An Interview With The Rising American Idol Alum, DAKOTA On Her Latest Single ‘All Dressed Up’ and More!

Meet Dakota! She is a former American Idol contestant and she recently released her new single, “All Dressed Up.” Similar to her previous single, this is a lively track with an abundance of personality. Dakota is an independent and self-made artist who seeks to encourage listeners to find happiness within themselves.

“This song will give my fans confidence and put them in a good mood. Ultimately, I want my fans to know that they don’t have to rely on anyone to make them happy and that you can do anything you set your heart on.”

“All Dressed Up” centers around a situation that many people can relate to, being stood up after getting all dressed up to go out. This is Dakota’s third single, and it is meant to inspire her listeners to let go and have fun, even when things aren’t going their way.

After revealing her powerhouse vocals on American Idol, Dakota strived to break more barriers in the music industry. Her bubbly pop R&B laced tunes are inspired by today’s biggest stars, but with classic Motown and Stax twists that set her apart. Her diverse musical range comes from her established tenure as a performer. Since the young age of five, Dakota has always been passionate about music. Through her ambition and determination, she learned to play several different instruments such as guitar, drums, keys, ukulele, bass, timbales, and even achieved and five-octave vocal range.

Dakota’s wide range of expertise has placed her on national stages and late-night show appearances in order to give her a bigger platform to showcase her talent. By being on Conan O’Brien, Russell Brand, and the NAMM Show to Lollapalooza, Milwaukee’s Summerfest and Gathering Of The Vibes, Dakota continues to embody an advanced performer with a powerful stage presence. Her inspirations include Ariana Grande, HER and Ella Mai. Her music continues to show her talent and self-made persona, and each single continues to empower and inspire her fans to reach for the stars.

Connect With Dakota Online Here: 

Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | Snapchat 

Learn more about Dakota in the following All Access interview here:

Happy New Year! When it comes to your music, what are you most excited about for 2020?

-I’m most excited to keep creating and putting out music!

Can you recall the moment when you thought you could be a musician?

– My parents introduced me to so many things growing up from soccer to painting to baking and of course, music. I really gravitated towards music. I remember asking my mom for drum lessons after seeing a band perform at an outdoor mall and I think that’s when my fascination and even obsession with performing started. I knew from that moment that I was going to be on stage.

What do you think motivates you day in and day out?

⁃    The passion and love I have for music and my family.

How do you think your hometown has influenced the kind of music that you make? If not, why is that?

⁃    I feel like Los Angeles is filled with so many different types of people and through being in that kind of environment, I am able to have a wide outlook on the world. I have so many influences and it definitely has to do with my city’s diverse nature.

Growing up, how important was music in your life?

⁃    I feel like there was never a moment in my life where I wasn’t obsessing over a certain song or artist. I am always learning and listening to music.

If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing?

⁃    I could see myself being a chef because I am so fascinated with flavors and trying new foods. I always watch Food Network and can sit there watching cooking competitions for hours and hours.

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career?

⁃    I am surprised at how big of a team it takes to make something happen. For one project to come out, there are so many people involved in the process; it’s crazy.

What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all? What has been the best part about it all?

⁃    I am always challenged to work with other collaborators and also eager to learn from other talented people. I tend to feel intimidated at first, but it’s always the best when you gel with people really well and create such strong bonds by writing a song together.

What did you learn from your time on American Idol?

⁃    I learned to always be true to myself no matter what other people are telling you. I found myself in many situations on the show where standing my ground would hurt me in terms of the competition, but ultimately I have no regrets and am very happy with how my journey turned out.

Let’s talk about your newest single, “All Dressed Up”! What was the inspiration for this track?

⁃    The idea for the song started with the chorus baseline. At the time I wrote this song, I was listening to a mix of funk and pop. My influences for this song ranged from Johnny Gill to Kim Petras. I wanted that underlying funkiness with the production, but with easy to sing catchy melodies that audiences can pick up with 1 listen. I hope that this song gives my fans confidence, hope, and puts them in a good mood. Ultimately, I want my fans to know that they don’t have to rely on anyone to make them happy and that you can do anything you set your heart on.

Why do you consider it your theme song?

⁃    It’s such a fun song to dance to with friends and it’s so catchy like how could you not want to scream it at the top of your lungs while dancing your heart out

How does this song compare to the other songs?

⁃    It’s definitely way more pop than my others. I love how uplifting it is and it really goes through a whole story-line rather than a specific concept.

Do you have plans to release more music soon and a full-length album?

⁃    Yes, I have more music to release in the near future.

Do you have any tour dates scheduled for this year yet?

⁃    Not yet, but I’m working on it

How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started making music?

⁃    My music taste has definitely widened and I am always collaborating with others.

What if anything has stayed the same about your music-making process?

⁃    I always have a goal of creating a better song than my last one.

How do you feel about social media?

⁃    I think it has pros and cons in terms of how the music business relies on it.

What do you think social media has done for your career so far?

⁃    I think it really has been a great tool for me to connect with people around the world. I love getting to interact with my fans and for them to get to know me other than in my music.

What musicians would you absolutely love to work with in the future?

⁃    Bruno Mars, Stevie Wonder, and Ariana Grande

If you could design your dream music video right now, what would it look like?

⁃    I would love to do something in the ocean.

Where would you love to hear a song of yours played?

⁃    In a cafe or grocery store when I’m least expecting it.

At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?

⁃    I want people to be happy in their own skin and to love themselves regardless of what other people say.