We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dimestate Don. Check out our conversation below.
Dimestate, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
My first apartment! Last month my roommate and I were refused by then landlord to renew our lease leaving us two and a half weeks to find a living situation. Week one denied by property number one, week two… week three and boom we resort to a home away from home, a beloved dog ranch. As we were cleaning and gathering things to move, I get a call. I had been approved for an apartment, and even better I get to move in with my partner.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Dimestate Don. I am a creative from Nashville, TN. DIMESTATE is the name of my outputs. Any thing created by me is an extension of where I am from, (dimestate,’ Tennessee’) Primarily, producing R&B and Hip hop music, I strive to put feel first in my art. Stream my latest at Dimestate Don everywhere.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I long for this feeling again, and although temporary it’s the most beautiful high you could feel. I first encountered power in my childhood choir. My dad had been the minister of music of our church for a while, and it gave anticipation for my debut lead performance. With expectations high from my dad, I went into it nervous. Rehearsed for hours upon hours up until Sunday services. Starting the song was shaky. Some missed notes even stumbled on lyrics, but there was a moment where I let go of all angst and sang. Actually sang, and let my heart sing, all I remember was the embrace and emotional rapture released through that sanctuary. I knew then power is in midst the of elevating your passion.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I find myself missing out on time. Truly missing the minutes that go by, seconds that tick. We never know whats coming in the time we are here so why dwell on what could, would, or should be? I remind myself now not to procrastinate, to stay focused and inspired. I’d have to tell my younger self to slow down. Enjoy whats in front of you because everyone and everything is temporary. I’d express how proud I am of her, because she made it with less than she was given.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
In today’s world this seems to be something more and more misleading. First to differentiate we must define, right? Fad; a short lived widespread enthusiasm. Foundational; fundamental. Shift; move, change. Simply to me, if it’s not changing the way we must show up as participants in said industry, it’s a fad. A good example is Virgil Abloh. His designs created a wave of designers all forging this deconstructed design look. Deeper Virgil Abloh challenged the fashion industry. How can we show up as more meaningful creatives? How can we reimagine our art community? It has to shake what was. This is what I intend to achieve with my output.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
I’m big on this. Tell myself all the time if it’s forced it won’t prosper. I am building a repertoire of musicians to elevate the sound of my music. Making music with a more live feel. I am also learning to play instruments. This will only elevate my musicality, and expand my sound.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dimestatedon/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dimestatedon?si=Vxg_h6B3BawbOHpP
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dimestatedon
- Other: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/57302254?u
Image Credits
Photography by Jamal Osage (@malsphotoz) , Kim Thompson (@spikegrove) , Dimestate Don.
