Longing for a genuine, old-school romance after experiencing lackluster relationships — Darci Lynne’s “Someone Wake Me Up”
Growing up in Oklahoma. “I’ll always be an okie at heart, so I think I’m biased when I say our sunsets are unmatched.” Where would you take first time visitors to your home state?
I’m a huge fan of The Hall’s Pizza Kitchen, so if we’re talking food, I would take a first-time visitor there! I would also take them into the Plaza District to all of my favorite thrift spots, especially Bad Granny’s — it’s a must.
Relying on family support, participated in talent-based pageants to overcome shyness. Got a puppet and began performing as a ventriloquist in talent shows.
Auditioned (in 2017) for America’s Got Talent where you became the youngest contestant (12-years-old) to win the show. How do you develop your characters’ personalities and backstories?
I’d like to think I have a pretty vast imagination, but ever since I was little, I’ve been super creative. Almost all of my characters just come from my brain, unless someone or something in real life inspires me.
Papilio Blumei butterfly tattoo. “My butterfly tattoo is a reminder to me that as people we’re constantly on a track of evolution. My mantra is that I won’t ever let anyone limit me. It’s a reminder that God doesn’t just leave us stagnant, he calls us to and through many things, whether they’re difficult or fruitful.” How do you balance being a young adult with a successful career in entertainment?
One of the biggest things that has kept me grounded and true to who I am throughout this crazy roller coaster of a career is my family and my friends. I never moved out of Oklahoma after I won. I stayed in this community and it has proved to be the right decision. These people and this place make me feel the most myself!
Debut single, “Push Our Luck,” co-written with Maggie McClure and Shane Henry. “I wrote this song for those who have ‘pushed their luck’ with their parents and curfew. I think most of us have experienced those first-time feelings out on a date and were willing to get in trouble for the sake of having so much fun.” The song’s video won Best Music Video at the Los Angeles Film Awards. What inspired the storyboard for the video?
The music video concept was something I had in mind when I first recorded the song. I wrote and executive produced it! The song itself and the lyrics made it easy because they paint a vivid picture in my opinion. It was so cool to see my vision come into fruition!
Playing The Pitch Meeting, a nonprofit organization. “Never have I left The Pitch Meeting without feeling so passionate and encouraged that it’s magnificently overwhelming! Thank you for having me and giving me a platform to explore this side of myself.”
It is a forum where the vision of the songwriter meets some of Nashville’s finest musicianship, and what results is the basis for one of the city’s most exciting and fastest growing new communities. How important is it for artists like yourself to have such opportunities to showcase your songs in Music City?
It was so important for me personally to immerse myself in the music community that is Nashville. It opened my eyes to how limitless music is. I needed to know that to be able to grow in the craft of songwriting. It’s so important in general to be encouraged by those who are just as passionate as you are about something, and that kind of encouragement I found in Nashville!
Spending a month in Lampe, Missouri this summer leading 12-year-old girls in camp. “Camp is the place you get to strip back the world and the noise for a little while to meet our creator in the way He calls us to.” How do you handle the pressure of being a role model for young people?
I used to really struggle with the fact that I impacted and influenced people, especially young kids. However, now that I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize that the entertainment industry needs a light. It can be a dark place that is void of family friendly entertainment, and so I truly believe my purpose is to brighten it.
“Someone Wake Me Up,” co-written with McClure and Henry, captures the longing for a genuine, old-school romance after experiencing lackluster relationships. This song is an anthem for anyone tired of modern dating woes. How does social media affect today’s relationships?
My mom tells me stories about growing up in the 80s. She told me how she’d finally gotten her own telephone in her room to talk to her high school boyfriend. My generation has missed out on that pure form of communication. On text you lose all the inflection and emotion a person’s voice can hold. So, yes, I think social media and iPhones especially have drastically changed the way we show love to each other.
Appearing in the biopic Reagan releasing to theaters August 30th. Which acting roles are on your bucket list?
I might be a nerd for this answer, but Christine Daaé from Phantom of the Opera is one of ultimate dream roles. I think the production is an absolute masterpiece, and it would be a dream to reprise her role if they were to ever bring it back to Broadway.
“Praise God for late night laughs, Texas Roadhouse, naps, the sweetest friends, for music, and for His word.” What are your hobbies and interests outside of performing?
Right now, I’m really big on writing and reading poetry. I would someday love to publish a pocketbook of my poems!