From Mic to Movement: A Moment with Dior Ashley Brown

There are lots of inspirational people in the DC music scene, and Dior Ashley Brown is top tier of that set. She saw a gap in equity, inclusion, and visibility – and she did something about it. What makes her even more remarkable is that her accomplishments aren’t just for her own advancement- she has been paving a way for others at the same time.

Talk about a powerhouse! Her vision and mission with DC Music Summit are beautifully aligned with ours here at This Could Go Boom!, and we proudly lock arms to keep things moving in the right direction for our community and beyond.

Let’s dive into what Dior had to share when we caught up for a chat.

1. Can you share a little about your background and how you got started in music?

Music has always been a part of my life,  as long as I can remember,  it was the norm in my family home. Most of my earliest memories are tied to sound and song. My father played jazz constantly, and it became part of my foundation. My mother, also a jazz lover, was the wild card spinning everything from Heavy D. to Pavarotti.

My father has a beautiful voice, often compared to Luther Vandross. He had his band back in the day, and performed in musical productions while serving in the military, and today sings at our home church. Watching him honor his creativity at such a young age left a lasting impression on me.

My parents’ deep love for music, along with the joy of seeing my aunts, uncles, and cousins sing together at holiday gatherings, shaped my passion for music in a very profound way.

2. How has your identity as a woman of color shaped your experiences in the DC music scene?

Being a Black woman in the DC music scene means I’m constantly navigating spaces where our contributions are celebrated but often under-resourced or overlooked. It’s made me more intentional about creating platforms that are open to all and where we can see our reflections. I lead with that awareness in my artistry and advocacy because I know how important visibility, equity, and access are, especially in a city that’s rapidly changing.

3. Did you have any early musical influences?

Absolutely. My parents introduced me to a lot of jazz, hip hop, and soul, and living with my Grandma connected me to the “oldies but goodies.” Growing up in a military family meant moving around a lot, which gave me a broad perspective and exposed me to all kinds of music and sounds. From early on, I was drawn to artists like The O’Jays, Janet Jackson, Michael Franks, Queen Latifah, Tupac, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, SWV, Aaliyah, Sade, Heavy D, Nas, Roberta Flack, En Vogue, Outkast, Alanis Morissette, and Salt-N-Pepa just to name a few.

4. What challenges have you faced navigating the music industry, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges has been feeling truly supported and poured into as an artist operating outside the status quo. That’s part of what inspired me to create the DC Music Summit to break down those barriers, build something more inclusive, and empower artists to create their own lane. Along the way, I became a grant writer, a producer, and a strategist, not because I planned to, but because I had to. It’s about building your own table when none exists, and making space for others to do the same.

5. What inspired you to launch the iconic DC Music Summit?

I started DCMS out of necessity, parallel to performing and organizing in the DMV. I saw how much talent was in our region, but how disconnected we were from real infrastructure. I wanted to build a space where artists could learn, grow, collaborate, and advocate for themselves. DCMS is about cultivating a sustainable creative economy and making sure independent artists don’t just survive but thrive.

6. What advice would you give to young women of color looking to break into music?

Trust the process, nourish your gift, follow your heart, and trust your gut.

Understand the business and don’t be afraid to break the rules. Your voice matters, and you deserve to be seen, heard, and valued. There’s no one path to success, and it doesn’t look any one way.  

7. What do you want your legacy to be in the DC music scene?

I want to be remembered as someone who made it happen, an amplifier of my community and a representation of it, bold, resilient, and free. A  leader who showed up, created access, and left the door open. My legacy isn’t just about the music, art  I make, it’s about the ecosystem I helped build for the next generation.

8. Any upcoming projects you are working on?

Yes, I am working on my hip hop project with my producer, the Legendary King Kai, and we’ve got some new developments with my band. Follow me on everything to stay up to date on my journey.

Interview conducted by Robzie Trulove.