You recently released your new single, “No Good in Goodbye." Tell us about the writing process and where the idea came from. This song is deeply personal. Last summer I ended a six-year relationship with someone I thought I'd be with long-term. There really wasn't anything wrong with the relationship, and we loved each other dearly, but I wanted kids in the future and he didn't. So, we mutually decided to say goodbye and it was just so heartbreaking. I think goodbyes when you know they aren't tied to anything bad have a particular flavor of devastation. After we broke up, my parents picked me up and drove me from Rhode Island (where we were living at the time) to Texas and I left that relationship in the rearview mirror. When I was at my parents', trying to heal and find the silver lining, that's where the song started to surface.
Where did you grow up and how has that influenced your style of music? I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas! You really can't escape country music there and, believe me, I tried. I rebelled against country music for a long time. Turns out when I sat down to write, that's what lived in my soul. I'd say Shania Twain really had a big influence if I think about what I subconsciously absorbed growing up. I also draw a lot from musical theatre because I've been in musicals and performing for as long as I can remember. That's why I call my particular brand, Show Country—because it has that show tune flavor in the storytelling and chord changes.
Is there one song in particular you’re most excited about people hearing? Oh, yeah! I'm releasing "Weeping Willow" in November and it's secretly my favorite song off the EP. It's sassy, soulful, and takes a less traditional vantage point.
Is there anyone in your family that you can credit as being instrumental in your decision to go into the music field? My dad for sure. He wrote and sang and it was such a big part of how I grew up. I started singing in the church choir as early as six years old because of him.
Where do you draw inspiration from when writing? I'd say it's a compilation of inspiration points. I get my best melodies when I'm driving in the car by myself. But, I also draw inspiration from my environment, friends, personal experiences, etc. It's kind of whenever the muse strikes!
Was there ever music playing in the kitchen growing up? Oh, yeah! My dad loved to sing, so we were always making up songs and listening to Billy Joel or John Denver - but, also Weird Al Yankovic. My family had eclectic tastes and we liked to be silly and theatrical.
What is your favorite breakfast? I'm a simple gal. Give me scrambled eggs any day and I'm happy as pie. I like them with some feta cheese, tomatoes, and basil!
If you could share a meal with any four individuals, living or dead, who would they be? oooh! Great question. I think Dolly Parton and Lady Gaga would be two fun ladies to dine with. From beyond the grave, I'd go with Davinci and Nikola Tesla.
What’s your favorite food on the road? Well, I'm vegetarian so road food can be tough to come across (at least good road food) but my go-to is a burrito from Chipotle. Haha. So classy. Side story, a few summers ago I drove across Italy by myself and they had the BEST road food ever. I mean a panini from the gas station was like a gourmet meal. We gotta step it up over here! Haha.
Finally, if you could be sponsored by one food/drink brand who would it be and why? You know, it's funny, I used to help manage social media for Tucson Foodie and as a result, I got really involved in the food and drink scene out there. I have such a soft spot for supporting local and small businesses and Tucson is like my soul home, so I'd love to be sponsored by Whiskey Del Bac!
About Misty Dawn: Say goodbye to Bro-Country and hello to SHOW COUNTRY. Since the age of six, Texas native Misty Dawn has been performing in professional theatre and television productions. From hosting a video game review show on TV to being one of the puppet-artists-in-residence at St. Anne’s Warehouse for a season, Misty has a knack for exploring the art of storytelling. With a Theatre degree, several off-Broadway productions, and a few international tours under her belt, it’s no surprise that’s she’s infused her theatrical upbringing into her music. In fact, she’s calling her unique brand of country Show Country as it mixes elements of musical theatre, soul country, outlaw country and Americana into her music. While her sound harkens back to a classic country era and she looks to join the ranks of the Ameripolitan crowd, her message is anything but traditional. Misty takes a no-nonsense approach to re-writing the topics women typically sing about with songs about traditional female roles, poking at the holes in religious and political establishments, and embracing a brazen, sexually empowered version of a woman.
While early influences include Reba, Crystal Gayle, Shania Twain and Jo Dee Messina, Misty looks to artists like Margo Price, Kacey Musgraves and Brandi Carlile as beacons.
Misty’s current project, Mountains, is her first project as a solo artist. Previously, she’s vocally supported NYC artists Matt Singer and Jay Mankind on their albums and performing alongside them at classic NYC spots like Rockwood, Union Hall and Pianos. She also lends her vocal harmonies to Denver artist Daryl Purpose on his upcoming album. She wrote the titular track in honor of her father, Gary who is no longer on this Earth but who passed on his love of the mountains and his love of singing to Misty.
Website: www.mistydawnmusic.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mistythemuse/ Instagram: @mistydawnmusic
Twitter: @Mistydawnmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2r6Ei_QeB5BVxgahBms33A?view_as=subscriber
Comments