Dahlia Wakefield is not your average indie musician. From her early days singing pop-rock hits in her bedroom to becoming a dynamic performer across multiple genres, her musical journey has been one of passion, perseverance, and evolution. A trained musician with a degree from Grant MacEwan’s Music Program, she has dedicated her life to her craft, fronting an impressive seven bands spanning country, rock, metal, and more.
In this interview, Dahlia opens up about the challenges of being an independent artist, her unique approach to songwriting, and the deeply personal themes behind her upcoming album My Truth. With a voice that blends rock, blues, and heartfelt storytelling, she continues to carve her own path, proving that authenticity and resilience are key to thriving in the ever-changing music industry.
Can you tell us about your journey as an indie musician? What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
At the age of 15, I really became interested in music. I would sing for hours in my bedroom to all of the top Pop rock hits on the radio. But before that, my mom encouraged my sister and I to sing on stage anywhere we could. Plus I performed for a huge event at the age of five and remember being terrified and actually forgot the words since I was singing in a different language that I did not even know lol But my love for music grew throughout the years so much that I wanted to write music of my own so I attended Grant MacEwan’s Music program where I graduated with distinction. I have been involved with bands since I was 18 and today I am A member of seven bands…from country, rock to metal: Dirt Road Angels, Dahlia & The Villains, The Dahlia and Alan Duo, Brigade Heart tribute band, Shocker, Kerosene, The Dahlia Wakefield Band (originals)
How would you describe your unique style and sound as an artist? What sets you apart from other musicians?
Luckily, I have the ability to sing many genres which keeps me busy and working: I am in a country/rock band, a metal band, hard rock band, Heart Tribute band, Variety band – we play all genres including blues, pop and Top 40. In my first couple albums, I incorporated a country flavour. Perhaps it was because I grew up listening to some country music (When our radio station changed their format to country) But always loved singing rock music. These days, I am more geared towards the rock genre In my solo project. Classic rock will always be my favourite and I like to incorporate some throwback elements within it. As I do have a bluesy voice, I incorporate some elements of blues within my Vocal style as well.
As to what sets me apart, I can’t pinpoint it exactly as music is very subjective, but I wear many hats as I am a schooled musician who sings many genres, a hard working singer/songwriter/independent recording artist, And manager/promoter of all my bands. I just do what I do and hope people love what they hear and are entertained.
Could you share some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an indie musician and how you overcame them?
As a full-time musician, my struggle is to find enough places that will pay me a decent wage to cover my living expenses. Some bands play for less than a standard minimum which wrecks it for everyone. Prices of everything has gone up but sadly, not musician wages. And yet we still love it. Our industry was hit very hard during Covid. In Canada, I wasn’t able to sing for a year and a half. But I used that time to write songs and give online performances. You adapt to the situation. You just have to.
Another problem is that it is very hard to make a living off of streaming. Back in the day we used to be able to sell CDs Off the stage and online and have pre-sales but now with this digital age, very few people buy them anymore. Some still do though thankfully!
What is your creative process like? How do you approach songwriting and composing music?
I have to be inspired by something. Usually it is a lyrical line or a melody. I will sing it into my voice memo on my phone or write it in my notes on my phone or a notebook. Then when I have time or if I’m feeling inspired, I’ll build off of that.
In 2023, my songwriter partner Kevin Frey and I wrote a lot of songs together. He would present me with a chord progression and I was inspired to put words to it. Some of the songs had been written years ago and was waiting for a melody or riff and he wrote the perfect ones! We’ve written at least 15 songs so far and 10 will be on the album. With the upcoming album “My Truth”, he wrote the music and I wrote the lyrics. We work really well together bounce ideas off of each other. In fact, my daughter, Jade helped me finish one song, my current single called “Goodbye.”
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music? What inspires your lyrics?
These days, what inspires my lyrics are my own life experiences. These songs are very personal to me, and everybody has a story to tell. The themes I’d like to convey are empowerment, resilience, and healing in the hopes my songs will help other people going through the same challenging life experiences. Music has a very healing effect on some people and I am always honoured when someone tells me that my song has helped them in some way so I’d like to be able to do more of that
