We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dixon Darling. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dixon below.

Dixon, appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

I’ll never forget the first dollar I earned as a musician. December 31st, 2018, I was opening for a band a little restaurant called Goose and Chey’s in Tahoe City, CA. The owners were friends of mine and let me open for the band to get my feet wet with gigging. I had been playing open mics for a couple years, and I had never even considered playing a gig until my friends at the local open mic gave me the push to try. I played for one hour, which was basically all I had, for a crowd of about 20 people. I had forgotten to bring a tip jar! So one of the owners, Goose, put a beer pitcher out, and by the time I had finished I had made $38. It sticks out in my mind so clearly because I had never been given such a clear sign of support before. People had told me I was talented, that I should try my hand at music professionally, but this was different. A crowd of total strangers enjoyed what I had to give so much that they supported me financially. I was broke, that money was a lot for me. It meant possibility. It meant that I wasn’t just some kid that people felt obligated to say “good job” to. People who had no reason to care were affected, and that has continued to be the drive behind why I create to this day.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m an acoustic singer-songwriter from Montgomery, AL. It’s hard to say what defines me, as I feel like there’s dozens if not hundreds of people who do what I do, but I’ve been told that I have a unique voice, and a unique style and ability in songwriting. I sort of fell into music, honestly. I didn’t realize it growing up, but I’ve always sang, pretty much since I could talk. In old home videos, I’m always singing in the background. I’d sing in the choir in church, I’d sing along to Hall & Oates, Foreigner, Brooks and Dunn, James Taylor, pretty much anything my mom would put on the stereo. When I was 13, I bought a lawnmower to try and make some cash, and I would steal my mom’s iPod to listen to music while I mowed the lawn. I sang so loud that my parents could tell what song I was singing from INSIDE the house! I picked up the acoustic guitar in my high school youth group, and started vocal lessons in college, which is about the same time I started writing music. Eventually, I started playing gigs full-time in the fall of 2020, and have been full-time in music ever since! I’m still figuring out what my ‘brand’ is, as I’m still growing and learning and finding my voice, but I’ve been compared to artists like Jason Mraz, Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, pretty much any late 2000s/early 2010s singer-songwriter. I loved the soft rock of the 70s, the catchy melodies of 80s pop, and the heart and soul of Motown hits from the 60s, which I try to incorporate into my own sound.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Speaking as a songwriter, there’s no greater feeling than when someone approaches me and tells me how my original song has impacted them. I’ve written songs on mental health, dating, love, imposter syndrome, career frustrations, and even how I struggle to get out of bed. The look in their eyes while they try to find the words to describe how my song made them feel is exhilarating. Not because of some sort of personal glory or vindication, but knowing that I’m in tune with the people around me is just so cool. Oftentimes I would feel like I was alone in my thoughts, experiences, fears, etc., but when I started showing people the songs I had written, I found that people were resonating with my most personal writings. Nothing else feels like that in my life, and I’m excited to experience that more as my audience grows.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I have two resources for any other singer-songwriters/musicians out there: 1) Nashville Songwriters Association International, and 2) A Vocal Technician. NSAI is an advocacy group for songwriters, and the single best way to meet other songwriters and artists. In the first 6 months of my membership, I’d been introduced to over 30 collaborators. They are staffed with wonderful people who genuinely care about songwriting and songwriters, and I’ve not met a member that I didn’t enjoy meeting and working with. I’ve written more songs since joining them than I had in the previous 5 years on my own. As far as a vocal technician goes, I hesitate to share mine as I don’t want her to be bombarded! However, her business is CHL Voiceworks, and she is incredible. Dr. Lee has singlehandedly improved my vocal health and ability so well that I went from playing 3 shows a week to 7! I’m not saying you have to work with her specifically (though she is amazing), but seeing a vocal technician is a must for anyone seeking to be a professional vocalist. Many things can be self taught in music, but singing just isn’t one of them. I’ve known way too many people to do irreparable damage due to poor vocal health, poor technique, you name it. It’s important when choosing a vocal technician to make sure that they are 1) credentialed and 2) on board with your mission and vision. If you don’t want to sing operatically/theatrically, don’t seek classical training. Not that the technique is bad, it’s just not what best suits you. I wish I had known about these when I first started, I can’t imagine where I’d be now!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dixondarling.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dixondarling/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dixondarlingmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dixondarling