Meeting Deon Williams Jr. Better Known as Musical Artist, HeyDeon

By John Grossi

When it comes to music, it’s hard to know who’s going to be the next big thing. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut. Like many others around Long Beach, I was referred to HeyDeon by a friend. And so I gave a listen to his music. It’s different. But different in the way that it’s different. The melodies are catchy and the instruments are more throwback than new age. Still, the arrangements are of this age. And the way HeyDeon moves fluidly through various genres seems so right for this time and place in music.

“I’ve done R&B, alternative, rap. I would put my genre down as feelings more so than anything else,” the artist explained. I spoke with HeyDeon this past summer, roughly a month before his latest release, “We Were Meant to Be.”

“I’ve done house songs. I’ve done more experimental stuff as far as production goes. One genre never really boxed me in at the end of the day,”

Lately HeyDeon’s style has included a little more singing than the rapping of his earlier days. Whatever he’s doing, it’s gotten notice from Long Beach’s biggest name in the industry. Snoop Dogg has repeatedly endorsed this young musician and even invited HeyDeon to open Snoop Dogg’s own 2019 show here in Long Beach.

HeyDeon discussed the feelings portrayed in his latest work, “We Were Meant to Be.”

“I would describe it simply as ‘Love.’ The embodiment of love and honesty. Everyone has a story… this album is a love story that’s being put on the platform for others to appreciate it.”

At age 26, he is ready to make his move. He’s been recording, producing, and performing songs since high school. Experienced ups and downs, both in and out of the music industry. With a new album out, there’s never been a better time to catch HeyDeon at a show in and around Long Beach this fall—and I would encourage you to attend locally before he begins to play more shows away from his hometown. He has set high goals this year for his musical career.

Make a date to attend one of the shows HeyDeon self-describes as “a family reunion.”

“At the end of the day, each person who comes to the show, they always bring someone new to experience that feeling they felt at the first show they attended. That connection builds a togetherness with everyone there.”

Follow his Instagram, which is ironically @ByeDeon to reference upcoming shows and venues.