Dallas
Photo credit: @lilspyce
What caught my attention the first time I heard Dallas’ new single “M.A.M.G (Me & My Girls)” is the production (shout out A T O M !) - it is super unique and interesting to hear especially when the guitar part comes in. Her voice and her melodies are perfect. “M.A.M.G” sounds different from these other pop records we hear every day and that’s why I LOVE this song. It’s a pop record but it also has some r&b vibe, and I live for this. I believe this single is taking her to a next level musically. At least, that’s what I think :)
Toronto artists are honestly some of the best in the game and I’m happy I discovered another great artist. Thank you Dallas for reaching out and thank you for this interview.
Go stream “M.A.M.G (Me & My Girls)” now !! :)
Photo credit: @lilspyce
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
My name’s Dallas. I’m a singer/songwriter from Toronto. I started writing music when I was six years old. I got my very first guitar around that time and everyday would lock myself in my room and just write really shitty songs about love & things most six year olds have yet to experience haha. I always dreamed of having a career in music but never really thought it possible. I was really academic in high school and thought I’d pursue a career in Marine Biology. Musical Theatre is what really sold me to follow my dreams and so in 2017 I went to college in New York City to study the craft. Since being back in Toronto, I’ve just been grinding with the team - building the catalogue, the brand and the sound. I’m excited for what’s to come in 2021. I’ve got a lot planned and can’t wait for everyone to see what I’ve been up to.
When did you start writing songs? What made you want to write in the first place?
I started writing pretty young like I previously said. I can’t recall what pushed me to start in the first place - most likely my Mom. She definitely plays a huge role in the type of music I grew up listening to, and the influences I like to draw from in my own music. I also have three brothers who all played hockey. Having my own outlet to turn to was really essential.
When did you realize you could sing?
One of the best Christmas gifts I ever received was a karaoke machine. I still have it in the basement of my parents house. That’s where I discovered artists like Shania Twain & Tracey Chapman. I loved that machine and used it way too much. Back in Kindergarten, I remember my teachers would always want me to play the lead role in all of our little singing performances. That’s really the earliest moment of my life where I discovered I could hold a tune.
At what point did you know you had to become an artist and release your original music?
I definitely made this realization my first summer back from NYC. My producer and I started working together then, and I think we both knew there was something special in the songs we were creating. I’ve been working with him ever since and the music has only gotten better!
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
My parents. They always supported me from the very beginning, pushing me to do singing lessons & guitar lessons. They were present at all, if not most of my shows and still to this day are my biggest supporters.
How would you define Dallas, the artist?
Iconic. Haha, I’m kidding, but that is the vision for my career. I would define myself as someone whose gonna change the meaning/sound of Pop music.
"M.A.M.G (Me & My Girls)" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this single?
I wrote Me & My Girls in the middle of the COVID 19 pandemic. My friends are my entire life - not being able to see them for months was pretty difficult. I wanted this one to be playful, unique and special, just like them. It’s definitely a very personal song, drawing on specific moments my friends and I have experienced. The trips we've taken, restaurants we like to go to - I think a lot of people are going to vibe with this one because of how relatable it is. Who doesn't want to show off their best friends? This song was strictly for the gals!
Could you describe the songwriting/production process? Who helped you create this song? When did you start working on it?
I really cannot express enough how much of a genius my producer is. He’s a wizard when it comes to the music. @createdbyatom and I are the sole writers and producers on all of my music. M.A.M.G is one of my favourite songs we have ever made together. We’re also very fast when it comes to the music. This song was written in one night back in the summer of 2020. Atom’s a perfectionist with the mix/production so we had a few versions to choose from. When it comes down to it, Me & My Girls is a hit pop song and I’m pumped to see the response to it.
When did you know "M.A.M.G" had to be a single?
Over the last three (ish) years, I’ve built an extensive catalogue of songs. Sometimes it’s difficult choosing which song should be the next single. It wasn’t that way with M.A.M.G. We knew we wanted to release around Valentine’s Day because of the branding and promo photos we had done to support this release. It all just made sense to us.
What's your favorite thing about this song?
My favourite thing about Me & My Girls is that it showcases just how important my friends are to me. I really wanted them to be the focus of this song. Having them join me in the photoshoot for this single was such a special moment for us all. I also love how unique and experimental the production is. It takes you on a ride and that’s what I want my listeners to take away when listening to my music.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
@badgalgraphicz is the best in the game. I’m also blessed to call them my best friends. They work so hard and always deliver strong material for each and every release. We wanted to pay tribute to those innocent days of playing with dolls and dressing up in bright colours and crazy outfits. They took my vision and gave it life. I’m obsessed with how it all came out.
What is your goal for this song?
My goal is the same as it is with every release - build that fanbase. I can only hope that people love the song as much as I do. The best feeling is when strangers reach out & praise the music. That means the team and I are doing something right.
What advice would you give to anyone struggling with mental health?
That’s definitely a touchy subject for me having lived with anxiety and depression most of my life. I think the biggest piece of advice I would have to give is just know you're not alone. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to reach out. Find a support system & take the time YOU need to work on yourself mentally and physically. It’s a constant battle but not one that you can't overcome.
What does it mean for you to be an artist?
Damn. It means everything to me. Having the support that I do from my family, my friends and my team motivates me to work harder and succeed in this crazy industry. My dream is to be able to support everyone whose been with me from the beginning & I can’t wait for that day to come.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
I have very mixed thoughts about the music industry. It’s a very tough industry to get into and you definitely need to have some thick skin. You come across many different types of players in the business. Knowing who to trust and when to trust them is essential. If I could change one thing about the industry, I would change the outlook that Label’s and A&R’s have on rising new talent. There are so many people in this world trying to make it as an artist. Supporting one another at EVERY stage of our careers and not just when the fame and money comes in is so important. That’s what I would change.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
Take everything with a grain of salt. Trust your instincts and don't focus so much on what everyone else is doing. Be you to the fullest.
What are your goals for 2021?
There’s so much I want to accomplish by the end of this year. I’m looking forward to finally showcasing a performance with my band via livestream. Although I wasn't able to have my headlining show at the Mod Club, I’m not letting that hold me back anymore. You can expect more releases, more collaborations, new products for the MERCH line. All I can say is I'm excited. I’m looking forward to sharing more material with the world.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
There are so many positive movements going on in the world right now, and it’s about time. I’m a firm supporter of equality on all fronts. There’s not enough love in this world and I think it’s time we start spreading more of it. Life is short. Let’s not waste it hating each other because of our sexuality, our religion, or the colour of our skin. At the end of the day, we’re all human beings and all deserve to be treated with the same respect.
What message do you want to deliver to the world?
I plan on doing music for the rest of my life. Well, until I decide to retire aha. I can only hope that my music will inspire people to follow their dreams, be who they want and do good in this world.
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