UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — After earning a master of fine arts degree (MFA) in acting from the Penn State School of Theatre in 2018, actor and singer-songwriter Denzel Fields embarked on an ambitious journey into the entertainment industry that has empowered the multi-talented entertainer to embrace his creativity and artistry.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Fields earned an English degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, and with his sights set on becoming an entertainer chose Penn State to take the first major steps.
Following the debuts of the singles “Realized” and “Deadass” from an upcoming EP, Fields discussed with the College of Arts and Architecture his artistic journey that started as a 7-year-old choir singer and how Penn State helped him to launch a budding career.
A&A: Why did you choose Penn State?
Fields: One of the main reasons that I chose Penn State was because I felt so much love and support during my audition from the head of the MFA in acting program, Steve Broadnax. He made me feel seen and I could sense that he saw my potential.
During the second round of auditions, I got an opportunity to feel the energy of the campus and felt very welcomed by the MFA students. Once we discussed the curriculum and opportunities within the program, it piqued my interest because I really knew that I would grow.
A&A: Can you reflect on your time at Penn State? What are some of your favorite memories?
Fields: One word to describe my time at Penn State was “busy.” There really are no breaks in grad school. My time at Penn State was a season of transformation. It stretched me in so many ways and I “met the real me,” meaning, I came there believing that I needed to be a certain way in order to be socially accepted and to thrive in life. I was holding on to my past of being a minister and growing up in the church, which is its own story of triumph and liberation, but it was really restricting my work as an actor. Penn State was an outlet for me to discover my deepest passions and let go of the self judgement that comes with coming from a toxic religious background.
I really wanted to get better at my craft and being isolated from everything to solely focus on performing and growing was the one of best decisions that I made.
One of my favorite things was traveling to London, England, and Johannesburg and Cape town, South Africa. I thoroughly enjoyed studying and observing the craft in other countries. The study abroad learning opportunities were so eye-opening, exciting and inspiring. It inspired me to want to delve deeper into the craft and be a beast at what I do. I loved how the work and classes felt like soul work that eventually manifested into physical work.
I met some of my best friends in that program as well. I loved the PRCC (Paul Robeson Cultural Center) at Penn State and was so happy to connect with other black students on campus. It was just a vibe on all levels. The learning moments and soul-stirring conversations that I shared with the faculty and staff of Penn State are memories and lessons that I will keep with me for the rest of my life.
I found new community for the more evolved, awakened me and was surrounded by people that I felt understood my process and growth. I enjoyed my teaching assistantship that required me to teach acting for non-majors and was really out there being a college professor. That was so fulfilling.
I loved the social life, too. When my schedule allowed it, I got to support and perform at events on campus and would go out and enjoy the night life, too. So much fun. Penn State is also the place that made me fall in love with working out in the gym. Everything was so accessible and the resources there were amazing. It’s where my fitness journey began.
A&A: After graduation, what did you do?
Fields: I moved to New York and began working as a professional actor, singer and recording artist. I did my first show in New York, “Antigone,” with the Classical Theatre of Harlem right before I graduated and that gave me a great head start in the industry.
I’ve done “Choir Boy” and “Twelfth Night” at Yale Repertory Theatre, “Much Ado About Nothing” with The Public Theatre and PBS. I was also able to do my dream show, “Dreamgirls” at Paramount Theatre.
I have a national commercial with NBA x American Express and just filmed a series called “Men Like Us.” I have also done a one-man show entitled, “As I Am.” My prayer and focus are to book more tv/film roles and Broadway shows in the future.
A&A: In 2023, you released two singles “Realized” and “Deadass” from an upcoming EP, can you offer insight into the creative process?
Fields: This was my first year releasing music. I started writing the songs in 2018 and began recording in 2021 at S5 Studios in New York City with my engineer Zukye Ardella (Zu) who I call “Big Zu.” I had to get out of my head and just go for it. I wrote the songs during a time in my life when I was just done trying to please people. I was cutting off friends and family members that I felt drained me of my peace and was letting go with a very toxic romantic entanglement. These are like anthems for anybody that is fed up with holding onto the pain of their past.
My EP is a reintroduction of my newly discovered self-love and acceptance. I was angry and hurt when I started recording the songs. It’s so fascinating to see how the music evolves the more that I live and experience life. I have about five more songs that will be released with the EP in 2024.
