Six Twelve Entertainment and The Medium: A Country Singer Defined By The Roots-Driven Backroads
KIMBERLY DAWN
Kimberly Dawn’s love for music dates back to her early childhood in Alberta, Canada, when she started learning piano and sang in her church choir.
“I’m grateful to have music in my life. It inspires me, it heals me, it encourages me, and it makes me HAPPY!!!” Inside the studio, the process of songwriting, leads to what every songwriter wants — to have their songs be heard and resonate with listeners. The album, Day & Night, was released in 2016. Which song on the record is your favorite to perform live and why?
Oh wow, so out of all fourteen of those songs, I would say “Perfectly Imperfect.” This song is so relevant in today’s society because I sing about hiding behind devices, putting filters on everything, and just trying to connect with people without having to be on your device. We can all have an addictive side to us when it comes to social media, but it’s healthy to turn it off and be present.
“…this is for all you DREAMERS out there. Go after your dreams. Stay focused on what you want. Don’t worry about what others are doing or what they aren’t doing. There is plenty of room for all of us to be successful. Don’t be afraid to go after your dreams because you’re worried about what others think. You are worthy of your dreams; you deserve to have your dreams come true!!! And if you ever start to doubt yourself, come back to this post & read it again and again!!!” What tops your dream music career bucket list?
I have so many things on my bucket list, but at the top of my bucket list is to play at The Opry. Receiving that invitation to play will be a moment in my career that I look forward to experiencing.
“We have to feel pain in order to appreciate happiness.” You strive to openly share the story of your own personal mental health journey to inspire and uplift others. That journey is in your song, “The Bottle,” which highlights the real pain for those struggling with mental health and addiction issues. Can you share a fan story of how your song positively impacted their life?
That song is a very emotional song for me. I feel so grateful that the song has resonated with so many people. I have had fans reach out to me on social media and emails come to me from fans. One in particular that stands out is an email that came through from a young girl who specifically said “The Bottle” has helped her feel like she is going to be okay. The song was giving her strength, and it really just reminds me how a song can change a person’s life. I am grateful anytime a song of mine touches someone’s heart or they just connect with the song. If they feel a connection to the song, then I did what I wanted to do with that song.
“Social media is so overwhelming for me.” Writing sessions, working with producers to lay down work tapes and demos, writers’ rounds. How do you balance the demands of social media, so they don’t take away from your creative endeavors?
This is a great question, and it’s one that I am still working on. I am learning to take social media breaks. I have to for my mental health. I started to realize that it was suffocating my creativity and I was feeling resentful. I am balancing everything. I take a couple days a month to focus on getting content together, and on those days it’s specifically for content. That way, I can stay more organized and I don’t feel so overwhelmed, which can stifle my creativity.
Releasing “Do I Love You,” a duet with Paul Anka. How did you come to record with the Grammy Award-winning songwriter and artist, whose career has had a huge musical influence on your own?
I met Mr. Anka a few years ago when our boys became friends. We connected over talking about both of us being Canadians and our love for music. He called me one day and said he had a song that he thought I would sound good on. I was so excited and so honored that he thought of me.
The rest is history, and I recently found out that Dolly Parton sang the same song and duet with Mr. Paul Anka. Ms. Parton is the QUEEN, so I am so honored.
“We all came from somewhere. … Wherever you came from your hometown shaped you to who you are today.” “Deere John.” The single is about your family’s farm in the Canadian countryside and how it made you the person you are today. ‘Saying goodbye to the only house I ever knew’… symbolizes that wherever you end up in life, your country upbringing will always define you. Can you share a favorite family memory from a time on the farm that continues to inspire you?
Yes, this song was definitely about where I was raised. I have a lot of fun memories from growing up on our farm. I think some of my fondest memories were days where we would just play outside all day long. My dad would take us for rides on his dirt bike. Life was simple and I loved it.
Being near the ocean relaxes you and helps your creative juices flow. Butterflies are your special sign of letting you know it’s all going to be ok. You shared that “God is only a prayer away.” Daily practices, including meditation and journaling. What are some of your favorite Bible verses that help you reset?
I have so many favorite bible verses, but one that comes to mind is Proverbs 3:5–6. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Another one of my favorite bible verses is Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Both of these scriptures are very powerful verses and a good reminder that I am never alone.
Former competitive long-distance runner. Workouts. Knee surgery. Trainer Alexis. How do you make exercise a priority in your busy musician’s schedule?
I just have to make it a priority. It’s like singing. I have to make doing my vocal warm up a priority to keep my vocal chords healthy. In order for me to stay healthy and strong, I have to workout, and I am training 2–3 times a week right now. When I travel, I still workout because Alexis has a program that I put on my phone that has all the different exercises on it.
Showing friends around Nashville, like shopping with your friend and first-time visitor Kelly, at Star Struck Vintage and Black Shag Vintage. You told fans to DM you for recommendations. Which local restaurants are your favorites?
Oh gosh, I have so many favorite restaurants, but some of my go-to places are: 1) Bartaco 2) Pinewood Social 3) Adele’s 4) Bourbon Steakhouse 5) The Rutledge 6) Josephine 7) Fido Cafe 8) Milk & Honey 9) Geist 10) O-Ku
To stay up to date with Kimberly Dawn, visit her Website or listen to her on Spotify, and follow her on social media Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
