The new bad boy of country music from Maple Valley, singer-songwriter, Dakota Poorman, is a breath of fresh air in the country music world. Poorman entertains audiences with his unique style of “Red, White and Blue Collar” Country–raw rock ‘n’ roll infused with a fiery fiddle and badass banjo.
Who inspired you to make music?
I’m self-motivated—self inspired! I was put on this earth to make music and share it with the world; and that’s exactly what I’m gonna do!
What was the inspiration in writing recent single “Hippie @ Heart?”
I was sitting in a buddy’s garage, and we were talking about songs and whatnot, and someone said, “You should write a song called ‘Hippie at Heart’.” I thought that was catchy. A couple days later, I lit up a joint and put pen to paper. Forty minutes into it, I had a modern day, honky-tonk song about weed and what goes along with it. Ha-ha!
How would you describe the music that you typically create/record/perform?
I’d describe my music as-in-your-face country; music that you can’t help but crank up and listen to. It’s for anyone who likes stories, partying, getting rowdy and just having a good time. It’s relatable and grabs a hold of you and doesn’t let go. It’ll have you bobbing your head to the beat that’s for sure!
What is your creative process like?
I don’t really have one to be honest; the melodies and ideas just come to me spontaneously. I’ll start with a title, or a guitar lick, or a line or two for a verse. Every song that I’ve created has had a different process. But the new single, “Hippie @ Heart,” was the fastest song I’ve ever written. It just wrote itself.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Y’all better be ready to get rowdy at a Dakota Poorman show. It’ll blow your mind!
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
The Internet has its pros and cons. I think the pro is that the Internet has helped people discover new artists and opened a new world to discover all kinds of music. TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, etc., all of the digital platforms, have definitely helped the indie artist. Overall, it’s helped the music business grow.
What led you to become a music artist and what advice can you give to others aspiring to make it?
I was bullied a lot growing up. High school was tough, and music was a safe haven for me. I was able to go into my own world with my guitar and just find a happy and comfortably place. My music led me to overcome those bully’s harsh words and gain enough courage to step on stage and perform my original music for everyone.
In your opinion, how do artists in this industry stay on top of the game when faced with so much competition? What’s the secret to being “noticed?”
It takes money…lots and lots of money! The more money you have, the more you can pay someone else to get your ass in front of millions of people. Unfortunately, that’s the world we live in. (Sorry, not sorry. Truth.)
What is the best advice you’ve been given as it relates to your career?
Never give up! They’ll be a million “No’s” but it only takes one “Yes” to make your whole world change.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
I’d like to go back to making it more about the music, not the numbers…not lining the label’s pockets.
What about your music is unconventional, or unusual?
I think it’s unconventional that I can pour out the same amount of energy, heart and soul with just an acoustic guitar and a microphone as I can in a full band show. I don’t need a band behind me to set the stage on fire.
What sets your music apart? What is unique, or at least uncommon?
It’s loud and proud country music. It’s got real instrumentation, none of this clap/snap track crap. I have to have it be authentic! That’s where the magic and mojo is!
What do you enjoy most about being an artist/performer?
I enjoy the people. Meeting new faces everyday and every night. Interacting with the crowd. That’s the best part. When they’re singing your songs back to you, there’s no better feeling and you can’t buy that.
What does your music say about you?
That I have no fu@ks to give. I don’t care whether you like my music or not; I really don’t. It’s me. It’s true and it’s how I feel. I ain’t gonna change for anyone. I’m a take-it-or-leave-it kind of guy.
What are your overall ambitions as a songwriter/recording artist?
Just to show the world there’s still a lot of underdogs that need to have some light shed on them. All these big named artists need to make way for some new faces of country. I really just want people who hear my music to be able to relate to it!
What is your current song, ”Hippie @ Heart” about?
“Hippie @ Heart,” is basically about me and my upbringing. Listening to Willie Nelson and Pink Floyd and experimenting with recreational things before I became serious about my musical journey. I think I just took that and ran with it and put my own spin on it with real life experiences.
Hippie @ Heart” is out on April 22, 2022
When you create music, what is your personal purpose or goal?
To bring words to life, and bring excitement, peace or comfort to someone who may need one of my songs to help them through tough times or just let loose.
What has been most challenging aspect of your career?
I think for most I’m a “surprise.” For people to accept me, my music and my attitude has been a bit of a challenge. Like I said, I’m a take-it-or-leave-it kind of guy; so, getting someone to take a chance on an underdog, who makes no apologies, hasn’t been easy.
Do you ever experience writer’s block, and if so, how do you “break through?”
Oh, for sure. I had a song that took me three months to write. It was about my father, so I wanted it to be perfect. But I knew that if I rushed the song and forced the words, it wouldn’t be what the song is today.
Would you have any advice for would-be artists or songwriters wanting to follow in your footsteps?
It’s a slow process this thing called a “music career.” It’ll test you for sure, but if you really want it, you have to buckle down and make it yours. Be patient. Your time will come. Just grind and keep grinding. Don’t stop. And practice…practice, practice, practice. Never give up! No one is gonna make your dreams come true but you. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You choose your own destiny; no one else can do that.
We understand you are newly engaged! Congrats! How did you pick out “the ring?”
She had told me a few times what kind of ring she had dreamed of. I wanted to make her dream come true.
What do your wedding plans look like and how involved will you be?
No plans right now. No need to rush it. We want to take our time plan it out accordingly.
Section 2 – SILLY STUFF
What is the most useless talent you have?
I can sing in a Kermit voice…
If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?
‘Man, You’re Loud–The Dakota Poorman Story!”
You are a new addition to a crayon box. What color would you be and why?
Gun Metal Gray! Because I like guns and my music shoots right at cha!
What would be a good theme song for your life?
My new song, “Hippie @ Heart” is the theme song of my life.
If you had to describe yourself as a flavor, what would it be?
The flavor of Jameson Irish Whiskey! Bold and Proud!
What’s your least favorite personality trait you really like about yourself?
That I’m LOUD!
If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?
How was it to play the Opry and are you an Opry member yet?
If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
I got here being the way I am, why would I wanna change that?
Thanks for having me Divine Magazine!
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