Step into the world of Dimestate Don, an underground artist who is making a name for herself in the music industry. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Dimestate Don's journey, from her early influences to her signature sound. Growing up surrounded by musicians and immersed in the world of music, Dimestate Don developed a love for the craft. Drawing inspiration from gospel, neo-soul, and urban hip-hop, she has honed a unique sound that sets her apart from other artists in the underground scene. Dimestate Don shares her musical role models, the challenges she faces as an independent artist, and her advice for up-and-coming musicians trying to make a name for themselves.

Throughout the interview, Dimestate Don discusses the importance of staying true to her artistic vision while still appealing to her audience. She emphasizes the need for originality in every piece of work she releases and the challenge of maintaining cohesiveness with her sound. As an independent artist, Dimestate Don opens up about the pressures of social media, the struggle of putting herself out there, and the importance of surrounding herself with supportive people. She also reflects on her creative process, her approach to collaboration, and her definition of success as an independent artist.

Can you tell us about your journey into the music industry? What led you to become an underground artist, and how did you develop your signature sound?

Since I was younger, I have been around musicians, recording sessions, rehearsals, and many many concerts. My dad played keys for some of Nashville, Tennessee's popular gospel choirs, groups, artists and ministers. Observing strong gospel singers, and even better musicians led me to develop a love for the craft. I had gospel, and neo-soul to study at home. Combine that with the everyday influences of urban hip-hop leads you to my sound. In 2017, I started my senior year, and began to truly develop that sound. It took consistency! I wanted to follow trends and it would teach me more about my actual individuality. After going back and forth with my image, artist names, and aura, in 2020 I made a debut as Dimestate Don with my single “She Like Me” produced by Jared Hall, DMNDSTR.

Who are some of the artists that inspire you the most, and how have they influenced your work? Do you have any musical role models that you look up to, and what lessons have you learned from their careers?

In my youth, artists like Jill Scott, Aaliyah, and Queen Latifah showed me what was possible with a music career. From their movies, impact, to charting music, endorsements and business ventures, all by ways of art. My style, musical and fashion sense always had direct influence and connection to Pharrell Williams. Out the gate the Neptune sound defined an era because of its uniqueness. As I began growing into my artistry, I observed B.Slade closer. Earlier in his career he performed under the alias Tonéx. Growing up in the church and being musically inclined, It’s a no brainer to create inspirational music. Initially he was labeled a gospel artist, and placed in a box. Then B.Slade was born out of the ashes. The one that was doubted by everyone when he grew into his true self. B.Slade was the first artist I seen actually be who they are whole heartedly, and it wasn't easy either.

What do you think sets your music apart from other artists in the underground scene? Would you say that you have a unique perspective or approach to making music, and how do you stay true to your artistic vision while still appealing to your audience?

Comparisons come and go. Many of my comparisons stem from there not being many mainstream artist out there that looks. like me, besides a select few. That plays a role in my perspective and approach to my music. Every piece of work I release has to be original. I try to keep in mind three things when creating; “How does it feel?” “Have you felt this before?” and “Are you being a perfectionist?” When I record I like to continuously challenge myself, but still maintain a sense of cohesiveness with my sound.

As an independent artist, what are some of the biggest challenges that you face on a day-to-day basis? Do you have any strategies for overcoming these challenges, and what advice would you give to other musicians who are just starting out?

Social media isn't a gauge on whether you're making progress or not. Your work ethic, drive, and actual talents determine everything. I know lots of guys posting things to insinuate a particular status but don't have the mental capacity to sustain the level of living they aspire. Another big one I have to remind myself is that everyday counts. Every single second affects the next. Do the work, be diligent in the tasks you commit to, and actually complete them. Aside from the impacts of social media and project management, one big thing I struggle with as a artist is putting myself out there. Although I network when I can, I have a hard time being comfortable outwardly speaking on my music. Why? I'm pretty shy, and it makes it difficult to. I take it one day at a time. One conversation and encounter at a time to ease the angst. I'd advise anyone feeling this way to have grace with yourself. Surround yourself with supportive people and create a safe space.

How do you balance your creative vision with the demands of the music industry? Do you ever feel pressure to conform to certain trends or styles, and if so, how do you stay true to yourself while still achieving success?

We are the music industry. All of our personal, and creative visions formulate this industry in a whole. All I can offer is quality music and myself, so trends and styles aren't something I try to pay attention to, or conform to. I continue to stay in my universe of Dimestate. I try to maintain a sense of integrity for the content I create, stay honest to the things I stand on and even more to the things I do not.

Can you walk us through your creative process when it comes to making music? How do you come up with new ideas, and what steps do you take to turn those ideas into finished songs?

That is an answer I still can't truly formulate. Every time I get a idea I try my best jot it down, or record a voice memo, but life keeps going. It's a lot of ish going on day to day. Recording as much as I'd like isn't ideal all the time. I can say that when I am locked in am just that. Ideas spew, and I am able to bounce around, record ideas and harmonies to help give the demo a skeleton. Then finally come back to put “meat on the bones” to complete the song. Then in time I'm able to actually form a record with it.

Collaboration is an important part of the music industry. How do you approach working with other artists, and what factors do you consider when deciding whether or not to collaborate with someone?

When working with artists I always try to let a couple things determine if I am able to extend a collaboration then or not. Individuality, intent, and passion, is this something I've never experienced or heard before? What is the artist intentions with collaborating with me, and what is the reason behind the record itself? Does this artist have a love for what they do, and who they collaborate with?

