Dakota East
With a soul-stirring blend of earnestness and depth, Coastal Country artist Dakota East calls Melbourne home, where she draws inspiration from the rugged solitude of mountain dirt roads and the bustling energy of inner-city streets.
Reflecting on her musical roots, Dakota East fondly recalls a childhood immersed in the rich tapestry of Country, Folk & Blues melodies. In the quaint confines of her Canadian home, the sounds of Bonnie Raitt and Shania Twain, curated by her mother, intermingled harmoniously with the soulful tunes of North American folk icons cherished by her father, including Neil Young, John Denver, and Joni Mitchell. Born in the heart of Canada, Dakota spent her formative years in a picturesque log cabin nestled on a small island within the serene embrace of an Ontario lake. Here, amidst the tranquil waters and lush landscapes, the music seamlessly intertwined with the breathtaking scenery, weaving a mesmerizing soundtrack to her childhood.
As Dakota matured, her musical horizons expanded, yet the essence of pure, raw, and unrefined musical emotion instilled during her upbringing remained steadfast. It is this profound connection to her roots and the indelible imprint of her Canadian upbringing that continues to inform Dakota's artistic endeavors, as she strives to evoke authentic emotional resonance through her music.
2017 saw East follow her ears and move to Melbourne where she has established herself as a regular performer amongst Victoria’s most loved music venues and has opened for Australian music legends Jon Stevens, Travis Collins, Wendy Matthews, Karen Lee Andrew & Jo Camilleri and The Black Sorrows. She has played at notable festivals, including St Kilda Music Festival, The Brunswick Music Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Aireys Music Festival and will be performing at The Deni Ute Muster this coming October.
Dreamy and alluring, her eagerly awaited debut single “Runaway” was recorded between Melbourne and Sydney and was released in May 2021. An immediate reception recognizing something fresh and authentic, Runaway has accumulated over 350,000 streams and was added to Spotify official playlists “Fresh Country” and “Country Chill”, Apple Music official playlists “New Music Daily”, “Todays Country”, “Country Risers” and “Aussie Country”, a massive achievement for an independent artist’s debut release. Runaway has also received airplay on “Triple M Country” , “ABC Country”, “Kix Country” and MTV’s “CMT” and reached #20 on the Countrytown Hot 50 charts, which in turn led to East being named Countrytown artist of the Week.
East's latest release, "Moving On," has propelled her to even greater heights, securing a spot in the upper ranks of the Australian country music charts, landing an impressive spot at number 8. Beyond its chart-topping success, "Moving On" resonates with audiences through its poignant narrative of self-discovery and resilience in the face of heartbreak. As East embarks on a cross-country journey of emotional exploration, her storytelling prowess shines, capturing the essence of newfound freedom and possibility.
Furthermore, "Moving On" has garnered widespread acclaim beyond its chart success, earning coveted placements on Apple Music's official playlists, "New Music Daily", “Today’s Country", "Little Bit Country", “Aussie Country", “Country Drive" & “ Back Porch Country".
The artist's accolades extend beyond the airwaves, as she was selected as a top 10 finalist in the prestigious 2024 Toyota Starmaker Competition. Her electrifying performance on the main stage of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, captivating a crowd of over 3000 onlookers, served as a triumphant showcase of her talent and potential.
With an unmistakable blend of authenticity and innovation, East emerges as a trailblazer in the evolving landscape of country music. Her bold artistic vision and unwavering commitment to storytelling herald a new era of creativity, setting her apart as a true luminary in the genre's ever-expanding realm.
