Meet Dion Kerr | Artist, Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dion Kerr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dion, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As an artist who has spent a lifetime supporting others primarily as a sideman, a backing musician, and a producer, embarking on this new album and project, ‘eko vizion meusik’ marks a significant shift. By taking center stage, I aspire to redefine my role in the music industry community I am currently engaged in. This new album represents an opportunity to curate a band tailored to execute my compositions’ intricate and demanding nature. It’s a chance to showcase my performance, composing, and arranging music knowledge. Beyond the performances, my goal extends to establishing a solid footing within the music industry as a solo artist. My new solo album will allow me to propel my career into a new realm where my artistry can resonate with audiences worldwide.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Dion Kerr, a visionary artist from Delray Beach, FL, living between South Florida and New York City, boasts a multi-faceted creative spirit. His artistry seamlessly weaves together a diverse array of influences and artistic mediums. With an extensive background that includes global tours and recordings as both a frontman and a collaborator across multiple musical genres, Dion Kerr brilliantly showcases his unwavering talent as a producer, a multi-instrumentalist, and a conceptual artist. Kerr has shared the stage with Ignacio Berroa Trio, Godwin Louis’ Global, Jean Caze’s Amede, Emmet Cohen Trio, Immanuel Wilkins, Justin Brown, Tal Cohen Trio, Tivon Pennicott, and most recently, Marcus Strickland’s Twi-Life coming off of their European tour of festivals and prestigious venues such as Ronnies Scott’s in London. Dion co-founded the band The Smoogies, who released their debut album Planet Smoogies with esteemed trumpeter Nicholas Payton and People Music; they are set to release their next record, a live album, in 2024. Dion was the lead engineer and co-producer of Seafoam Walls record XVI; he also played guitar (formerly bass) in the live incarnation, released on Thurston Moore and Eva Printz’s label Ecstatic Peace Library, which was recorded and produced in his home studio. They recently got off tour, opening up for Unknown Mortal Orchestra for their US tour dates, and have secured a sponsorship with Fender. Dion is also a proud endorser of Benevolent Basses and Marino Custom Cables. Kerr skillfully blends acoustic and electric elements, drawing from various inspirations and styles to craft a unified, genre-defying sound that transcends conventional musical boundaries. Dion’s records feature melodic, groove-based instrumentals that glimpse his eclectic musical palate. At the heart of Kerr’s creative process lies an unwavering commitment to experimentation, vividly reflected in the fluidity of his work. His latest project and upcoming record, “eko vizion meusik,” collaborates with veteran drummer David Chiverton and prodigious drummer Miguel Russell with New York-based guitarists Tim Watson and Kerr’s shared Manhattan School of Music alma mater guitarist Emmanuel Michael.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love Florida for its nature, which I miss when I travel for extended periods. I recommend checking out all the different beaches across South Florida: Crandon Beach, Blowing Rocks, North Beach, and Delray Beach. I also love visiting museums and gardens like Morikami Gardens or Fairchild Tropical Gardens.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to thank all the people closest to me and my other bandmates who inspire me and continue pushing me to improve daily. Special thanks to Annie Christina, Seafoam Walls, The Smoogies, Andi Kerr, and Tim Watson, who have all played crucial roles in helping me get to where I am today.

Website: www.dionkerr.xyz

Instagram: @ekovizionmeusik

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDpK145NW6NEzSjPGQe__8w

Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsP3aF2OqG3xSdw_-iD_IuQ

Image Credits
EBAR