Introspective and audacious, Dasha emerges as a captivating figure in the realm of country music with new album, ‘What Happens Now?’ released today (February 16th). Her music, characterised by delicate delivery and cinematic artistry, has garnered widespread acclaim, earning praise for its authenticity and raw emotion and that is what you will find in spades across this beguiling album.
Born and raised in San Luis Obispo, California, Dasha’s musical journey was deeply influenced by the rich tapestry of country, folk, and Americana sounds that surrounded her upbringing. From an early age, she immersed herself in these genres, cultivating a profound connection to their storytelling traditions. Her musical journey began at the age of eight when she started playing the guitar and piano, eventually evolving into a skilled songwriter. Having attended Belmont University’s songwriting program from 2018 to 2021, Dasha honed her craft, learning the rules and tricks of songwriting.
Now, at 23 years old, Dasha stands on the brink of stardom, propelled by her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. With over 10 million streams to her name and a dedicated following on TikTok, she has created a platform for her music that resonates with fans worldwide. Rooted in mature songwriting and a layered soundscape, Dasha’s music reflects her genuine self-expression, inviting listeners to join her on a journey of introspection and discovery.
The album opens with ‘What Happens Now,’ a captivating fusion of banjo-driven verses and anthemic pop choruses. Dasha’s introspective lyrics ponder the uncertainties of love, inviting listeners into her world of contemplation and vulnerability. That uptempo vibe is continued on ‘Austin’, perhaps the most unique and original song on this album. It’s a mean, moody and handclap driven bar room song with Western overtones as Dasha sings about packing up and moving to L.A. without the guy that promised to go with her . A real foot stomper that mixes Pop production and Country vibes, ‘Austin’ is a dramatic, cinematic tale of lies and deceit that makes you want to dance whilst Dasha spits out lyrics like, ‘In 40 years you’ll still be here, drunk and washed up in Austin,’ with complete derision.
In ’42,’ Dasha channels Taylor Swift ‘Folklore’ vibes with a heartfelt acoustic ballad about longing and reunion. The track’s wistful melody and poignant lyrics capture the essence of mid-20s relationship angst, creating a relatable narrative that resonates deeply. ‘I’m praying that we pick up right where we left off,’ she sings, counting down the days until these separated lovers can be together again. There’s more Taylor meets Kacey Musgraves vibes at play on songs like ‘Share This City’ which continues the introspective journey, as Dasha reflects on navigating past relationships in familiar places. The track’s simple yet evocative melodies underscore the bittersweet nostalgia of moving on while still feeling connected to the past but this time it’s a song like ‘Mean’ that feels like the Swift origin at play.
More Taylor Swift imagery and lyrical structure can be found on ‘Talk of the Town’ as Dasha exposes the he said / she said of small town gossip as she gets together with the brother of one of her friends in an unapologetic way. ‘I guess the smallest towns have the biggest mouths,’ she seethes, determined to flaunt the relationship in front of the Karens and backbiters. Lovely, wistful guitars and gentle melodies play out here in total opposition to the angry lyrics, which is what makes this song so unique, original and engaging.
Elsewhere, ‘King of California’ introduces a refreshing mix of acoustic guitar and fiddles, showcasing Dasha’s versatility as an artist. The song’s rich production and cinematic lyrics offer a captivating listening experience, blending elements of country and pop seamlessly on another tale of mid 20s relationship angst and that search for your tribe or the one person who will love and support you. Sometimes you think you’ve found that person or that relationship but it doesn’t always turn out to be a healthy one or what you need to thrive and that is where ‘Drown Me’ comes in.
‘Drown Me’ delves into darker themes of love and obsession, with Dasha’s haunting vocals accompanied only by an acoustic guitar. The raw emotion and powerful imagery make this track a standout moment on the album, highlighting Dasha’s ability to convey complex emotions with simplicity and depth. ‘Empty all the air inside my lungs and choke me in the water,’ she sings, immersed in toxicity. ‘Even when you think I’ve had enough then hold me even harder and drown me.’ There’s a power and a wisdom in both the lyrics and the melodies at play here that belies Dasha’s youth and relative inexperience, hinting towards the prospect of a terrific career ahead.
‘Even Cowboys Cry,’ a poignant acoustic ballad that explores themes of trust and vulnerability from a slightly different angle, highlights how Dasha is able to come at familiar tropes with a refreshing take or new voice. Her emotive vocals and poignant lyrics alongside the haunting, plaintive use of some steel guitar creates a powerful atmosphere, leaving listeners with a sense of introspection and hope as she focuses on the barriers and walls erected by someone other than herself.
‘What Happens Next’ is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery, woven together with a seamless blend of country and pop influences. Each track offers a glimpse into the complexities of relationships, delivered with Dasha’s distinctive storytelling and emotive vocals. With its captivating melodies and heartfelt storytelling, the album is sure to resonate with fans of country and pop alike as Dasha lays the foundation for what could be a glittering career ahead.
Tracklist: 1. What Happens Now 2. 42 3. Drown Me 4. Austin 5. King of California 6. Talk of the Town 7. Even Cowboys Cry 8. Share This City Release Date: 16th February Record Label: Version III Buy ‘What Happens Next’ right here
