Q & A with Dakota Danielle on her Debut Single "One Church" out TODAY!
Thanks for talking with us Dakota! We love your debut song, "One Church." What inspired you to become an artist and a songwriter?
I was a Junior in High School when I felt like I needed a change in my life. Tennis seemed to be my main focus for multiple years and I wanted to try something different. My mom had her old guitar in our upstairs closet which made me come up with the idea of learning to play the guitar. I have always loved music growing up (played the piano when I was younger) but I never thought I would be interested in writing, singing, and playing the guitar. I got inspired to become and artist and songwriter when I wrote my first song about my aunt passing away. It was a way for me to let my emotions out. When I played the song for my family I realized how much music connected and related to people. After that, music became something that lit a fire in me. I was determined to improve and learn more about writing songs, the guitar, and singing. I wanted to use music as a way to connect and relate to people whether it was sharing joy or sadness.
What’s the story behind your debut single,"One Church," out today?
My single, "One Church," is about my hometown. I grew up in a town of about 1600 people. It consists of one church and three main bars. I am really proud of the town I grew up in and I always love going home and visiting. Writing this song was fun because it shares characteristics that all small towns are known for, but yet there is something unique about the one church town I'm from.
What was the moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect?
I co-wrote this song with my best friend Jessilynn and we knew it was completed when we felt we had said everything we wanted to and got our point/story across. We both had a lot of fun writing this song because she is from a small town as well and we fell in love with our melody and lyrics.
Do you plan on touring any this year?
Yes! I have some gigs lined up in IL this year and I'm still working on booking more in various locations.
If you had the chance to change something about the music industry, what would it be?
If I had a chance to change something about the music industry I would continue to work on the royalties songwriters get from streaming services per stream. When I first moved to Nashville I fell in love with the music industry because everyone I have met has been welcoming and supportive. It almost feels like I am a part of a small town in a big city, which I love!
What's the best compliment a fan has ever given you?
Just having a fan come up to me and say they love my music is the best feeling.
When you get time off, how do you like to relax?
I relax by sleeping and watching Netflix!
What was the last show you binge-watched on Netflix?
Drop Dead Diva!
Finally What is one thing you can tell us that most people don’t know about you and might surprise us?
I was born premature at 1lb and 11oz.
THANKS DAKOTA! YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE ON HER MUSIC BELOW!
Website: https://www.dakotadanielle.com/music
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dakotadaniellemusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dakotadaniellemusic/
About Dakota Danielle:
Small town sensation Dakota Danielle is breaking into the country scene with her debut single “One Church” slated to release March 16. The highly relatable, slightly nostalgic song is self-penned and produced by Mookie & Evan with Michael Clouse (Jeff Buckley, The Rolling Stones’ Nicky Hopkins, Thin Lizzy’s Marco Mendoza). Influenced by artists ranging from Dolly Parton to Chris Stapleton and Aretha Franklin, the 25-year-old singer songwriter will bring a fresh twist to country music.
The Illinois native is taking Nashville by storm after completing a degree in Commercial Songwriting at Middle Tennessee State University. Grinding to make a name for herself, Dakota’s unparalleled work ethic is evident with her regular appearances at Music City’s hottest venues. With a guitar in one hand and a pen in the other, her goal is to inspire and heal fans through her deeply personal, yet charismatic music.