The Heroine’s Journey of Deema Homsi

What is the best thing that I love about my work? When I write song lyrics or sing Opera, the reaction I see in people, whether tears or laughter, is the most amazing gift for me as an artist. Even if one song uplifts only one person that day, if I can move people with my work, then I know I’m on the right track.

What is my idea of happiness? Self-fulfillment. When I wake up every morning looking forward to writing alone or with other co-writers, knowing that at the end of our session we will have created one more song to go out into this world. Also when I sing opera; I feel I’m in my own euphoria.

What is my greatest fear? Uncertainty. However I choose not to live in fear, as I’ve done that for many years of my life having been born in Lebanon and having experienced war for a whole decade.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Besides being over-sensitive, I can be a little impatient when things don’t happen fast enough.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? From a songwriter’s point of view, I’ll have to say Dolly Parton; she’s a great songwriter and humanitarian. In short, a legend. From the opera side, it’s Anna Netrebko; a Diva in the real sense of the word.

What is my greatest extravagance? Travel. I feel alive when I’m traveling. Love to experience different cultures, different cuisines, new experiences.

On what occasion would I lie? To protect someone’s feelings or if it’s not the right time to be telling the truth as it might affect someone who is vulnerable at that time, or if I know that it might affect their life with no turning back.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? The process for getting a TV/Film placement for one’s songs can be lengthy. This can be a little frustrating. The need to persevere is very important. Oh.. and stage fright! Everytime! But I guess if you don’t have it, you don’t care enough, right?

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?When I took part in a concert abroad, that was in honor of the Cancer Foundation for Children. Knowing that even if I played a small part in helping out just by using my voice, it felt really good.I also regularly meet with other songwriters online and we’re all in different time zones. This is when we are most vulnerable, when we write songs and we get to know each other’s deepest feelings. A tight friendship develops through that.If I could, what would I change about myself?Not to protect my emotions too much, for fear of hurting others. To learn to let go, especially when writing lyrics; the need to be raw and honest.

What is my greatest achievement in work?When I see that a song I’ve written touches someone deeply.

Where would I most like to live?I’ve travelled to many exhilarating places. They all have something to offer. As I’m currently living in Greece, the combination of sea and mountains is amazing. I wouldn’t want to change that.

What is my most treasured possession?My family….and my voice, whether in song or on paper.

What is my most marked characteristic?Compassion, kindness , love without end.I’m over-protective when it comes to family.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?Anywhere facing the sea. Can never grow tired of that scenery!

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?Sea-food restaurants with a modern Greek twist near the water.

What books influenced my life and how?Gibran Khalil Gibran’s “The Prophet”. I love poetry and his quotes are absolutely beautiful! They are very true, and they make one reflect on one’s own life. One of my favourite quotes is: “ When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy”.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?Opera of course!

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?Mrs Doubtfire! There’s no stopping her from doing anything for the love of her family.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?My mom and dad. They have been through so many hardships in life; they were forced to leave their homes, lived through many wars and still managed to keep my sister and I from harm and live a normal life. I can’t begin to understand the magnitude of their fear during those trying times.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? “The Sound of Music”. A classic!

What role do stories play in my life and work?Stories widen one’s imagination. As a lyricist, this often helps me explore various ideas and apply them, through my own experiences, to my lyrics, while still keeping it general enough for people to have an emotional connection.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ mean to me?The best quote to summarize this is from “The Prophet”: “The earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair”. I think if we remember to stop every so often and truly revel in the small things that make us happy, we paint our own life story.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?My family and friends for their constant encouragement (and their much-needed harsh criticism sometimes to push me further) and my writing buddies for inspiring me and pushing me to be a better me!

Which people or companies would I like to work with ? I’d love to work with composers who can bring my lyrics to life. Although I mainly write lyrics for TV and Film in the Pop genre and other, music in any genre really would be great. I’d also love to establish close connections to music supervisors. Some of the people I’d love to work with are:- Andrea Stolpe- Niamh Ní Mheara- GottaLuvIt Entertainment- Shane Adams- Tery Wayne- Corey Lee Barker

What project am I looking forward to working on?With the help of my co-writers, I am constantly writing songs for TV and Film and would like to keep expanding my portfolio.

Where can you see me or my work?This is my website where you can check some of my songs: https://www.reverbnation.com//deemahomsi

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?Absolutely true! The more one loves what one does, the more the passion inside grows. I can never imagine myself not singing or writing. They are my life!

Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story? – Nada Bahouhttp://linkedin.com/in/nada-bahu-245aa711a– Rand Sami Makarem Kaedbeyhttp://linkedin.com/in/rand-sami-makarem-kaedbey-54b27a42

How can you contact me?LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/deema-homsi-71143211aFB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014671772646Email: firstrainmelodee@gmail.com

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