REAL Magazine: What does your creative process look like? 

 

Dexter Darden: For music? Normally I tend to zone out and get in my creative place. Sometimes I listen to other artists to get inspired by the creative genius, then I focus, order some Chinese food, lock in, and start writing. For acting it’s a tad bit different. I try to get lost in the character, find where they are in the situation, and apply my natural instinct to the scene. 

 

RM: What makes you come most alive?

DD: Any of the arts, music, film, dance or paintings. Just creatives in general, really. I get so rejuvenated by seeing art at its finest. 

 

RM: What inspires your work in the world? 

DD: The thought and hope that I am inspiring others. I hope that I can continue to create material that reaches people’s hearts and souls. I know how I feel when I see a child who has persevered through trials and tribulations, or when I listen to an MJ album. It is a feeling that just can’ be duplicated. It’s special. 

 

RM: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be? 

DD: “Stay in your lane!” So much of the world is more obsessed with what’s going on in other people’s lives than what they can do to better themselves. It’s sad that gossip and tearing other people down is what makes some people happy. 

 

RM: Do you support any causes or organizations? 

DD: Yes! I have several charities that I’m involved with. Right now I’m really passionate about finding a cure for sickle-cell disease. Sickle-cell is a blood disease that affects many but doesn’t get the publicity it deserves and we are not far from finding a cure!

 

I’m also affiliated with The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, which was founded by Paul Newman and how I got my start. It’s a camp for kids with special needs and blood diseases that gives them an opportunity to be carefree and enjoy themselves. It’s a special place. 

 

RM: What do you have coming up and how can we support you? 

DD: I’m currently on set filming the sequel to [The Maze Runner], called Scorch Trials, which will be in theaters September 18, 2015, so be on the lookout for that! I’m also working on my music, trying to get a solid EP out by the beginning of next year! Follow me on Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram for more updates @DexterDarden.