC Mercedes Benz Fashion week, to filming for pilot season, and even a tour…How did this all come about?

Demetria McKinney: Hi! Well, Fashion Week began when I was asked by the designer to walk in the JM Couture Fashion show. I said yes and it was a phenomenal experience. I’ve been working on a few more things in LA filming for pilot season, but I’ll have more details on that later. And I’m very excited, I’ll be on the Funk Fest Tour which will be hitting various cities in the U.S. And…I’m excited that I will be opening for R.Kelly. I just feel blessed as a newbie.

MX: Congratulations! That is big and exciting news. It’s interesting that you call yourself a “newbie” because you’re not new to singing. Considering that your vocal talents may be “new” to the world as well as your appearance on RHOA, how are adjusting to it all?

DM: Thank you very much. It means I have to prove and I have no problem with that. Coming into music it’s a totally different ball game. I’ve gotten the opportunity to do “House of Payne” for seven years, I’ve worked on shows like “Drop Dead Diva”, “Devious Maids”, and “Necessary Roughness”. I’ve put in work as an actress and I love doing that, but if it means I have to start over to pursue my passion in music then so be it.

MX: What do you have to say to the critics that attack you with “Ageism” and doubts of your musical talent?

DM: People who are stuck in that old wave/ old age mentality need to wake up to what is happening around them. When there are women like Tamar Braxton doing her thing. Beyonce and J.Lo, who are mothers in this game, are doing it hard. It proves that there is nothing we cannot do. The only limitations that exist are the ones we put on ourselves. I’m not worried about the naysayers, I’m ready for them.

MX: Who are you looking at in music today as an inspiration?

DM: I’m looking at Rihanna, I love that she switches her style and she’s not concerned with what anyone says or thinks of her.

MX: Let’s talk love… how is love?

DM: Love is great, I’m still with Roger Bob. We’re still happy. Reality TV will tell the story that they want to tell. I’m happy. Truthfully, I’m a single mother, I’m a working mom and I’m dealing. I’m balancing everything the same way you balance any relationship…with good communication. Despite whatever I encounter in the world or during the day I know that when I walk into my home, that love is there.

MX: Let’s play a quick game. I’m going to say a word or ask a question, and I want you to say the first thing that comes to mind. No hesitation. Are you ready?

DM: Let’s go!

MX: Friendship!

DM: Cynthia and Claudia

MX: Who would you like to collaborate with?

DM: Drake

MX: Genre?

DM: R & B

MX: We are aware of your dance background; on your tour will you be dancing more?

DM: Absolutely

MX: Disdain?

DM: Phaedra Parks!

MX: Your fitness secrets?

DM: Stay hydrated, It’s all about creating a healthy food balance. Yoga and Pilates.

MX: What is your inspiration daily?

DM: My son

Thank you Demetria for taking the time to interview with MusicXclusives.com!

For more info on Demetria McKinney visit her website DemetriaMcKinney.com and follow her on her various social media pages IG: @demetria4real Twitter: @demimckinney

Written By: Tabitha Williams (@iamtabithaw) for MusicXclusives.com