Interview with Internet sensation, dodie…
Dodie Clark is a 23 year old singer songwriter from Epping.
She is arguably the most successful DIY artist of recent times, having built herself a considerable fanbase since she began uploading music from her bedroom aged just 16.
dodie has now had almost 350 million streams across YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.
The Human EP follows two self-released EPs, 2016’s Intertwined and last year’s You.
Both EPs reached the top 40 of the UK official album charts, with You peaking at number six, despite receiving little promotion. dodie has just completed a sold-out tour of the US.
Rachel Ducker caught up with dodie on tour, to speak about her rise to fame and her gig stopping by us in Norwich in March.
How did you first get into music?
I was learning clarinet right after my two front teeth grew in! It was treble recorder before then [laughs]
My my dad has always been a music fan and so its importance was present in my home forever!
Who were your musical inspirations growing up?
Growing up my dad loaded a lot of classic stuff on my iPod like Stevie Wonder, ELO, the Beatles etc.
Then being a teen I discovered my own taste of more pop/musical styles, like Mika, The Ting Tings, and the Wicked soundtrack.
When was your big break?
I don’t really know? I don’t think there usually is one big moment. I had loads of little moments.
My first two were when I had larger channels notice me and send some of their audience over. Once I got to a thousand people following me in 2012 it grew steadily from then.
You have a huge fan base and massive social media following, what’s your secret?
God knows! I feel pretty unlikable most of the time [laughs] but I think there’s something in being as honest as you can be, maybe?
How do you keep this separate from your private life?
I think I’ve learned where my boundaries are now, after the internet… letting me know what’s okay to post and what isn’t.
If I go to post something and I feel uneasy about it I don’t. And I feel much better!
You’ve mentioned in the past producers didn’t take you seriously because of your YouTube platform – is that something you still experience?
Every now and again I think it takes a little more convincing that I am musical and I know my stuff.
What advice would you give to those who use YouTube as a platform to share their music?
Don’t follow trends you feel uncomfortable with! Don’t listen to anyone else’s voice if you don’t want to. Stick to what you know you like.
You speak very openly about mental health issues, which I think is fantastic, do you feel more people are more open to talking about mental health now a days?
I think there’s been a shift with the online world in a good way! I’m hopeful it’s finally being recognised as something important.
For people who haven’t heard your music, how would you describe it?
I usually say indie, musical inspired pop, in a nutshell! A lot of strings, harmonies and lyrics about deep feelings!
I really love the track ‘Human’ from your EP ‘Human’ do you have a favourite dodie track?
Thank you! I really like If I’m being Honest from that EP. It feels super Elton John inspired which is exactly what I wanted.
Any plans for an album? If so when?
Definitely! I’m not sure when.
My plan was to write more this year but I didn’t quite realise just how much time I wouldn’t have until… about April [laughs]
But maybe next year!
You spent a lot of last year touring do you enjoy it?
Yes and no!
It creates huge highs and lows; highs of playing, being around friends, lows of pressure, tiredness, being away from home etc.
The good outweighs the bad though.
Where has been your most memorable performance so far?
My crowd has a habit of bringing along certain lights or props to hold up in certain songs; there are been roses, rainbow lights, balloons even!
That was a fun one.
I’m not sure if there’s one that I can pinpoint but any where I’m feeling the emotion as much as the crowd is, and we can all sing through it together.
You are currently your European tour stopping by us in Norwich this month, what can we expect to see?
Just me and my songs.
There’s a lot of emotion and beautiful string melodies, then some upbeat fun at the end!
What can we look forward to from you over the tour is over?
Well I’ll be looking forward to a bit of a rest [laughs]
It’ll be back to working in my room and sharing snippets on my Instagram or YouTube.
Thanks so much for your time dodie, we cant wait to welcome you in Norwich!
Thank you, see you soon!
You can get tickets to see dodie at UEA LCR, Norwich, on 23rd March 2019 – visit www.dodie.co
Watch / listen to Human Human EP:
