We had the good fortune of connecting with Dakota Hodge and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dakota, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m inspired by feelings and emotions. Usually when I’m starting a song I think back on situations in my past and I try to implement those feelings and emotions in to whatever song I’m working on. I feel like we live in this culture where having emotions is this taboo type of thing. If I can do anything with my career, I just want to normalize having feelings. Wether you’re happy, sad, or angry… You should feel comfortable and allowed to express yourself! I just want to make people feel like they can let themselves go when they listen to my music.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I was 3 years old I started playing the drums so music has always been a part of my life! When I was 16 I started to pick up piano and guitar. By the time I was 18 I was writing music for my first EP. As soon as that was released I never looked back! This last year or so I’ve had my most success on streaming platforms and it’s been a total blast to see my fanbase really start to build a bit. Creative careers are hard and most of the time it feels kind of exhausting. A couple months ago I made more money with music than my day job. That was the first time since I was 18 that I could say that, I am 24 now. You just have to keep pushing forward!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles is amazing and deserves every bit of hype it gets. There are so many amazing spots so it’s hard to break it down to just a few, but if I had a friend visiting… We would most definitely be getting a brisket breakfast burrito at Coffee Commissary in Kenneth Village, then head over to the Universal City Overlook for alllll the views, and of course end the day with a Malibu sunset.

If you’re in LA definitely check out Kenneth Village, Ventura Blvd, Little Tokyo, or Frogtown! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shoutout my friend Dom Liberati. He is an incredible songwriter, artist, and producer. That dude works harder than most anyone I know and is constantly putting out bangers. Find him on Spotify (LIBERATI) and you won’t be disappointed!

Website: dakotahodgemusic.com

Instagram: instagram.com/kotahodge

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5P4PzDLNkoMI8JI9CT7Hmi?si=N3ypKPpCSjyXO1dk4bfDCg

Image Credits
Nick Conroy

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