Rising Stars: Meet Dakota Smart

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dakota Smart.

Hi Dakota, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I started playing piano at 8 years old! I was heavily influenced by artists like BB King, and Stevie Wonder. I, then, began to write my own music at the age of 10 years old. I found music to be my voice because at the time I was not very social.

I was bullied a lot in school and very much an outcast to the rest of the kids. So music became my release from reality. My parents both played instruments, which at the time allowed me to learn drums, guitar, and ukulele. However, I’d say my strongest instrument is the piano. I’ve played in many bands, including a blues band opening for “Three Dog Night” a few years ago.

It was a great experience! I got to turn 18 in front of 3,000 people on the last show of the tour. I’ll never forget that day! I’m 21 now, and I’m an independent singer-songwriter chasing a dream. I’ve written over 100 songs since Covid hit.

Over the past three years I’ve been writing songs, recording and performing live shows all over New England and in Nashville. I received an award for Top Solo Performer at Hard Rock Café Boston for my song, “Draw Perfect” which is on my upcoming album “Leap of Faith” to be released on July 1^st. My hard work is starting to payoff. My song “Lovely Lady” has been featured on radio, and has thousands of streams on Spotify alone. It’s an upbeat danceable song that has both a classic and modern feel.  It’s unique in that it leads out on trumpet, which isn’t something you hear often. People seem to really like it.   I’ve been challenging myself to write songs that cross over several genres from pop, folk, and country music.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
If there is no sacrifice or struggle in what you are pursuing, it’s probably not worth pursuing. And I’ve met struggle after struggle.

Sometimes between not having enough time, fighting health battles, and even mentally overwhelming myself. You wake up one day feeling like you can take over the world, and the next day ends up feeling crushed.

I honestly believe a songwriter’s worst enemy is a comparison to other songwriters’ success. I love music, and it’s my biggest passion in life. I just wish people could see it as “art” and not a popularity contest.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I write music that makes people feel something. My goal is to relate with the listener, in a memorable way, while being authentic. I feel it is my job to tell a story, whether it’s mine or someone else’s.

And to use that story in a way that makes a positive impact on another person’s life. I wrote the song “Draw Perfect” from a man’s perspective of women’s insecurities. It goes like this…“She’s looking now through a mirror that she’s come to hate, but what she can’t see he knows he could never replace.  We try to draw perfect, but perfect’s the picture that’s in her way”.  I hope this song allows women to see themselves through someone else’s eyes. I’m proud of my songwriting, and the way it’s changed my life. However, I’m even more proud of the impact it has made on others, and to get to hear their stories because of it.

I truly think the best songwriters start by being the best listeners. Think about it, how can you expect someone to listen to your story or (song) if you are not able to listen to theirs.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I’ve learned that time is precious, and it’s not worth spending on things you’re not passionate about! As soon as Covid hit I had to drop everything, and this gave me more time. I chose to spend that time writing music!  My upcoming album titled “Leap of Faith” says it all. I’m taking that leap to focus on the things that matter most to me.  That’s writing music and entertaining people with heartfelt songs. I’m excited for what the future holds and I’m humbled by the support I receive from music lovers of all ages and walks of life.

Contact Info:

• Website: Dakotasmart.com
• Instagram: @dakotasmartmusic
• Facebook: @dakotasmartmusic
• Youtube: Dakota smart
• Spotify: Dakota Smart

Image Credits
Morgan Frazier