Biography
"I'm not afraid anymore," says Deborah (you can call her "DeDe") Wedekind. "Not afraid to say the things I feel need to be said, and to take a chance with my music. I've found my joy, my purpose, and my peace."
That's a good thing coming from this Houston-based crossover artist who hails from a long line of actors, storytellers and musicians on her father's Welsh side; and is also one of seven musical children from an exceptionally creative family. A lifelong singer, who only in the last two years devoted herself to her music full-time, DeDe credits God for returning her to her gift.
"I'm a classically-trained singer and pianist, and flute player, and now also a songwriter who for the most part, abandoned music for a marketing career because it made 'more sense'," DeDe explains. "But about seven years ago, the music came back for me. I started hearing my songs in my head - songs I've never heard before - and dreaming about music. I said to my husband, Larry, 'Honey? I think something’s going on here.'" He agreed that I needed to get back into music.
That statement propelled DeDe back into music full time. She received her associate's degree in music - re-learning vocal performance, piano, songwriting, and musical theory - and regained confidence and belief in her life’s calling.
"I prayed that God would lead me," DeDe explained. "And He did. But you know what?" she continued. "I couldn't have handled this career when I was younger. I needed more life experience. I didn't have the skill sets, the toughness, and the supportive spouse I have now. This was the right timing. Everything I've learned to this point - the marketing, writing, music - it's all come full circle to help me now. It's taken every ounce of everything I have to do this. It's the hardest thing I've ever done, but also fortunately, the most rewarding."
Best of all, DeDe is right where she should be, which is reflected in her music. "I was afraid to put myself out there; afraid to write a song, but God took the fear away and here I am."
That's a beautiful blessing for fans of this crossover adult contemporary/inspirational/easy listening/Americana pop artist who's been compared to the angelic stylings of Celine Dion, Adele, Taylor Swift,and Sarah McLaughlin. But superb vocals aside, DeDe doesn't strive to be like anyone else.
"I have a very versatile voice," says DeDe. "I try not to limit myself to one sound or genre, and love experimenting with world music and melody. My mission with music is the important thing, and that's to bring hope, joy and comfort," says DeDe. "I want to plant the seeds of God's love in people's hearts and let them know there is someone else who cares." As a more mature artist, I also want to write great timeless music that appeals to all ages, and doesn't just follow the trends.
Her inspiring messages are resonating with fans around the world. In August 2013, DeDe was named a finalist in the UK Songwriting Competition for her original song, "The Plans I Have For You," and also won "Top 5 Best Vocalist" for the same at SingerUniverse.com. She also was a semifinalist in Song of the Year's 2013 Adult Contemporary category for "Blame It On the Summertime." Both songs are from her recent EP, Love &Fairy; Tales,released in June 2013.
"'The Plans I Have For You' from Love & Fairy Tales, is a very special song to me," DeDe shares. "It's based on Jeremiah 29:10-13, and it’s about the deep love of a parent for a child, a husband for his wife, etc. The song basically means, 'no matter what you do, it's who you are, who you love, and who loves you that's important.'"
DeDe also received a SingerUniverse.com award in 2012 for "Psalm on Danny Boy" (an homage to the 23rd Psalm set to the tune of "Danny Boy"), which also won honorable mention from SongofTheYear.com, and recognition from SingerUnvierse.com again for her arrangement of the classic "I Dreamed a Dream."
Pretty impressive for a singer-songwriter who's been on the scene for just two years.
In fact, in addition to her 2011 release of Clear Skies Ahead, and the summer 2013 launch of Love & Fairy Tales, DeDe is introducing her first Christmas album, World of Christmas in October 2013. "I love Christmas," DeDe says. "I get so excited about the holidays and this is something I've always wanted to do."
Produced by Grammy-award-winning Jeff Bova (Celine Dion's Falling Into You) who has also produced for Katy Perry, and Michael Jackson, the new CD features original songs and arrangements of Christmas classics. A unique blend of styles, world beats, and melodies, the CD crosses several different countries and musical genres - but retains the same inspiring messages DeDe strives to share.
"My favorite song off the album is 'One Child,' DeDe shares. "It's about how one tiny child can change the world, and that's my other true calling - giving children inspiration. I want kids and teens to know that you must follow your heart, find your dreams and make them come true." See DeDe's new music videos of "One Child" and "The Fairy Tale Song" on http://www.youtube.com/1dwedekind.
As part of her mission, DeDe supports charities for women and children, such as Covenant House, The Door, Humble Area Assistance Ministries, Village Learning Center, World Vision, and the African Children's Choir with proceeds from her music.
"I want to share what I have been given," DeDe says. "I've made mistakes and it took some time to get where I am. I believe that can happen for everybody. All the truly good things in life, it seems I’ve had to wait for - and I'm glad I did."
So are the rest of us who are uplifted by DeDe's musical gift. Please visit http://www.DeDe-Music.com for more information about DeDe and to hear her music.
