Local deaf artist releases music to several platforms
Local deaf music artist, Dylan Deal, has released four songs under the name DefLegacy to several music platforms since September 2025. Deal writes the music and lyrics as well as constructs the digital tracks and voices recordings on his own.
Deal, the son of Kelly Meyer, completed his education at Star Valley High School in 2022 and further prepared himself for building a life in this world with an additional year at the Bridges to Independence Academy offered through Lincoln County School District #2.
In addition to music, Deal enjoys snowboarding and basketball. He is currently part of the service team at Tractor Supply in Afton, helping with product assembly, stocking animal feed, and occasionally operating the register.
Despite having no musical training or experience, “I decided to make my own business doing music stuff,” Deal explained. He began by watching a few videos on YouTube. After acquiring digital music software on his devices last fall and receiving a digital beat pad for Christmas, his business is up and running with music streaming on Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube and YouTube Music. “I planned for my first song and put it up everywhere, and it came out really good and I think that I want to make some more and more.”
Deal, who hears his music through devices that Bluetooth to his hearing aids, has also created his own line of merchandise that includes hoodies, shirts and stickers. He designs everything and has it up for sale on his self-constructed website, officialdeflegacy.myshopify.
“People around here have been listening to some of my music, and family and friends have been saying that my music is awesome,” said Deal. Fans tell him they appreciate his work, that he’s doing a “good job” and encourage him with “Keep making your dream come true.”
Deal’s mantra is “Built from Struggle, Driven by Purpose.” His hope is to share that with others, helping them find purpose in the struggle. “Even though I am deaf, I still am able to use passion to make my music” and help others. “People who are struggling with something, they dream by purpose to make it better,” said Deal. “Listen to my music that helps you to inspire yourself.”
His songs meant to motivate those who need inspiration are titled “Yep, You Lost,” “I’M NOT DONE,” and “Honor’s More Than Just a Word.” In tribute to members of the military and police force, he wrote “Built For the Call.” Deal explained his purpose for this song. “The reason I made this song is because I went on a ride along with one of the Afton police and I wanted to make the song.”
Deal’s music is clean, but energetic. “I don’t like swear words. I don’t make anything like that. I make it aggressive without swear words, but you know, like, motivated.”
Like his mantra, not much will slow him down. “I am not done making music. I am still making more, and more.”