Once I write a song, I take it to the studio with Zu and we discuss the story that I want to tell. She will help me with things like tweaking the lyrics or offering a different flow/rhythm for a line or bar that flows better with the instrumental and story. Then, we start recording. The recording can take a while because I want the notes to be on point without any extra effects or auto tune. I am a trained singer so I want show that I can really sing in my music and can sing anything.
The first round of recording for me has been very Hip Hop/R&B based with a flare of my gospel roots on the adlibs. When I come to the studio, I like the lights low with a splash of color in the background to set the mood for however I am feeling that day. I spend about four or five hours recording, take a couple weeks to listen to the songs and then, if I feel I need to do more or pull back, Zu and I will make the adjustments.
Sometimes, the first take is the best one. I sat on “Realized” for a year before releasing it because I was like, “They wanna hear me do a ballad or big song.” But that’s just not where I was at the time. I showcase more of my singing chops on other unreleased tracks. I want to make hit records, songs that people can relate to, but songs that move and speak to me.
A&A: Obviously, releasing an album was a big moment in your career and life, can you talk about what this meant to you professionally and personally?
Fields: Releasing music feels like I am taking control of my story and narrative. It is such a huge step for me in believing in my gifts and potential as an independent artist. It is such a passion of mine. I get to say what I want and interpret my own music on my own terms. It also gave others a chance to see me in a different light and hear what goes on inside my head outside of the acting and public speaking.
I was sort of surprised that it has been received so well. It is great music with great production and quality. People from different backgrounds have reached out, expressing how “Realized” and “Deadass” really spoke to them and had them dancing or feeling good. That feels good to hear as an artist.
I was on set about a month ago and one of the directors started playing my song and it sounded so good in the mix of other songs in the genre. It has motivated me to continue on my path and keep believing in myself.
A&A: Who are some of your favorite artists? Why?
Fields: I love singers from the 1970s and 80s because of the way they interpreted songs. The silky tone and texture, the soul, the embellishments and the way they told stories with their voices.
Donny Hathaway, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Marvin Gaye, Anita Baker and Teddy Pendergrass are a few. Each one of them had a distinctive voice that feels like the sky opened up every time they sang. I also love Usher, his high-performance level and unique sound. I like that he has been able to maintain a successful career, evolving with the times in his sound.
Jazmine Sullivan, Tank and Karen Clark Sheard are other favorites of mine because of their tone, placement and vocal agility. I am inspired by Beyonce’s vocal ability to go into any genre and make it her own along with being electrifying on stage. I have also been inspired by rappers such as J.Cole, Lauryn Hill and Meek Mill. I think Sam Cooke, Babyface, Mariah Carey, Ne-Yo, The Dream and Frank Ocean (to name a few) are really great songwriters as well.
A&A: When did you start singing?
Fields: I sang my first solo in church at age 7. I was too young to be a part of the junior choir and so I would sit in the back and listen to the older kids sing while learning all the songs. I used to say, “I can do that.” I always wanted to sing and the pastor told me that he’d let me sing “soon,” but I don’t think he believed that I could sing.
One day, my big brother, Chris, went up to the pastor and said, “You said that my brother could sing today.” He called me up that day and the church was looking like, “Awww this little boy is about to sing his cute song.” By the time I finished, my mom, the mother board of the church, and church members were up front, standing up, shouting, and their eyes were full of tears.
That day, I knew that I had been gifted to do this. I discovered that I could deeply move the hearts and souls of people with my voice. It was divine, and I knew it was a part of my calling. I’ve been singing ever since.
A&A: How did your time at Penn State prepare you for your career as an artist?
Fields: Penn State gave me confidence to go into the industry and know that I am a professional without question. My program taught me theater etiquette, how to prepare a character, be a leading man, use my voice, understand space and work with an ensemble. It gave me insight on the ins and outs of being a working artist. Penn State helped me turn my attention to the truest most authentic parts of myself.
A&A: Artistically, what’s next? What are you working on?
Fields: I am flexing and working every gift in this chapter of my life. I am currently in a play here in New York, working on my EP, auditioning and continuing to find creative voice. I hope to only elevate and grow in every aspect for the new year and so on. Longer contracts, more money, more exposure for the music. Hopefully, an Emmy, Grammy, Golden Globe and Tony award is in the future. I just want to keep working and growing as an artist and whatever comes from that consistency will be great.
A&A: What does being a “Penn Stater” mean to you?
Fields: Being a Penn Stater to me means being proud, adaptable in any environment, and true to my life’s work. I can confidently say that at Penn State I received a solid foundation and education in my field.