Read More
That's a good thing coming from this Houston-based crossover artist who hails from a long line of actors, storytellers and musicians on her father's Welsh side; and is also one of seven musical children from an exceptionally creative family. A lifelong singer, who only in the last two years devoted herself to her music full-time, DeDe credits God for returning her to her gift.
"I'm a classically-trained singer and pianist, and flute player, and now also a songwriter who for the most part, abandoned music for a marketing career because it made 'more sense'," DeDe explains. "But about seven years ago, the music came back for me. I started hearing my songs in my head - songs I've never heard before - and dreaming about music. I said to my husband, Larry, 'Honey? I think something’s going on here.'" He agreed that I needed to get back into music.
That statement propelled DeDe back into music full time. She received her associate's degree in music - re-learning vocal performance, piano, songwriting, and musical theory - and regained confidence and belief in her life’s calling.
"I prayed that God would lead me," DeDe explained. "And He did. But you know what?" she continued. "I couldn't have handled this career when I was younger. I needed more life experience. I didn't have the skill sets, the toughness, and the supportive spouse I have now. This was the right timing. Everything I've learned to this point - the marketing, writing, music - it's all come full circle to help me now. It's taken every ounce of everything I have to do this. It's the hardest thing I've ever done, but also fortunately, the most rewarding."
Best of all, DeDe is right where she should be, which is reflected in her music. "I was afraid to put myself out there; afraid to write a song, but God took the fear away and here I am."
That's a beautiful blessing for fans of this crossover adult contemporary/inspirational/easy listening/Americana pop artist who's been compared to the angelic stylings of Celine Dion, Adele, Taylor Swift,and Sarah McLaughlin. But superb vocals aside, DeDe doesn't strive to be like anyone else.
"I have a very versatile voice," says DeDe. "I try not to limit myself to one sound or genre, and love experimenting with world music and melody. My mission with music is the important thing, and that's to bring hope, joy and comfort," says DeDe. "I want to plant the seeds of God's love in people's hearts and let them know there is someone else who cares." As a more mature artist, I also want to write great timeless music that appeals to all ages, and doesn't just follow the trends.
Her inspiring messages are resonating with fans around the world. In August 2013, DeDe was named a finalist in the UK Songwriting Competition for her original song, "The Plans I Have For You," and also won "Top 5 Best Vocalist" for the same at SingerUniverse.com. She also was a semifinalist in Song of the Year's 2013 Adult Contemporary category for "Blame It On the Summertime." Both songs are from her recent EP, Love &Fairy; Tales,released in June 2013.
"'The Plans I Have For You' from Love & Fairy Tales, is a very special song to me," DeDe shares. "It's based on Jeremiah 29:10-13, and it’s about the deep love of a parent for a child, a husband for his wife, etc. The song basically means, 'no matter what you do, it's who you are, who you love, and who loves you that's important.'"
DeDe also received a SingerUniverse.com award in 2012 for "Psalm on Danny Boy" (an homage to the 23rd Psalm set to the tune of "Danny Boy"), which also won honorable mention from SongofTheYear.com, and recognition from SingerUnvierse.com again for her arrangement of the classic "I Dreamed a Dream."
Pretty impressive for a singer-songwriter who's been on the scene for just two years.
In fact, in addition to her 2011 release of Clear Skies Ahead, and the summer 2013 launch of Love & Fairy Tales, DeDe is introducing her first Christmas album, World of Christmas in October 2013. "I love Christmas," DeDe says. "I get so excited about the holidays and this is something I've always wanted to do."
Produced by Grammy-award-winning Jeff Bova (Celine Dion's Falling Into You) who has also produced for Katy Perry, and Michael Jackson, the new CD features original songs and arrangements of Christmas classics. A unique blend of styles, world beats, and melodies, the CD crosses several different countries and musical genres - but retains the same inspiring messages DeDe strives to share.
"My favorite song off the album is 'One Child,' DeDe shares. "It's about how one tiny child can change the world, and that's my other true calling - giving children inspiration. I want kids and teens to know that you must follow your heart, find your dreams and make them come true." See DeDe's new music videos of "One Child" and "The Fairy Tale Song" on http://www.youtube.com/1dwedekind.
As part of her mission, DeDe supports charities for women and children, such as Covenant House, The Door, Humble Area Assistance Ministries, Village Learning Center, World Vision, and the African Children's Choir with proceeds from her music.
"I want to share what I have been given," DeDe says. "I've made mistakes and it took some time to get where I am. I believe that can happen for everybody. All the truly good things in life, it seems I’ve had to wait for - and I'm glad I did."
So are the rest of us who are uplifted by DeDe's musical gift. Please visit http://www.DeDe-Music.com for more information about DeDe and to hear her music.
Videos
Discography
Clear Skies Ahead
Single
2011-01-01
America United
Single
2012-01-01
Blame It On the Summertime
Single
2013-01-01
The Plans I Have for You
Single
2013-01-01
Love & Fairy Tales
EP
2013-01-01
World Of Christmas
Album
2013-11-05
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