This next artist recently won 2nd place in Tiny’s (from the 90s R&B group Xscape), #IFcknLoveYou challenge! Possessing pure talent, grit, and strength! The DMV AUX presents to you, the beautiful angelic R&B singer, Dacia Monét.
Dacia was born and raised in a rough part of Baltimore, Maryland. For that reason, she turned to music to keep her out of trouble and remain focused.
She recalls being five or six years old and realizing that she held talent. “I was playing with my cousin, and we were singing African Hymns from a book. I believe I was singing Amazing Grace for fun. Suddenly it became very quiet, and all my family was just looking at me in shock and awe,” she stated. It was a surprise for her, but she looked at it as a Christmas present from God.
During her freshman year of high school, Dacia attended The Baltimore School for the Arts. “Having that opportunity, set the tone for me, I was very grateful,” she stated. At school, Dacia learned the blueprint and tools to help her succeed when it came to technique, but she wished she was more academically prepared.
At 15/16 years old, Dacia started going to the studio and recording music. “A lot of people started recognizing the talent that I had during that time,” She stated. At first, being a singer was an out of reach dream according to her. She felt they weren’t achievable because of her circumstances, “How could a small girl from the hoods of Baltimore city make it? I just felt like people in the industry had better support and opportunities. I felt intimidated and wasn’t so confident.”
Dacia once suffered from anxiety and depression, along with family issues and personal insecurities, she talked about how she came through that dark period - - pulling yourself out of something heavy and dark, is much overlooked, but you have to stay prayed up, trust in God and brighten up that light that keeps you going.”
As she got older, she realized she’s no different from others and can do it. “You have to go harder for yourself than anybody else,” Dacia stated. Once she started building her confidence and believing in herself, more opportunities arose.
Dacia pulls inspiration from many early 2000s R&B artists like Ashanti, Brandy, Mya, Nivea, etc. “I appreciated the music I was listening to, and it created a lasting impact on me. That’s the type of R&B I want to bring back because we don’t receive that feeling anymore.” Dacia stated.
When it comes to her musical style, Dacia differentiates from others with her authenticity. “A lot of people make music for others, but as an artist, I make music to please myself,” she stated.
When writing music, she finds herself just journaling down her feelings and thoughts. “As I find myself journaling, I’m just like wow, this would be good over a beat; my music is relatable, and if you can feel the emotions I'm projecting, then my music is for you.”
Two years from now, Dacia has plans to grow vocally, work on music, and increase her fan base. “In the past years I have seen my growth and improvement, so It keeps me optimistic and I know I’ll only get better,” she stated. Dacia also hopes to be more established, focused, and is striving to get her songs played on the radio.
Aside from music, she is passionate about cooking which trickled down from her father. “I cook a little bit of everything, soul food, pasta, cupcakes, cakes, etc,” she stated. Her favorite meal to cook up is simply pasta like jambalaya. Other than music, Dacia turns to cooking as a therapeutic relaxing outlet. “If I’m not napping or singing, you will find me cooking!”
When it comes to advice for aspiring artists, Dacia would tell them to never stop. “The difference between you and everyone else you see on TV and hear on the radio is they didn’t stop! They did the behind the scenes work, they cried, they had sleepless nights, they struggled, but most importantly, they kept going,” she stated. In conclusion, Don’t be discouraged because your plays aren’t high and you're not on the radio. Never stop.
Read more about Dacia Monét with a closer look below.
If you can hang out with any celebrity for a full day, who would it be and why?
Teyana Taylor, I love her personality and she seems really laid back.
I feel like we would click and get along great. We would have a blast!
What movie can you watch over and over again?
Cliché, but ATL is a movie I can watch over and over. It cracks me up, I can watch the movie and repeat it line to line.
If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
If I didn’t have to sleep, and my poor vocal cords could take it, I would be singing nonstop.
Singing is a talent you can express at any time. Wherever you go, your voice goes.
What’s one of your biggest pet peeves?
My biggest pet peeve deals with people with poor etiquette and who smacks while eating. IT DRIVES ME NUTS.
Chew with your mouth closed!
Would you rather Win $50,000 or let your best friend win $500,000?
I would let my best friend win $500,000 because if my best friend doesn’t share, the friendship is over (We both let out a laugh, sad but true!) All my friends know, If one got it, we all got it!
The first few things I will do is purchase a new car, a condo, and invest.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the DMV area?
I don’t go out often. I’m usually at home in the studio surrounded by friends and food.
I love being comfortable while working and having fun at the same time.
Magnified topic of the week: Dacia Monét’s single “Endelea”
Endelea in Swahili means to simply “Move on”. Dacia was originally journaling down her thoughts and feelings to clear her mind. However, while doing so, she realized that writing it down wasn’t enough. She eventually selected a track and began singing the words into lyrics.
Endelea is simply an angelic masterpiece filled with authentic emotion and excels at telling Dacia’s journey. Listen to it below and expect a surprise intro from her lovely grandmother!
Written by Dejah Moné