We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dawn Rix. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dawn below.
Dawn, appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
I joke all the time about “I make music not money!” After my song Tennessee Miles had such great success and longevity people asked how much did I earn off of it? My response initially was enough for a slice of pizza and my “TN MILES” personalized license plate.
The best way we independent artists make money is off of merchandise & tickets sales and paid live performances. So folks please support us by liking our music, purchase our albums, download our songs, follow and share our music and social media pages!
Meanwhile I do encourage you to
pick something you would do for free and make that your career! ❤️
Mark Twain said it best
‘Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.’
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a little girl I would sing from the stairwell songs from the musical Annie and then put on my dad’s long black leather jacket, grab my plastic guitar with missing strings, spin around and introduce myself to my imaginary audience ” Hello everyone!
I’m Johnny Cash.” I knew at a young age that being an entertainer is what I wanted to be. I watched Barbara Mandrell sing and dance and play multiple instruments, I would listen to Reba McIntyre, Donna Fargo, Diana Ross, even Barry Manilow and at one point my parents unplugged a jukebox because I played Charlie Rich “If You Happen To See The Most Beautiful Girl In The World” over and over and over again. Lol
I knew that I loved all genres of music but country was definitely my favorite.
Over the years I worked very hard to earn a fan base by giving 150% onstage, entertaining and singing from my heart, connecting with audiences of all ages. I continue even now to be a great student at learning, practicing and mastering the craft of Songwriting and Vocal Performance. All aspects of the business side of things came naturally mirroring my biggest fan and teacher- my Dad!
What I am most proud of is being able to keep positive and keep showing up & going after my dream against many odds and obstacles that have come my way.
I may not have the freedom, time, and finances that many others do to go all in but I stay in my own lane at my own pace focused on GOALS, GOD and the Grind! I’d say the outcome has been more than fine.
I’ve been extremely blessed and so very grateful.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect as an artist for me is being able to write and/or deliver a message through a song’s lyrics and music that connects with and touches the hearts of listeners. Music is the universal language of love and there is power in the arts! Hearing that my song helped someone through a time in their life or inspired them to not give up on their journey or dream is everything to me. Let’s face it not everybody is going to like what I do but what I do is not meant for everyone. That is okay! Those who it is meant for will receive it and will relate. If my message/ song or story touches one heart than my purpose is accomplished. ♡
Have you ever had to pivot?
Well, it just so happens that recently our world was turned upside down with my son’s health and life as we knew it has changed significantly leaving me to be full-time nurse /caregiver. I’ve shed many tears of disappointment, had to miss several important events, performances, and opportunities and pause any travel plans or upcoming shows for my need is to be home in WV with my family at this time. No complaints it is life. “It’s not the cards you’ve been dealt but how you play the hand.” Praying and have faith for his recovery and that this is only a temporary detour along my journey! We got this because GOD has us!
We did get to release my New Single “Broken Pieces” and although studio time has been temporarily delayed we will certainly get my vocals recorded to complete & deliver a highly anticipated great album by May! Stay tuned folks there is so much more to come!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.DAWNRIX.COM
- Instagram: @DawnRixMusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DawnRixMusic
- Linkedin: @rixplosion
- Twitter: @rixplosion
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/YI6zZqmzl84?si=3-rGyOgXSloB04nX
- Soundcloud: Listen to Pain Killer by Dawn Rix on #SoundCloud https://on.soundcloud.com/GYVUo13YXFgaF6Up9
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/rixsinger
Image Credits
Kristen Belcher Photography
Piccadilly Posh Photography