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.
HELLO MISTY DAWN, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?
What do you want to know, honey? I’m a little honkey tonk and a lot of fairy. Haha. I’m from Fort Worth, Texas originally but I’ve lived all over including a 10-year stint in NYC.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSICAL STYLE? HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED MUCH OVER THE YEARS?
I’m calling my sound Show Country, which is a little bit of classic/ soul country with a dash of bluegrass and theatre! My sound hasn’t changed too much over the years because I’m just starting out as a solo artist, though I’ve been performing since I was six in various capacities.
WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR ARTISTIC INSPIRATION?
I am the kind of person who feels the most creative when I have space and quiet. Of course nature, love, friendship, all play a role in being my muse but I get the best songs when I’m driving in my car down a wide-open road.
WHAT PEOPLE HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER?
Shania, Reba, Dolly as the OG’s and Margo Price, Kacey Musgraves, and Brandi Carlile as my modern influences. Love the Ameripolitan crowd! My dad also had a big influence on me. He was a singer and had the voice of an angel! He wrote songs in the style of John Denver and I just loved listening to him sing.
WHAT’S YOUR PROCESS LIKE FOR MAKING MUSIC?
I’m a weirdo who hears melodies out of thin air. I don’t really accompany myself but because I’ve been singing and in choir, theatre, etc. forever, I just hear a melody or a hook and go from there. I usually come up with the melody first and then shape the lyrics around it, which is fun because you can explore the percussive qualities of a song better that way, too.
WHAT IS THAT ONE THING THAT YOU ALWAYS KEEP IN YOUR MIND WHILE PREPARING YOUR CONTENT FOR SOCIAL MEDIA?
Don’t take yourself too seriously. I definitely have an aesthetic and vibe that I’m curating but I also like to poke fun of it/ myself a bit. I like walking the line of sassy, sexy, silly.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO A BUDDING ARTIST?
Keep going and trust your instincts. There will be a million people who tell you to do things a million different ways. At the end of the day, you have to be happy with what you’ve created.
IF YOU WEREN’T A MUSICIAN/PERFORMER, WHAT CAREER WOULD YOU HAVE CHOSEN?
I wanted to be a marine biologist when I was little but then I realized how much math was involved. I’m a social media/ marketer now, so that worked out pretty well and is something I chose to do along the way. I love it because it gives me so much freedom and flexibility to pursue my music career.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
What spare time? Lol. I run my own business, so in my spare time I’m usually working on music and/ or building my online program, The Muse Mind. In non-pandemic times I practice Kung Fu and travel a lot!
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
Learn to pivot with grace. If this year has taught us anything it’s that curveballs are inevitable. The better you are able to pivot directions and adapt, the more long-term success you will have. Even in trying times there are ways to thrive and create something new.
WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOU ONLINE?
Y’all come on over and say hi at @mistydawnmusic on IG or visit my website: www.mistydawnmusic.com
