music

Born in Lafayette, LA, Derrick Lionel, also known as DL.M, has been managing and facilitating creative ministry since he was young. While attending Temple University, Derrick would join the Temple University Gospel Choir, ministering with them during the school year, and touring the east coast in the spring. Eventually, he became one of the director’s of the choir. This position would teach him the skills he needed in learning, writing, and arranging music.

Over the course of his journey, Derrick has had the opportunity to lend background vocals to Philadelphia Tri-State area artist Mark Collier, and artists including Tasha Cobbs, William Murphy, Kierra Sheard, James Fortune, and many more. In late 2015 Derrick felt the tug of God to arrange his melodies into full songs, and so the concert series FRESH WIND: Songs From DL.M’s Pen was produced in February of 2016. Between the Philadelphia and D.C. concerts, he produced songs that were performed by himself along with artist like Kanita Benson, John Graves, Anton Milton, Melissa T., James Murphy, Whittney Jackson, King David, & Jarmel Evans.  The amazing response from the concert birthed a connection to James “Jay” Bratten, a stellar musician that would go on to produce Derrick Lionel’s debut single “Children of the Lord”. COTL reminds us that we are heirs to the throne of Christ, which gives us power and authority in the earth. It was released on Friday December 16th, 2016 to stellar reviews.  

Currently, you can find Derrick serving and working full time in the ministry that raised him, Spirit Of Faith Christian Center in Temple Hills Maryland, as their Artistic Production Director. He is passionate about creative ministry, and pulling out the purpose & gift God has given each one of us. He is devoted to changing lives through the art of storytelling in song, performance, and ministry. He will not stop until the entire world knows that our God is the greatest creator, and we are his greatest creation.