TheBabyDon is more than just an up and coming artist, she’s one who has a bright future ahead of her, and has already had a bright past. Her music skilfully blends hip hop and rap with pop and R&B, and defies all genre. You have to listen to her stuff to really know what I’m on about. Read our review of TheBabyDon’s most recent single, ‘Mood’, here, and join us below, as we chat to the artist herself.
We’ve recently written about your track, ‘Mood’, and we were so struck by your talent and how well the song went together – what was the inspiration for it, and what was the songwriting/composing process like for you?
I was in the studio and just playing around with some new ideas. I was thinking of someone special and it put me in the mood for romance and I just sang from my heart. The words just came to me and I put it to music. It was one of the easiest and quickest songs I’ve ever recorded. My emotions have been some of the greeting source of inspiration for me.
You were classically trained at the Governor’s School of Arts. Was there ever a chance you were going to choose a different genre of music to follow?
I always knew my life would be a life of music; creating and performing and I’ve never been locked in to just one type of music or one genre. My love of music transcends genres, and classical is definitely an important part of that. Classical gave me a whole new appreciation for music, but I always knew rap, hip hop and pop would be a big part of my musical journey.
We love the sound of ‘Mood’, the instrumental and your vocals are the perfect harmonious blend. They remind us of the music of 80s English group, Musical Youth – but who do you consider to have had the most impact on your music? Who are your musical influences?
My earliest and strongest influence was Justin Bieber hands down. As I matured in my creative process I really gained a love for Missy Elliott, Timbaland; ironically, they are both from Virginia. These three artists have been a major inspiration for me.
What about your influences in life overall? Who most inspires you on a personal level?
My mother. She is the most phenomenal person I know. She has supported me and pushed and never, ever let me give up on my dream. She taught me very early on –never say “if” always say “when”. She has taught me how you have to manifest your own dream. Live it, breathe, see it and it will be yours.
Even though you’re still in your early 20s, you’ve been in the music business for most of your life. What advice do you have for anyone who’s just starting out?
The same thing my Mom taught me—manifest it. Live it, breathe it, see it. If you want a life and career in music, make music your life. Live daily as if there is no other option.
If you could do it all over again, what, if anything, would you do differently, and why?
In terms of my creative process I don’t think I’d do anything differently. From the business side a lesson I’ve learned is that making music and being creative is only a small part of the music business. Promotion, marketing is critical. I didn’t realize that early on.
What’s next for you? What can fans look forward to?
I have so much music in the vault ready for release and I’m working on more. I think fans are going to be surprised by my next few releases and the vibe I’m giving. It’s different–and I’ll leave it at that 🙂 But new music and videos definitely coming before summer ends.
Finally, and I ask this of everyone I speak to. What question do you wish someone would ask you in an interview, but nobody ever does? And what’s the answer to that question?
Q- What is the story behind my stage name “TheBabyDon”
A- I’ve always had fascination with sharks, particularly the Megalodon. The Megalodon was the biggest shark in the world and ruled the seas. It went extinct about 3 million years ago. I’m small in stature but very tenacious and someone one said I was the baby megalodon. from there TheBabyDon was born. Â
Check out the video for ‘Mood’ below, and find out more about TheBabyDon and her music online on her official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
