American Idol’s Dakota Talks With TMI About Her Debut Single “No One”

What inspired you to pursue music?

I began singing when I was a little kid, starting with musical theater and singing along to Disney songs in the car with my parents, but when I saw a band performing at a shopping mall when I was 7 or 8, I knew immediately that that’s what I wanted to do. I begged my parents to put in music classes. I started lessons at around 9 years old and from then connected with other kids with the same passion as me and have been in different bands ever since. 

Can you tell us a little bit about you?

I’ve always loved music since I was little. Fun fact, my first concert was the Wiggles. That was definitely the start of my concert-going obsession that I still have now. I am always fascinated and inspired by watching people perform on stage. My parents have allowed me to see my favorite artists perform all around the LA area, even on school nights. There have been countless times where I’ve gone to school so exhausted from going to a concert the night before, but I wouldn’t have traded that feeling for the world because the concert was so good. These experiences are things that my parents encourage. They love to see me try new things and experience the world especially when I’m young. I love to travel and I have been to Japan, Costa Rica, England, Ireland, and Italy! I love learning about new cultures and experiencing new places. It’s so much fun! I also love to do typical high school activities like go shopping with my friends, go to the beach, and just drive around LA and see what we find. 

What artists do you look up to right now?

Jessie J, Bruno Mars, Tori Kelly, Ariana Grande, H.E.R., and Ella Mai.

You just released your debut single “No One” ! Can you tell us what this song means to you?

I wanted to make a song all about independence and confidence. I want my audience to feel empowered and believe that they are capable of being happy on their own. Writing this song was a turning point in my life when I finally felt fully comfortable with being myself and not relying on other people to make me happy. 

What do you hope your supporters will think of your debut single?

I hope my supporters love my debut single as this is the first taste they’re getting from me as an artist, not as a cover singer.

Are there any other projects in the works you can tell us about?

I am currently working on ideas for a music video for No One. I really love 90s R&B videos and plan on pulling elements from those references. Ariana Grande’s music videos are absolutely iconic and I would love to incorporate some inspiration from her stuff as well. This music video is very important to me as this is a visual display of my song and will be able to reach people on another level.

 Are you excited to start performing your own original music live for your supporters?

I am so excited to be touring this summer! I feel the most comfortable when on stage. The connection I have with the audience is the main reason why I love music. I am able to connect with people and see their reactions first hand. It’s also an amazing feeling when someone comes to me after a show saying how much they loved it and how they felt watching me play. It really means a lot to me because that’s what keeps me going. I love making people feel something because thats my favorite artists have done for me. 

 How do you want your relationship to be with your supporters?

I want my fans to think of me as their friend. We’re all one big happy family. When I was little I felt so connected to the artists I listened to and I want my supporters to get to know me for me as I want to get to know them. I’m making music for other people to feel something and to make memories to.

 What social media platform do you use most to stay connected to your supporters?