Hey Dollie Meredith, so excited to be chatting with you. Where did your love of music come from?
My dad! I grew up listening to Elvis, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Go Go’s, Dolly Parton, Steely Dan, The Police… My parents have also taken me to quite a few concerts.
How would you describe your musical style as an artist?
I lean toward alternative pop with an organic feel. The lyrics drive the style for my originals. I try not to limit myself.
What artists do you look up to right now?
Ariana Grande… the queen of everything! I can’t even! I’m pretty sure she needs to add me to her squad.
I also admire Demi Lovato. I’ve always, always felt a connection with Boy George! He looked my way at a concert at the Ryman Nashville and I’m pretty sure his spirit knows my spirit loves him!
You are gearing up for the release of your powerful new single called “Carry On”!! How excited are you to get this song out into the world?
I actually wrote the song almost three years ago. Its been sitting in “the pile” all this time but the words didn’t really become part of me until more recently. It’s a song that has grown on me over time, which is really fun.
What does this song mean to you?
This song feels like a message from God… For me and for other kids… Don’t listen to those around you that tell you that you can’t, you aren’t, you won’t, you’re falling apart etc… Instead I hope other kids can start to look at difficult people and difficult situations as opportunities to grow and break free of who others say they are.
Can you spill any details on what it was like creating this song?
When I wrote the song I was in seventh grade, and my classmates were going through a particularly cruel phase. I was watching what was going on around me and experiencing my own fair share of drama. I felt bruised and battered from it all, and was struggling with the beginnings of anxiety. I wrote the song as a message to myself as much as for others.
What does it feel like to be releasing your own original music?
It’s just an amazing feeling to take a song that is written on paper, to bring it to life, and then to put it out there in the world where hopefully others will find meaning and be inspired by it.
What’s your process of choosing a song to record?
For original music, I go through the songs I’ve written and discuss with my team which song feels the strongest and most relevant based on what’s going on in the world for that moment in time. For covers, I like to go through recent song releases and pick songs that resonate with me and I feel I can make my own.
Are you making a music video for “Carry On”? If so, can you spill any details about the video?
A little! It’s meant to be a video that’s reflective and inspirational at the same time. To capture this we picked a really cool spot along one of the beaches near Saint Petersburg, FL.
Will there be an EP/Album out soon?
Probably early next year… But I’ve got a lot of the tenth grade to navigate as well!
How do you want your relationship to be with your supporters?
I am going to start doing some instagram lives so I can be in better touch and also share some of my unreleased music… I’m looking forward to that!
Does your fanbase have a name?
We haven’t come up with a name yet. Comment on my social if you think of a good one!
What was the craziest fan encounter you have had?
Well actually I’ve only had a few. Sometimes I see people who wave at me or speak to me and I wonder how they know me and they’ll say… Oh I follow you, or I saw you at one of your shows. I’m still pretty low key, so I don’t get that a lot.
What social media platform do you use most to stay connected to your fans?
Instagram for sure.
Why do you think social media is so important for teen artists today?
Because that’s where everyone is! I just focus on Insta and YouTube. I don’t currently post on Tik Tok, but I like watching funny stuff other people do.
What’s an average day for you look like?
School… homework… walk dog… tennis or gym and usually I sing and practice instruments for 1-2 hours. I drive to Nashville every other week to train with my vocal coach.
What do you like to do in your free time?
What’s that? I don’t have a lot of free time. If I do, I enjoy shopping!
What goals have you set for yourself in your career and in your personal life?
Goals? It’s the second day of school… I’m 15 years old. I just want to make it to Fall Break at this point!
How has this whole music career experience been?
It’s a lot of hard work. I’m still figuring out who I am. It’s so important that no matter what your passion is, that you find people who support you and can give you solid direction. I’m still figuring stuff out! It doesn’t matter if you love volleyball, soccer, art, whatever… find older teenagers and especially adults who can help you sift through all the noise that is distracting from who you want to be.
Do you have any advice for aspiring music artists?
Practice… and be yourself. If something feels OFF, listen… it IS off. The kids and stuff you think are cool now… they won’t be for long.
Do you have any last things you want to tell your supporters?
I have always been very grateful and blessed to have so many people following my journey. I will agree that this has been some of the best years of my life, but I truly believe that it is due to all the people who have pushed me to become the person I am today. I am a living and breathing example of why God is good. I have battled with depression and anxiety for many years, and I truly think I wouldn’t be here today without my music. I never want to be someone who people want to be like, I want to show people that they can be whoever they desire and dream to be. I am just like everyone else and I am so lucky to be able to wake up everyday knowing that I am one step further to make my dream come true!
Thank you for taking the time to do this interview.