Music powers the soul. Whether that is through strengthening, healing, or both, there is little doubt that music has a big impact on its performers and listeners.
For Illinois native Dakota Danielle, she learned the truth behind that statement more than ever this past year.
Her relationship with music first started when she was in high school. Sometime around her junior or senior year, Dakota declared that she needed a change. “I found my mom’s old guitar in a closet and decided to learn how to play.” There’s a smile as she says, “I was hooked when I had my first lesson.”
It is a way for me to express how I feel because I am a person who tends to keep emotions in.
One of the artists she looks up to proved to be a bit of help when it came to learning guitar. “Miranda Lambert songs were the ones I would sing and play when I first started,” she says. The singer/songwriter adds that Dolly Parton, Reba, and Martina McBride are amongst other artists that she admires.
“My parents have been my biggest supporters and I feel very fortunate for that,” Dakota says when she thinks of the people who have been behind her since first embarking on her music career. “They have taught me to never give up and stay strong. Their support has helped shape me as an artist and person.”
The singer is taking what she’s been taught and putting that into her upcoming EP. This comes on the back of a wildly successful Bandtwango campaign to help her continue creating music and more.
“It was an amazing feeling to see so much support for my music!” she exclaims. “I have had a difficult past year and the support really pushed me to keep working hard and show my music to the world.” Some of that music will be ready for audiences to hear when her debut EP comes out next month. “This EP is really special to me because every song reflects a moment in my life where I have grown as a person,” she says with a smile.
I am excited because this new music will be a way for people to get to know me more as an artist and person
She explains that she draws from her own personal experiences when she’s writing. “It is a way for me to express how I feel because I am a person who tends to keep emotions in.” Going further, Dakota says, “Singing and writing are the only ways I can truly feel comfortable expressing how I feel. With that being said, I think my music is becoming even more personal, honest, and real.”
One song in particular will show a more personal journey of healing and growth.
“I have one song that is based off of the title of my EP,” Dakota says, not revealing what it’s called. “It is a song that I had to write in order to heal as a person. I lost my mom ten months ago and it has been difficult without her. We were two peas in a pod. I am hoping people will be able to hear the honesty in it.”
When talking about the other songs on her EP, the singer doesn’t shy away from her local roots. “I feel like my new music is similar to my single ‘One Church’ because it is all based on growing up in a small town,” she says. “I am excited because this new music will be a way for people to get to know me more as an artist and person,” she gushes with a smile.
As listeners, old and new, learn more about who Dakota Danielle is, she reflects on what she’s learned about herself this past year.
“I have learned that I am stronger than I thought I was,” she reveals, “and every day is truly a gift.”
Going forward, fans have a lot to anticipate. “I will be releasing some videos of the new music and possibly new merchandise as well!” Dakota teases with a grin, “I do not want to give away too much, but this year will be a year I release a lot of music.”
She wants to take her career to the “next level” in the second half of 2019. With a path of possibilities before her and opportunities within her reach, there is no doubt that she will be able to accomplish whatever she puts her mind to.
“I have always dreamed of performing at the Grand Ole Opry!” she gushes as she thinks of one goal she hopes to achieve over the course of her career. Teenplicity looks forward to that day soon.
—
For all things Dakota Danielle, be sure to follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook and subscribe to her on YouTube! You can also check her out on Spotify!
