We’re looking forward to introducing you to Autumn D. Check out our conversation below.
Autumn , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think a lot of people are secretly struggling with feeling like they’re not enough. Social media makes it so easy to compare ourselves, our success, our looks, our timeline, and feel like we’re always behind. Deep down, many of us are just trying to figure out who we are outside of what we achieve or how we’re seen online.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Autumn D, a country pop singer and songwriter born and raised in North Carolina. My music blends soulful storytelling with modern country, creating songs that speak to love, resilience, and real life.
I’m passionate about breaking barriers and bringing more diversity and representation into country music while staying true to my roots and the Southern stories that shaped me. Right now, I’m gearing up to release my new single Not Bitter, I’m Better, a powerful song about domestic violence, healing, and finding strength after heartbreak.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself was an abusive one. It broke me down before it built me back up. Going through that experience forced me to confront my worth, set boundaries, and understand that love should never come at the cost of my identity. As painful as it was, it taught me how strong I really am and that I deserve a love that is safe, healthy, and sees all of me.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a time I almost gave up. After graduating from film school, I went through a really dark season, I had just left an abusive relationship, lost my job because of Covid, and had to leave Los Angeles, which was the best place for my career. On top of that, the writer and actor strikes made it feel impossible to move forward.
No matter how hard I worked or how kind I was, it seemed like nothing ever worked out and I kept running into walls. I felt defeated. But during that time, I started journaling as a way to process my pain and frustration. Those journal entries eventually turned into songs, and that’s how I found my way into music. What once felt like the end of a dream actually opened the door to a new purpose, becoming a singer and songwriter.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is only part of who I am. I grew up listening to powerful women like Chaka Khan, Reba McEntire, Bonnie Raitt, and Wynonna Judd. All of them had red hair and, to me, embodied strength. So my red hair isn’t just because my name is Autumn; it’s also a tribute to the women who inspired me.
In reality, I struggle with really bad social anxiety. It runs in my family, so I like to say I was doomed from the womb to have it. But when I put on the red hair, it feels like stepping into my alter ego. It gives me the confidence I need to get on stage and perform. So while the public version of me is real, it’s also the strongest and most fearless version of myself.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What light inside you have you been dimming?
For a long time, I dimmed the brightest parts of myself to fit into what others expected of me. I grew up Seventh-day Adventist, and working in secular music was always frowned upon. So I spent most of my life trying to do what my church and family wanted, even though deep down I dreamed of singing, dancing, and even performing on Broadway.
I pushed those desires aside and tried to be the version of myself that would make everyone else proud, but in the process, I ended up lost and confused because every part of me was creative. What I eventually learned is that even when I did everything “right” and tried to make people happy, it was never enough.
Now, I live my life without apology and choose to be true to who I am. Pursuing music is my way of putting myself first and finally letting that light shine instead of hiding it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.autumntimemusic.com
- Instagram: @autumntimemusic
- Facebook: @autumntimemusic
- Youtube: @officialautumnd6562
- Other: TikTok @autumntimemusic