Looking back on your career so far, what has been your favorite project to work on and why? Was there a particular moment or experience that made this project stand out to you, and how did it impact your career as a musician?

My debut album has been the highlight of my career. 5 years worth of music and work, all leading up to the release. I remember around the time I settled on the idea of releasing an album I started to become more acquainted in the city of Nashville. It was then I found myself under the radar of some incredible established local artists. One in particular offered his home and resources to help actualize my visions. That shifted my career. Every artists knows how much it means to be able to go create with out any conflicts. With resources a call away, the work is on me to put the work in, and quite frankly that was all I needed.

How do you define success as an independent artist, and what goals do you have for your career moving forward? Are there any specific milestones that you're working towards, or do you have a more holistic view of success?

Being able to provide some type of financial support or stability from my art is always my first priority. I've always wanted to achieve the level of success where, what I love is my full time job and my peers are like minded creatives. I'm in no rush or demand to scale upward just yet. My desire is to be a resource to fellow creatives. Reach across the board to help us thrive. I intend on being a pillar in the community doing and advocating for the unrepresented. Awards used to be a big thing for me but relationships last longer, and have a more outstanding affect on generations. I can't really define success for an independent artist, we all value different outcomes, but for me it's being able to contribute to the spark in someone's light.

What advice would you give to other up-and-coming musicians who are trying to make a name for themselves in the underground scene? Are there any specific strategies or techniques that you've found to be particularly effective, or any lessons that you've learned along the way?

One of the only pieces of advice I could offer any musicians up and coming would be to be you. Be you and mark it (market it) everywhere. You are the art so live it. Another one I mention a lot is longevity. Where you taking it, and could generations, and nationalities all over connect ?

What do you do to stay motivated and inspired when you're feeling creatively stuck? Are there any specific practices or habits that help you to tap into your creativity and overcome creative blocks?

To help I typically just take it easy on myself. Before I force my energy too much, or work up a sense of anxiety, take a step back. Roll a joint and reassess. I like to stick to a bit of a routine or at least a monthly schedule to work only consistency. Creative blocks don't just occur once or twice they can become a everyday challenge. To combat that I try to hold myself accountable and work through them when I can. The consistency with my creative and personal schedules help tremendously.

Can you share a memorable performance or show that you've played in the past, and what made it stand out to you? Were there any challenges or obstacles that you had to overcome during this performance, and how did you handle them?

Sometime in May or July of 2022, I performed at an event named The Spiral Groove. The venue is a apartment sized record shop with a drinking bar in the rear and the stage far right. I had my friend and collaborator, ENXGMAA, djing my set. Among myself on the line up followed: KON, Jyou, Ashley EMJ, and Yours Truly, Jai. I am still honored to have performed alongside them. That same day I got off of my day job at 5pm. The doors opened at 7pm. One hour to get cross town, and changed it was a a hassle, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. When I arrived there is people standing from the stage to the front entrance and out the door some. As I enter and cut through the crowd my peers begin to notice me and shout me out over the microphone and through the crowd too. I ended that night with a intimate set and the feedback was amazing. A night to remember and it gives me chills reflecting on that moment.

What themes or messages do you try to convey through your music, and how do you hope that your audience will receive those messages? Are there any specific issues or topics that you're particularly passionate about, and that you try to address through your music?

The most common theme that shows up in my music is mental health. It interests me to think about the psychology of people I encounter. I try to express many perspectives in my music, especially when it comes down to grief, addiction, anxiety, self doubt, insecurities, and break ups. Its always two sides to view a situation. Another element to messages in my music is always inspiring the listener to take action in their lives. No matter what it is, go forward with it.

Looking ahead to the future, where do you see your music going in the next few years? Are there any new sounds or styles that you're interested in exploring, or any specific goals that you're hoping to achieve?

I have always experimented with Rap and surface level R&B, so with that I would like to go deeper into elements of R&B. More instrumentation, harmonies, and deeper subject matter. I'll continue to release more projects, singles, and collaborations. God willing I will be able to take care of generations of family off of my craft even well after I'm gone. Reap earnings from placements of my records, percentage earnings from features, etc. Hearing my music in various venues and playlists are also things I'd love to experience more. I've always aspired for my music to impact someone the way various independent artists impacted me. Many of those artists pushed me in the direction I am headed now. It's all about the impact, Doing Something Important. I want my music to allow me to transcend into various avenues of entertainment also. I believe I am an incredible actress and I'm excited to work to improve that skill. The same would go for clothing design. I love fashion, and here in the near future I will be releasing interim one of Dimestate clothing.

Finally, can you tell us about any upcoming projects or releases that you're excited about, and what your fans can expect from you in the coming months and years? Are there any collaborations or other exciting opportunities on the horizon?

Group Therapy my debut album, was released on October 10th, 2023. This album has been a 5 year process honestly. A slight synapsis on what this project is capturing would be, the end of many lives to begin this one. New found sobriety, processing grief, new found self worth, all projected in a few therapeutic recording sessions. That's what Group Therapy is at the surface; isn’t that all our stories as creators? As we look deeper we find ourselves in a debacle with internal conflict, resulting in a needed sit down and confrontation. A group therapy session with every part of self. Following that, I'll be participating in a showcase hosted by, my big brother, The Blackson, on October 22nd, 2023. I hope to release and participate in more features, and release a few visuals for tracks on the album.