DNJNBBY
LA based artist DNJNBBY has just dropped her new single “NOT UR DNJNBBY".
Empowering and catchy, “NOT UR DNJNBBY" is about sticking up for yourself and finding your self worth.
Produced by Koby Berman, the record has a very unique and interesting sound that definitely made me want to listen to the song over and over again. I’m a big fan of productions like this one and “NOT UR DNJNBBY" totally stands out thanks to that production, but not only. DNJNBBY delivered some pretty refreshing and colorful melodies that created something memorable.
“NOT UR DNJNBBY" is a must listen.
Photo credit: Andrew Weitz
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
I grew up singing and dancing from the age of 3. I was always in love with writing and performing as a kid and would put on shows for my family and friends. I attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, TX for vocal performance where my love for music grew even more. I ended up going to UT Austin for Advertising, but ultimately found my way back to songwriting in 2020 and the rest is history! I have been working on my upcoming EP since then.
What did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening to mostly R&B and Pop Music. Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby” was my first favorite song, and I was obsessed with listening to Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Ciara, and the list goes on and on.
When did you start writing songs? What made you want to write in the first place?
I probably wrote my first song when I was 7 or 8 years old. I used to love to write short stories, and from there it grew into writing poetry- and then from there a natural shift to songwriting. I feel like I had a lot of feelings as a kid (still do!) and it really helped me to channel that into music.
When did you know you could sing?
I can’t remember the first time I knew I could sing, but I do remember the first time my family knew I could sing. I was about 8 years old, around the holidays, and we were doing karaoke with our family friends and I busted out into “All I Want for Christmas is You” and everyone was shocked.
Who was the first person to ever believe in your music?
Hmm that’s a tough one- probably myself. After that, I would say my music teachers while I was growing up. My high school especially had the greatest music teachers and I think they believed in me more than I used to believe in myself.
How would you define DNJNBBY?
DNJNBBY definitely wears her heart on her sleeve and is not afraid to speak her mind. DNJNBBY stands in her power and acknowledges her struggles but is able to have fun and celebrate her individuality. I want people listening to my music to feel empowered to be themselves and embrace what they have gone through.
"NOT UR DNJNBBY" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?
NOT UR DNJNBBY is based on something that I am sure way too many of us have experienced. It’s about your ex or past situationship reaching out after they have wronged you and you have moved on. It’s about sticking up for yourself and not letting someone hurt or disrespect you again. Finding your self worth and knowing you’re better off alone than with someone that treats you like they do.
Could you describe the songwriting/production for this single? Who helped you create it? What inspired the production on this song?
Absolutely- So I wrote the lyrics and melody on this one and my friend, Koby Berman produced this song. For the production on this one I think we drew inspiration from a few different places, obviously our queens Charli XCX and Shygirl, but in terms of producers I have been obsessed with Mura Masa forever and I think this is reminiscent of some of the newer songs he’s worked on (Boy’s a Liar etc.).
What did you feel when recording this song?
This was an interesting one to record… I was going through a breakup while finishing up the recording and production of this track so I think it was difficult recording an empowering track when you’re sad. I had written this about a prior relationship, so I really tried to put myself back in that headspace and pull emotion from there/ look forward to the future when I would be moved on.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
It is me stomping on said man I reference in the song and writing “NOT UR DNJNBBY” all over him. I think it visually communicates reclaiming your power from someone that made you feel so small and bad about yourself for so long.
What message do you want to deliver through this single?
I want my BBYs to know that they don’t need any man holding them back and that they are can do anything they want to do in life- they are all badasses and should be celebrating every part of what makes them who they are. Don’t let anyone make you feel less than, because you are EVERYTHING.
How's it like to be a woman in the music industry? What advice would you give to women out there?
It’s tough… There is a ton of pressure on women to be hot, skinny, easygoing etc. the list goes on and on. It’s also tough to know who actually cares about your music versus who is just trying to slide in on you with music as a front. Women who know what they want and command a presence are oftentimes labeled as bossy, and personally I hate this because we would never say the same thing about a man who knows what he wants.
My biggest piece of advice is try to work with people you trust that genuinely believe in your vision and stick with them if you can. If you are ever working with a new producer I also recommend meeting with them prior for coffee so you can see if it will be a good fit personality-wise before hopping into a session. Music is so personal- so I really do think you need to make it with people that you feel comfortable being around. Additionally, I have been trying to work on my production chops so I can be more self-sufficient in that area and I would love to see more female producers.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
It is tough. I feel like we are so dependent on social media in order to get ears on our music. I think there is a lot of pressure on musicians to not only write, produce and perform but to also be full-time social media content creators. It can definitely feel overwhelming at times, but I feel blessed to be able to make art everyday as a career.
If I could change one thing it would be more funding for music. It is really hard to be a musician and make a living, especially in LA. I think having to worry about getting by- which a lot of us musicians do here- gets in the way of great art. In short, I would place more of an emphasis on Art in our economy so that we aren’t all struggling unless we have billions of monthly listeners on Spotify.
You are partnering with LA-based LGBTQ+ nonprofit TransLatin@ Coalition-could you tell us more about the partnership?
Yes! So excited for this partnership. TransLatin@ Coalition is one of the largest grassroots organizations that provides services for Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, and Intersex LatinX individuals.
I will be donating $1 for every pre-save of my song (up to $1000) to help fund their new center in West Hollywood that they are currently building, in order to provide more support to the community.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
GUN CONTROL! If this world had less hate and more gun control, we would all feel a bit more at peace. I am tired of seeing a new article every day of a mass shooting- we need change.
Connect with DNJNBBY: