Dixie D'Amelio on Her Debut Album, 'The D'Amelio Show,' and Her Secret Joy
The TikTok star's first album A Letter to Me launches today.
You may know Dixie D'Amelio from being one of her 57.3 million TikTok followers or from her family's Hulu reality show The D'Amelio Show, but in 2020, the young starlet released her first single "Be Happy" which is now closing in on 100 million streams on Spotify. Now, the 20-year-old is solidifying herself as a musical artist with the launch of her debut album A Letter to Me, available today. Yes, she still makes TikToks and will appear alongside her sister Charli D'Amelio in Season 2 of their TV show, but Dixie is ready for fans to see the more creative side of her. In the midst of preparing for her upcoming tour as the opener for Big Time Rush, the "Wild" singer speaks to L'OFFICIEL about her growth as an artist, handling viral fame, and her secret talent for painting.
L'OFFICIEL: What can listeners expect from this album?
DIXIE D'AMELIO: I’ve been working up to this debut album since I released "Be Happy" in 2020. Even though it's only been two years, a lot has happened—not just me growing up as a person (which the album walks you through—different experiences past, present, and future), but really as an artist as well. I've explored an insane amount musically and I think I'm truly stepping into my real self as a musician. I hope listeners can hear that too. I certainly think they will.
L'O: You’ve said in other interviews that your newer music like your single “Wild” and the other songs on your album are different from some of the earlier music you released. What inspired that change?
DD: I grew up performing in musicals, but "Be Happy" was really a launching point for me in the music industry. I recorded it in 2020 and at the time, I really related to the song and lyrics and felt a lot of people my age could. