All Star issue – Dondria interview
By admin • Feb 8th, 2010 • Category: All Star 2010, Interviews 120 views
23-year-old songstress Dondria is exploding on the scene with her R&B song “You’re the One.” After amassing a YouTube audience comparable to some major artists, The Dallas native was discovered by Jermaine Dupri and signed to So So Def. Now that her album is nearly complete, Dondria talks about how she got her start, and publicly singing the National Anthem for the first time.
Tell us how you got serious with your singing career.
In ’06 I put my first video up on YouTube where I was singing “Love” by Musiq Soulchild acapella. I wanted to see the opinions of people other than my family and friends. I knew they’d be straight honest: either I sucked or I was good. I wasn’t trying to get a deal. A year later I had put up 25 videos. I reached a million views on the video I did for Ciara’s “Promise.” My name was getting popular and people were requesting videos. People were trying to collaborate on records and even trying to sign me to underground labels.
How did Jermaine Dupri hear about you?
Someone told him, “Go look at this girl on YouTube singing other people’s songs. She’s really dope.” It took him a while. I guess at first he was thinking, why would he watch someone singing other people’s songs? Eventually he went and looked. In addition to the numbers, he saw the talent. I think he was impressed because he hit me up and wanted to work with me. I signed with him about 6 months after that.
You have a song on the radio called “You’re the One.” When did that come out?
It was released in November so we’re workin’ that. I’m actually about to start a promo tour to work the record in surrounding cities like Chattanooga, Augusta, Macon, Charlotte, places like that.
Have you been working with other writers or do you write music as well?
I’ve been working with people like Johnta Austin. Bryan Cox wrote a song, and some others. I wrote some things on the mixtape I put out. I’m getting the album together; it’s supposed to come out in March.
What about collaborations for the album?
I have one with Johnta Austin and Bow Wow that might be on the album. At this point we have 20 songs, so we’ll see if it makes the cut. It’s intended to be for the album.
Do you have a title yet?
Yeah, it’s gonna be entitled Dondria Vs. Phatfffat. Phatfffat was my username on YouTube. My college roommate gave me the nickname because of how much I eat and I’m so little. The deeper meaning of the title is, Dondria is the artist coming out, and everybody is about to see that she’s more than the Phatfffat on YouTube singing other people’s songs.
Did you have any formal music training when you were growing up?
I’ve been singing in church since I was like 3. My mom put me in the youth choir. Once I got into middle school, I started recognizing the talent and figured out that this is what I wanted to do. That’s when I started taking formal voice lessons. I did that in middle school, all through high school, and even into college.
For those who haven’t heard your music yet, do you have more of an R&B sound or it is like pop/crossover?
I’m taking the R&B route.
You’ve been working a lot in Atlanta. Did you move to Atlanta?
You could say I moved to Atlanta. I’m out here 6 to 8 months out of the year. You could really say I live in Atlanta and Dallas.
Are you going to be home in Dallas for All Star Weekend?
Yes I am, actually. I’m really excited because I’m gonna be singing the National Anthem at one of the games. I’m excited, but nervous.
What else do you want to let people know about?
Stay on the lookout for the single “You’re the One.” It’s spreading pretty quickly – it’s on iTunes and it’s on the Billboard charts. That makes me very happy because I’m not even really out yet. My mixtape Dondria Duets is available for free. It gives people a feel for me ‘cause they’re still trying to figure out who I am. It’s a small introduction. You can find that on Global14.com – that’s J.D.’s website. And you can see my videos on YouTube.com/Phatfffat. I also have Myspace.com/DondriaNicoleMusic and on Twitter it’s @Dondria. //
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