Interview with DuRae O’Shea Wilkinson, AKA ManyLights
Artist Introduction
What’s your name and where are you from?
My name is DuRae O’Shea Wilkinson and I go by ManyLights. I am born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I now currently live in Jamaica. I lived in Toronto most of my life. My parents are Jamaican and they would take me to Jamaica every year of my life so this was always my home as well. I always knew I would live here at some point and I decided to move here a couple years ago into our home that my family had been building in the country side.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
My name DuRae means ManyLights. My parents made it up before I was born. ManyLights can mean many gifts, many ideas and many interests. If you know me, you’d be able to attest that this is true and I am the meaning of my name. I also believe my name to be a reflection of all of us as we are all many lights. We are all gifted people sharing this experience of life together.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
It all started the moment my parents brought me home from the hospital after my mother gave birth. They set me down in my first crib in their second room of their apartment, which was also my fathers recording studio. Ever since meeting my first roommate (the studio) music has been like breathing to me. Fun Fact: I’m still roommates with music till this day. Music and I are best friends.
Fan Engagement
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
I always collaborate with God and it’s always an interesting experience. I let go and stream the lyrics. It’s a beautiful experience discovering the melody/song emerging from the universe and the feeling I get witnessing the perfection. The last track I wrote was about keeping it moving, no matter the circumstances or people that you have in your life that come around and cause turmoil. I felt very motivated after writing it. I was also very excited pacing around my living room reciting it because there are a lot of clever lyrics in the song.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
I want to convey hope, wisdom, unconditional love, honesty, good vibes, fun, happiness, forgiveness, embracing the tough times and growing from them, how to be of service, patience, resilience, hard ward, consistent efforts begets results, peace, express yourself creatively, you are worthy, anything is possible, we are the hero we are looking for to save us and that we should put God first in all that we do.
Behind the Music
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
A challenge I faced was getting my music to sound up to the quality level I wanted it to. I have been a recording studio engineer ever since I was 11 years old. I am mostly self taught. My father would teach me the basics and I would just fool around with the programs in the studio and figure it out. I faced the challenge by never giving up on finding a sound that I truly enjoy. I am always doing extensive study and experimenting with new hardware and software. We are all unique creators so the sound I would like for myself will differ from another artist. Art is subjective to a point so what may please one ear does not please the other. There is a certain level of polished sound that I seek for. I have achieved it to a certain degree by collaborating with other engineers and creatives. I am still on the journey to creating that sound I desire right at home. So it may not seem like I have fully overcame this challenge. I am the type of guy that celebrates the small wins and the journey in it self. To me, overcoming is the commitment to the process. I am never going to stop going after the vision I have for myself, so I win. I encourage anyone that is reading this to not focus on the “finish line”. Focus your attention on the commitment you have to the process. Life never stops and the most valuable trait you can have along the way is your full commitment. When you have this mentality you will never stop, you will keep going and often grow past the goals you had a vision for and excel. When you stay dedicated and let this way be part of your function, you are a living champion. Be patient with yourself and keep going. Don’t worry about what other people are doing or where they are at. You are where you are, accept yourself, keep going and remember it’s all about God and time.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
I really would have loved to work with Bob Marley because his essence and his messaging in the music is unmatched. He’s my favourite artist of all time! Since that’s not possible… unless I get a sample from the Marley family… or get an AI generated collab, I would love to work with Diana Ross because I love the way she expresses herself. Not only is her voice amazing, I could feel her soul when I listen to her songs.
Future Aspirations
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
I see it taking me into new relationships with people. I see it creating new invaluable experiences that will reshape my perspective and reaffirm my purpose. I see my music taking me into the hearts of those that needed me there.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
Everyday is the next big step, I just keep going. I’m taking it one step at a time. I will keep expanding on my skill sets and learning new ones that will aid me on my journey. I do my part and allow God to do the rest.
Thank you, DuRae, for sharing your insights and journey with us. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you, and we look forward to witnessing your continued success in the music industry.
