“It’s really scary, because you have an audience of people who don’t follow me for music,” she continues. “So starting to share this part of my life, that was kind of a secret for myself, was very scary. I know there will be people who aren’t following me for music so I do try to keep a balance in my content. If people love it, then I’m so happy. Maybe I’ll find an audience who loves me just for [my music] and doesn’t care for my other content.”
Billboard spoke with Dixie about why “The Real Thing” (currently available on all streaming platforms) is her most anticipated release, details on Jingle Ball rehearsals, and more.
When and how did The Real Thing first come together?
I actually recorded the song probably last year — and over the past year, it’s been a part of the Social Tourist campaign, which is my clothing line with Hollister and a part of our family show, The D’Amelio Show. My supporters have been on me like everyday, saying, “Can we actually get the song? We’ve all heard it!” We’ve played it on radio calls and everything so now we are finally releasing it.
My plan was to start to release songs that I’ve written from writing camps — but because this song has been such a big part of so many big releases and projects in my life this year, I thought it would be cool to finally release it.
What does “The Real Thing” mean to you?
Since this song was a part of so many different events in my life, I kind of think it can mean anything. Originally when I heard this song, I read it as looking for the real boy — but it applies to so many things.
This song was actually written before I even started [songwriting camps] — which is pretty cool, ’cause I get to see how far I’ve come. I still love all the other songs; every single song I record I fall in love with. Sometimes I even forget [which songs I have], but this one has always been at the top of the list for everyone.
What are you most looking forward to with this release?
People finally getting the whole song. I hate having songs out there and not talking about them or not releasing them fully. I have to stop myself sometimes from sharing whole entire songs because I just get so excited!
In your docuseries, your family discusses the connection between your successes as public figures and the strains it puts on your mental health. Those topics come up in your music quite often too, has it become any easier to be okay with being vulnerable through music?
With music, 100% yes. I want to tell my story through song in a proper way and not just throw a song out. That’s what we’re working on now. Each time I’m writing or with a group, when we’re writing a song together, [I ask] how can this be a step to show who I truly am? Because I can tell a story [online] but maybe not everyone will listen the way they would through music. I think it’s gonna take time, but that’s the goal.
Post comments (0)