What is your names?
Dakota Ryley
What is your genre of music?
Pop/Soul
Give us a little bio about you.
Remaining true to my New York roots, I am one hundred percent honest (sometimes to a default). I always wanted to be someone that people could trust to tell them the truth – whether through lyrics or otherwise. The songs I feel the closest to are always the most upfront ones; so I have worked tirelessly at my craft to be as relatable as possible. I want to have fans that feel like there is nothing I hide from them. What you see is what you get. I feel like that type of vulnerability builds a type of network that is close-knit and genuine.
What made you go into music?
When I was younger I would go up to my room after school, play my clunky piano, and sing random tunes to poems I wrote. I took an interest in writing my feelings down on paper, so it started with the song for me. I have always known that I wanted to be on stage. Hell, I would have my parents film me putting on a show every night before bed (this started at age 4). Live performance is my strong suit and I knew I could be good at it if I worked really hard at getting my vocals and the songs there as well!
Who are your influences?
I’m a huge fan of old motown music. My parents played Barry White, Luther Vandros, the Supremes, tons of Michael Jackson, etc. I’ve always loved that type of romantic vocal paired with a horn section and live instruments. I am also heavily influenced by classic rock -(again, I’m a sucker for live instrumentation).
Are you a signed?
No!
Your new single ‘Good For You’ is set to release, tell us more about the single.
I’m so excited about this one. This past year, I’ve refrained from putting anything out, because I felt a shift in the way my music was progressing. Good For You is actually 18 months old now, and if you heard what it originally sounded like, you’d be blown away. This song is like a coming of age for me. Finally, I feel like I’m showing up in a way that I want to be seen as an artist.
What was the writing and recording process like?
I’m close friends with the people I wrote it with (Kendall & Parker), so it was easy for me to voice an idea, and collaborate on a deeper level. Parker and I have worked tirelessly to get the instrumentation exactly where I want. We often joked that this song would be 2 years old before it came out, because that’s how long we spent perfecting it. You’ll hear in the song that I try my very hardest to incorporate my influences. Whether it be stacked background vocals or using my lower register (attempting to be like Amy Winehouse), you can hear the history of my listening to music.
What is the meaning behind the single?
It’s basically a flirty way to talk about how well you get along with someone, and if they were less closed off, how good you could be together– almost trying to convince them of it. I feel like it’s so hard to date nowadays, because communication is not a strength of my generation. Many people don’t bother because it’s too hard, and many don’t know where to start. I thought about how it feels to have chemistry with someone but not get any real answers from them – thus the phrase “I know I could be ‘Good For You’”!
Who did you work with on the single?
Kendall Brower & Parker Mathews
Describe the track in two words.
Flirty, Upfront.
What was the writing and recording process like?
I think I have over 40 vocal tracks on there – combined lead vocal, background vocals and ad-libs. It was super fun working on this song, because all of us are so keen with attention to detail. Once the horns were added to the song, I knew it was going to be a great listen.
Will we see a video for ‘Good For You’ and if so what can we expect? Hopefully! I’m currently working with a couple photographers and videographers in town to think up ideas before release, and once we see how the song does, we will put something together!
Will we see an EP or Album and if so, what can we expect from it?
An EP for sure! Expect it to be an introduction to who I am as a person and the things I think about in life. Also how I want to portray the way I’m going to speak to my audience from now on!
What else can we expect in 2021?
Tons of shows! I’m excited to get back on stage.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
A huge tour. HUGE. 😉
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
There may be people that have more talent than you do, but there is no excuse for anyone to work harder than you d0 – Derek Jeter (something I try to live by!)
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Mascara, Lip Gloss, my lucky number 2 from an old house I used to live in, a setlist sheet, heels (duh!)
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you? YES! On Instagram + Twitter
on TikTok
Facebook
thank you! <3
