Terry Dexter: Melody, Story & Arrangement

Terry Dexter | Photography by Raymond Dexter

Hailing from the Motor City, singer-songwriter-actress Terry Dexter initially began as a child prodigy whose first foray into performing professionally was at the tender age of 9. While serving as the lead vocalist for four piece band Tristar, Dexter would also go on to provide backgrounds for other artists; most notably Simply Red. The multi-racial twin [to sister, Tina] initially signed with Elektra Records in her early teens, but was later redirected to Warner Bros. where she’d eventually release her self-titled debut, which spawned a trio of entries; "You'll Never Miss Me ('Til I'm Gone)," "Better Than Me" and "Strayed Away," in July 1999. 

Let’s hop into this single, “Believer” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?  

Producer Duke Williams and I spoke about truly wanting to capture our hometown’s [Detroit] music and sound feel, something raw and "Aretha-ish" mixed with our own style. Duke, who is also born and honed in Detroit, sent me the track which immediately blew me away. The melody, story and arrangement of "Believer" poured out and 'Believer' was born.   

How then does “Believer“ either differ and / or compare to previous Terry Dexter compositions? 

“Believer” is an evolution of my sound and artistry. "All grown up" now, having lived and experienced more in life and so much of it is showcased and expressed in “Believer.”   

As a songwriter when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from?  

I draw my lyrics from a number of sources; some being my own life experiences and emotions, the stories of others that inspire me, a conversation that sparks a story or sometimes a specific piano or guitar chord or a track that inspires me.   

Tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for you, Terry?   

I started singing in the church, then professionally at around 9 years old starting singing and performing in a band called Tri-Star, which evolved to singing backgrounds and leads at local recording studios, which lead to my first major label record deal in my early teens.   

Now you’re from Detroit, MI, correct? So growing up in ‘Motown,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?  

Yes! I was born in Detroit, and mostly grew up in the Detroit metro area in the Southfield community. I was strongly influenced by my parents' favorite music artists; such as Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Motown, Stevie and singing at my uncle’s baptist church, New Hope Baptist Church, as well as Hartford Memorial Baptist Church. I also was influenced by singers like Whitney Houston, Stephanie Mills, Mariah Carey and Toni Braxton.  

That said, how do you describe and / or define the style of music that you create and / or perform? 

I have collab’d and released music in the House and Electronic genre, Pop and Inspirational genres, as well as my Roots genre, R&B / Soul showcased in my newest music release “Believer.”

What particular string of events actually led to your then signing to / with initially Elektra Records and later Warner Bros.? 

I was signed to Elektra in my early teens via a manager and lawyer connection to the label at the time, and then Warner Bros. via a production company called University Records.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?  

I'd love people to feel inspired, touched in the deepest way, make people smile and or see life and the world in a different way. To evoke people’s spirit and soul in a lifted way.          

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?   

The great Aretha Franklin. She is my greatest inspiration and working or performing with her I know my artistry would be expanded greatly. Although she is no longer with us, her music does this to me when I listen to her one of a kind voice, sound and songs.         

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?     

The FOX Theatre in Detroit, hands down. I got close, by attending and presenting an award at the Detroit Music Awards one year, though to perform and sing there would be a DREAM.      

Terry Dexter | Photography by Steven Chan

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B? 

I think that the industry has changed so much, and the way they / we listen to music has expanded to so many various different platforms and sources, so that being said there are a lot of talented R&B artists putting music out and so I'm happy to see that many R&B artists are releasing lots of new music, keeping R&B evolving and full.   

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?  

Creating music from an authentic place, and allowing my gifts to lead the way.          

Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment? 

Yes, a few…one of them reflects my love for animals, especially cats. I've helped and found homes for stray and / or abandoned cats, and have two rescue cats of my own. I'd like to start my own cat rescue, and other businesses revolving around cats.  

You have also appeared on both the small and big screen(s) — Anything coming up for you any-time soon on the acting front?  

I do have a couple of projects in the works, so keeping fingers crossed. Hopefully, I'll be able to share the news soon. ;)  

To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?  

My gosh, I'm so grateful to have had many moments that were beyond amazing to me. Every single moment has been a big one in its own way. One that I'd like to share is my mentoring work with the charity Oneness. Once I worked with a group of musically talented teenagers over the course of a weekend in the Midwest, and then watched them perform the song they created together live on the big stage afterwards; was a great moment.  

What’s an average day like for you?  

An average day for me is a mixture of talks and or time with my family and friends and cats, creative work and business, fitness and rest.  

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans...   

I do try to interact and respond via social media. I appreciate the support and love always.  

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?  

My favorite part is creating art and doing what I love, and seeing and experiencing how it affects and inspires people. My least favorite is, at times, overthinking things and / or trying my hardest not to be such a perfectionist at times.   

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?  

My mom always gave the best advice that has helped me navigate my life and dreams. "Always follow your heart, don't question it and take it step by step and day by day."

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?  

Having a much bigger music catalogue. I'd like to have written and released a novel, and get more behind the scenes in music and film, as well as mentoring up and the newest generation of music creatives as well.  

As for the immediate, what's next for Terry Dexter?  

After “Believer,” I have 3 more songs from the completed EP being released in succession over the coming months. I'll also be recording and releasing more music with Duke Williams via our music label, Daytwah Sound.  

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?   

I think we covered it all.  

Lastly, any “parting” words for our readers?  

We all are blessed with special gifts. Embrace your wonderful gifts, and let your gifts leadddd. XO

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