D. Shawn & Soul 

Artist/Producer

Darius Middleton and Howard Joyner became "D. Shawn & Soul" in December 2014. Both with strong individual accomplishments and achievements, they felt like bringing their dynamic together would be something authentic, original, profitable, and most importantly musical. Two years later, the duo is going stronger than ever. Here is a list of accomplishments that they have reached so far: 

Credentials 

  • Carolina Music Award Winners (Best R&B Group/Band) 
  • Bachelors in Music/Vocal Performance with a Minor in Jazz Studies from North Carolina Central University 
  • Jamla/Roc Nation Affiliation 

Experience 

  • Opening act for James Fortune and Leiandria Johnson at ECSU 
  • 105 Voices of History Inductee (Freshman Year) 
  • Opening Act for Meek Mill and Yo Gotti at ECSU 
  • BET Blaze The Stage Winners at ECSU 
  • Opening Act for August Alsina and K. Michelle at ECSU 
  • Musical acts for Mister an Miss NCCU Coronation 14-17 
  • Performed at k97.5 Block Party Homecoming Show 
  • Performed with Tank at Westin Hotel in Charlotte NC 
  • Performed at Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival w/ Rapsody & 9th Wonder (keys, Stormtroopersband)
  • Performed with Branford Marsalis at Carolina Theatre 
  • Opening Act for Migos, 21 Savage, Ty Dolla Sign, Meek Mill and Yo Gotti at NCCU Homecoming Concert 
  • Opened up for Ginuwine at Club Power in Raleigh NC 
  • Performed at Art of Cool Festival 
  • Performed at Broccoli City Festival w/ Rapsody & 9th Wonder (Stormtroopers)
  • Opened up for Musiq Soulchild at Club Ego in Raleigh NC 
  • Performed at Made in America festival w/ Rapsody & 9th Wonder (Stormtroopers)
  • Performed at Hopscotch Music Festival (Stormtroopers)
  • Produced Self- Made Tour across the US for entire month of November 2017 (Performances in NC, LA & Hollywood CA, Denver CO, Atlanta GA, Washington DC, Las Vegas NV, and VA Beach) 
  • Played keys, recorded and/or produced numerous records with artists such as Rapsody, J.Cole, T.I, 2 Chainz and more
  • Performed at the first ever Dreamvillefest (Stormtroopers) 
  • Brand New Single "TBH" hits 25k streams on Spodify and video on Youtube

Community Service 

  • Musical Ambassadors (University Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Band, Vocal jazz Combo) for Elizabeth City State University (11-13) and North Carolina Central University (14-17) traveling around the world performing at numerous events while representing said schools 
  • Head Managers over team that help produce D. Shawn & Soul, as well as helping shape and mold other people's musical sound/career 
  • Ran numerous Open Mics and Talent Competitions giving local artists an opportunity to showcase their talents on a consistent basis with a full piece band 
  • Performed at Nursing Homes, Churches, Weddings, Funerals, and birthday Parties 
  • Performed at Voter Awareness shows on campuses in NC helping students to vote 
  • Curator or Bull City Symphony: A benefit concert featuring local bands from the 
  • surrounding areas giving all proceeds to homeless shelters 
  • Helped coordinate food drives and cookouts to help raise funds for causes 
  • Taught at Durham Parks and Recreation for a year monitoring guiding and mentoring 
  • over 60 children ages 4-15 
  • Taught at Notasium in Durham NC teaching children ages 4-10 vocal and beginner piano 
  • Taught at Progressive Music Center invividual vocal lessons
  • Assistant Program Director for Kidsnotez Teaching Academy located in Durham NC
  • Currently Teaching Voice/Piano at Rock n Roll High School in Apex NC

Affiliations: 

9th Wonder  

Jamla/Roc Nation Records 

EMPIRE Distrobution 

DJ Suede The Remix God

 Carolina Music Awards