Dondria has maintained her relevance since being signed to Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def imprint at 19. As music and technology have evolved, the multi-hyphenate talent has embraced it while maintaining her own uniqueness and originality throughout the years. Today, she discusses her journey, and the creation of arguably one of the best EPs of 2022 as well as her most introspective project to date, fittingly titled Perspective.
You built a social media following on YouTube and landed a deal with Jermaine Dupri’s So-So Def imprint in 2007, can you describe the moment?
When I first went on YouTube, I honestly didn’t have any intention of getting discovered. It was just something relatively new at the time. I saw other people singing on the platform and I wanted to just explore it. My family and friends would encourage me to sing, but I felt they were biased. I wanted to know what strangers would think. That’s what prompted me to start posting videos. Fortunately, the response was amazing. One of the people who reached out was Jermaine Dupri. I didn’t think it was him at first. I thought it was a big joke. I thought someone was trying to prank me. I was not invested, but eventually, it was clear that it was him. I was so excited. I was still very young. I was nineteen. I don’t think that I understood the gravity of the situation. I was just excited that a celebrity had found me and was interested in talking to me about my music. I was in a state of disbelief, but at the same time, I was going to roll with it and see where it would go.
How do you feel about the way music has progressed since the start of your career?
I think that the one thing that we do know that is constant is change. I think that I am embracing it because it is what it is. A lot of times with music, fashion, and art, things will repeat themselves and come back around. I will say that I embraced the change but I still know that I wanted to stand my ground and be firm in what I bring to the table. I didn’t want to switch up what I know I have to offer.
Who would say has been the biggest influence on the methodology you implement when it comes to your music?
I think that I want to give at least some of that credit to JD because he, along with Bryan Michael Cox and others, helped me create my sound. I had no clue how I wanted to put myself out to the world at the time when I was signed. I want to credit a lot of that to them. One thing JD would always say is, “You’re a singer, right? Sing. That’s the one thing you know you can do. That’s what you should keep doing.”… He helped me really embrace my originality, honor my talent, and just be great in my space.
Let’s talk about your newest project, your EP Perspective. How will it differ from your earlier work?
First of all, this is the first body of work that I have dropped in my 30s. I am definitely more evolved and mature. I won’t say fully, but I have definitely started walking into my grown womanhood and embracing what that is. I can truly identify with it at this stage in my life. In addition to that, I have gone through so much in my personal relationships. I have gone through a breakup. I have had to part ways with some people, even in business. I think I have just learned a lot of the hard lessons and really come into myself as a Black woman, as an adult, and as a 30-something. It is easier for me to be clear about who I am and how I want to express that.
If you had to select one track that best demonstrates your artistry, which one will it be?
That’s so hard. I think that I would choose “Let It Be.” To me, the song is the official reintroduction. The song talks about how I have gone through ups and downs with music, but how I ultimately know that I belong here. I love music and I would rather be nowhere else. I think that it’s the main theme of this EP and I am singing my butt off on it (laughing).
Perspective is very cohesive from start to finish. Describe your track selection process.
I really feel like when I choose the track listing. The first thing I consider is how I feel and what makes the most sense. To me, “Take You There” was the perfect introduction to this new world of Dondria. It’s kind of like a story telling you where I want to take you on this ride. To me, that made the most sense. And from there, we get into my new perspective with “Let It Be”. I feel like I just naturally went with the flow of what felt good as well as the order of my life.
“Lose Myself” is amazing, and the songwriting is beautiful in its honesty. Tell us about its creation.
When Josh Bias, my co-writer, producer, and executive producer on this project, and I wrote this song, I was in a relationship feeling there was about to be a shift. I was reflective of the relationship and its growth, or lack thereof. The song is reflective of where I was actually in my life at that time. It was easy to write.
You have formed a new company, Awe Me Entertainment. How do you balance your creative side with now being an executive as well?
It is challenging. I think that as a creative, we always want to be in that space. It has been challenging mixing the two. My word for 2022 was balance, so I made sure that I was intentional in giving all the areas of my life equal attention. That’s something that is really important to me, to have amazing friendships and be available for my friends, and having a successful romantic relationship and be available for that as well. I want to be available for my business and my family. I want to be married and start my own family one day so I am practicing balance now because I truly believe that you can have it all. You just have to be intentional.
Do you feel more empowered in your current roles compared to your experiences as a signed artist?
I definitely feel more empowered. For me, there was just this breakthrough from just going with beat from other people to finding my own voice. First, I had to realize what I really wanted. Once I really sat down, got still, and figured that part out, I became aware that I had to power to create what I really want and I deserve to have that. I may take me putting my foot down and setting clear boundaries. I absolutely deserve to have what I desire and feel is best for me. Yes, it is very empowering and I feel more comfortable in that space every day.
From performing at the 2022 Black Music Honor to making appearances in multiple productions, including BET+’s First Wives Clube and the Aretha Franklin biopic, you have never stopped working. What would you say has been the key to maintaining your relevance throughout the years?
I guess with a lot of these opportunities and experiences that have come my way, what I can attribute them mostly to is my being free to be authentic in putting myself out there. I open my mouth and say what I actually want. From making a vision board to not being afraid to talk to people, I say what my interests and goals are. After that, I show up to the job and be myself—and bring great energy. I think when you put it out into the atmosphere; it flows back to you.
As someone who has found your voice and the means to empower yourself in your career, do you have any advice you would offer aspiring talent?
My number one piece of advice is to trust yourself. When you are young, you may not be able to easily tap into your inner self and express yourself as well as when you become older. However, you know when something doesn’t feel right. You know when it’s a moment, you should be impulsive and just go for it. You have to trust that, especially when you come into the industry young. You may not know who you are yet and it seems easier to just go with the flow because people may have more experience than you. Still, it’s important to always be heard.
Be’n Original
