Daily Inspiration: Meet Dakota Striplin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dakota Striplin

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m from Brisbane Australia and moved to Nashville in 2020 right before COVID hit. I moved here to write songs and hopefully get a publishing deal to be able to develop and have people hear and enjoy the songs I write. During COVID I had to deliver groceries to be able to pay rent but as soon as the first bar opened back up downtown I started playing there for money instead. I ended playing in the Tootsies in the Nashville airport regularly. One morning in mid 2021 at 6:45am I played the song “Neon Moon” by Brooks And Dunn. After finishing the song I had a girl come up to me and say she really enjoyed my version and that she doesn’t usually like it when people play her dad’s songs. I was shocked and thanked her and asked who her dad is. It was Haley Dunn, daughter of Ronnie Dunn! She asked me if I write songs and to send some her way to listen to. Eventually I met with Ronnie and played for him and they offered me a a publishing deal with what is now called Red Dirt Road Publishing. Since then I’ve been writing for other artists and for myself and just continuing to develop as a writer and musician.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I definitely have had to work hard to continue to grow. I sometimes would play at 6:30-9:30 am at the airport then go straight to a co-write at 10:30am then to another co-write at 3pm then finish of the night playing a writers round. Long days, but always learning a lot!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Im super proud of being a part of the song “All I’ve Ever Known” which is the title track of Alexandra Kay’s debut album. She is an incredible talent who is taking country by storm independently. I’m grateful to be a small part in her journey as a writer!

How do you think about happiness?
Being with my family makes me happy. And being able to support them through writing songs and playing music makes me happy as well!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dakotastriplin/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/dakotastriplinmusic/
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/c/DakotaStriplin