Have you always had that self-belief?
“Yeah, that’s what I’m saying. I’d be at work like, ‘Yo, I think I just wrote this song that’s gonna get me out of here!’ I always believed in myself. I think that comes from Texas, growing up religious and having this faith. And I do have faith in a higher power, but I legit have faith in myself, too. I always believed, man – I never had a doubt. It was like, ‘If I get the chance, I’m gonna really go for it.’ That’s why signing to Hopeless has been sick, and actually having this backing now. Like, I’m in the race now! It might sound insane, because I had no reason to believe to be honest – other than myself. But now I may have a chance, and I want to compete at the highest level.”
Did you have any reservations about signing to a label predominantly known for pop-punk when you’re more hip-hop based and are mashing together multiple genres?
“I didn’t, because up until then, labels were still looking at me like I was a I was a maniac – like it couldn’t be possible, honestly, for me to be doing punk music and shit, and making rock that’s tasteful. It just didn’t make sense to them. Hopeless came around and were like, ‘Yo, we fuck with this.’ And me being who I am, I was like, ‘Let’s fucking go! This is where I can beat my drum and get this shit started.’ Awsten [Knight, Waterparks frontman] is my best friend, and we live right by each other – I called him last night when I was on my journey (laughs). [And when I got the call from the label] I was like, ‘What’s Hopeless like? Talk to me!’ He was like, ‘I love it; they do a good fucking job.’ And that was all I needed. We were on the FANDOM Tour and they were able to see me live, and they were the first ones to be like, ‘What’s up?’ I was like, ‘Let’s fucking go!’”
Has Awsten given you any other advice?
“Oh, for real. Awsten has given me advice that will last my whole life. Truly. He took me on tour for two years because he believed in me. I will talk about Awsten for an hour if you let me (laughs). He gives me dating advice, music advice… I mean, I sent Awsten every song on my record that I just made that I’m fucking stoked about; he was damn-near the executive producer, you know? He helps me out with everything, and he’s given me grand advice. He’s the king of making you watch scary movies, and he’s also the king of giving great advice (laughs). He’s an all-around great fucking person.”
Ultimately, why do you think people should check out De’Wayne?
“I think they need it. There’s a turn happening in alternative music and rock music right now that's so beautiful and so fresh. It may not look the way people have always envisioned it, but trust me, they should listen. I think they probably prefer really good songs, and if they take a listen to what's happening right now in this world of new wave, punk, whatever you want to call it, it’s a really good thing. I think they should definitely understand that there’s a big shift going on right now, and we’re a part of it. I hope they will be, too.”