By Tracy Dietlin
Dasha blew up the country charts with her song “Austin” this past year as well as the Top 20 CMT Countdown for the video. She brings a unique dance flare to her performances as well.
She took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for me.
CVW: I see that you’re from San Luis Obispo. Did you grow up listening to country?
Dasha: “Yeah, I grew up riding horses, and there was always country music playing in the barn. I also grew up going to Live Oak Music Festival, which is a bluegrass festival in my hometown, so I’ve always been around and loved banjos, fiddles, mandolins, etc. in music. But when it came to country, it was the storytelling of the lyrics that drew me in.”
CVW: When did you first start performing?
Dasha: “I first started performing in musical theatre shows when I was 5. I picked up the guitar and started playing the piano around age 8, and when my parents saw me naturally beginning to write songs, my dad started booking me gigs at the local winery, coffee shops, and local music festivals. Practically anywhere I could get an audience, I was there.”
CVW: I noticed that you write or collaborate on most of your songs. What is your songwriting process? Do you write most of your lyrics?
Dasha: “Yes, I always say “I’m a songwriter first…” Most of my songs start with a feeling or a phrase that hits me and won’t let go. I write a lot of my lyrics on my own, but I also love collaborating with other writers who bring different perspectives. Every session is different—sometimes it’s me with my guitar at 2 AM, sometimes it’s me and a couple of friends bouncing lyrics off each other in a studio. But no matter what, I need to feel like it’s me in the song. If it’s not honest, I won’t put it out.”
CVW: What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Dasha: “There have been so many surreal moments over the last 18 months… But honestly, having “Austin” blow up the way it did and seeing people all over the world sing it back to me at shows—that’s been unreal, but the biggest highlight of my career would probably have to be winning Female Song of the Year at the People’s Choice Awards last year. Walking up on stage to Shania Twain handing me the award is a moment I’ll never forget.”
CVW: Is a singer songwriter what you always wanted to be?
Dasha: “Absolutely. I’ve always said that I didn’t have a plan B, so thankfully, this worked out. Even as a little girl, I’ve always had this confidence that I knew this is what I was supposed to be doing… it was just a matter of when I’d be doing it.”
CVW: Tell us how being on the lineup for Stagecoach happened? Have you ever been to the festival before as a fan?
Dasha: “Being on the Stagecoach lineup is such a bucket list moment for me. When the call came in, I totally lost it—I was screaming, crying, all the things. I actually went last year and did a few pop-ups, including Diplo’s HonkyTonk, which was wild and so fun. But to go from that to playing the main stage this year? That’s actually insane. Stagecoach is such an iconic festival – to be part of that and to bring my version of country to that stage, just feels so full circle.”
Dasha brings passion and energy to her songs and performances. I highly recommend you check out Dasha’s set this year whether you’re at the actual festival or watching it live on YouTube, you won’t regret it.
