Meet Daniel De Jesús of Northeast Philadelphia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel De Jesús

Hi Daniel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m Daniel de Jesús, a multidisciplinary artist based in Philadelphia, working as a painter, composer, songwriter, and cellist. My artistic journey started early in North Philadelphia, where I began drawing comic books in fifth grade and took up the cello at 12, eventually studying under the esteemed Vivian Barton Dozor. I balanced visual arts and music throughout my education, attending the High School for Creative and Performing Arts and graduating from the University of the Arts in 2004. Early in my career, I toured with the band Rasputina, and since then, I’ve released nine studio albums that blend baroque, classical, and neoclassical elements. My visual art, influenced by Latin American Baroque and medieval styles, has been featured in solo exhibitions and curatorial projects like “Arcanas: Neocolonial Retablos Inspired by Tarot.” Since 2021, I’ve been dedicated to music education and community outreach as the Director of Music Education and Community Outreach for Artistas y Músicos Latinoamericanos (AMLA) at Esperanza. Looking ahead, I’m excited to create a goth-rock-punk opera and start a business to help artists manage their careers, while continuing to support Philadelphia’s vibrant artistic community.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road for me. As a multidisciplinary artist working in both music and visual art, I’ve faced my share of challenges. Growing up in North Philadelphia, I had to forge my own path in an environment where access to arts education and resources wasn’t always easy to come by. My journey to becoming a recognized artist involved balancing multiple disciplines—music, painting, curating—each with its own unique demands and obstacles.

One of the significant struggles I faced was breaking into the professional music scene while staying true to my cultural roots and artistic vision. During my time with the band Rasputina, I experienced the rigors of global touring and the challenges that come with maintaining a solo career in both music and visual arts. Transitioning from being a band member to a solo artist was tough—I had to learn how to self-promote, produce albums, and manage the financial aspects of my art, all while staying authentic to my creative voice.

As an educator and community leader, I’ve also worked hard to make music education more accessible to Latino communities in Philadelphia. This mission has required me to overcome systemic barriers, like securing funding, increasing teacher salaries, and expanding program offerings at AMLA. Despite these challenges, my commitment to education and my community has never wavered, driven by my deep belief in the transformative power of the arts.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a multidisciplinary artist based in Philadelphia, and my work spans music, visual arts, and education. I specialize in merging these worlds, creating a unique blend of visual and sonic experiences that reflect my Puerto Rican heritage. I’m known for my work as a composer, cellist, songwriter, and painter, as well as my involvement in curating art exhibitions.

Musically, I’ve released several studio recordings that fuse baroque, classical, and neoclassical elements within pop and rock genres. My visual art often draws on Latin American Baroque, medieval, and Pre-Raphaelite influences, with themes that explore identity, mysticism, and historical narratives.

What I’m most proud of is my work in education and community outreach. As the Director of Music Education and Community Outreach at AMLA, I’ve focused on making music education more accessible to Philadelphia’s Latino communities. I’ve worked to expand our programs, introduce new classes, and support our teachers—all with the goal of nurturing young talent and giving back to the community that shaped me.

What sets me apart is my ability to seamlessly integrate different artistic disciplines and my dedication to using art as a tool for education and empowerment. My work isn’t just about creating; it’s about building a bridge between cultures, histories, and communities, and inspiring others to find their own voices in the process.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I am deeply immersed in the world of politics and find solace in the realms of escapism. While self-help content has never resonated with me, I’ve always been drawn to the intricate worlds created by authors like Anne Rice. Her works are a constant companion, and I find myself revisiting her novels time and again, savoring the rich, gothic atmospheres she weaves. Currently, I’m indulging in her short novel, Vittorio, The Vampire, which continues to captivate me with its dark, poetic allure.

In addition to my literary pursuits, I have a penchant for humor, which I satisfy through comedic podcasts like I’ve Had It. They provide a much-needed balance to the heavier themes I often explore. My love for storytelling extends to the world of comics, where I’m presently engrossed in The Age of Apocalypse, an early 2000s Marvel series set in the X-Men Universe. This series offers a complex, alternate reality that appeals to both my love for intricate narratives and my appreciation for the superhero genre.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.celloeye.com/
• Instagram: @dejesuscello
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dejesuscello
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@celloeye
• Other: https://danieldejesuscello.bandcamp.com/

Image Credits
Bryan Karl Lathrop https://www.bklphoto.com
Chris Baker Evans https://chrisbakerevens.clientportal.photo/gallery/night-of-1000-kates-2024
Other photos by Friends and Family.