Fresh off American Idol’s latest season, Dakota is already making waves with the release of her debut single, “No One”.

Her quick turnover shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, as Dakota has been breaking barriers ever since she entered the industry. Starting singing at the age of 5, Dakota instantly found a connection. This passion for music extended further than her five-octave vocal range, as she learned how to play an additional six instruments, the guitar, bass, ukulele, keys, drums, and timbales.

Her multifaceted expertise has landed Dakota on Conan O’Brien, Russell Brand, and The NAMM Show, performing with the likes of Orianthi, Jackson Browne, Richie Sambora, Brad Wilk, and Tool’s Danny Carey.

In addition to her television and charity performances, Dakota has performed at Lollapalooza, Milwaukee’s Summerfest and Gathering Of The Vibes. Based in Los Angeles she’s performed locally at both the Whiskey a Go Go, and the iconic Troubadour.

“No One” is the first single that shows Dakota’s pure raw talent and is just the beginning for this exceptional songwriter.

I was fortunate enough to get some time out of her busy schedule for the following Q&A. Music and links below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I’m from Los Angeles, California. I create pop/r&b music.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

I began singing when I was little, starting with musical theater and singing along to Disney songs in the car with my parents, but I always knew that I wanted to be on stage with a band behind me as I performed original music. I begged my parents for music lessons around 9 nine years old and from then I connected with other kids with the same passion for music as me and have been in different bands ever since.

I love connecting with people whether it be strangers at the grocery store to my classmates to the audience I’m singing to. The audience’s reaction to my music is what keeps me going. My love for music never stops and I want to continue to learn and grow as a musician and as a person.

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific with your debut single “No One”?

With my debut single, No One, I wanted to promote independence and confidence in my fans. I want my audience to feel empowered and believe that they are capable of being happy on their own.

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

As an artist who wants to make music that people can connect to, it’s definitely hard to stand out in the midst of this heavily polluted industry. It’s a challenge to carve out a space for myself in the music industry because those who are very established with a huge record label and money behind them are on a roll and continue to rack up the charts. No matter what songs they put out, people will listen to them because of their spot on the charts. Although this is true, I know that good music will always prevail and artists that have something to say, people will listen.

I hope to make an impact in the music industry as I have a lot of ideas that I want to share with the world. I am extremely driven and I am going to use this technology-driven age to my advantage. I love how apps like Instagram and Snapchat allow your fans to get to know you on a personal level. I love talking to them and seeing their reaction to my music. It’s a game-changer in the industry and something that I am grateful for because it connects you to people all around the world with the tap of a phone.

What was the last song you listened to?

Can We Talk by Tevin Campbell

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I definitely prefer vinyl when I can get my hands on it. The quality of the music is more tangible, which I feel makes it more real.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I prefer Spotify because I love how you can make playlists so easily and how the platform suggests smaller artists that compare to what you listen to daily. It gives artists an opportunity to be heard.

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

The best place to find me and connect is through Instagram: @dakotacohen. I try to respond to every single comment and DM I receive. I love talking to people and sending love back to those who support me.

Anything else before we sign off?

Go listen to No One by meeeee!!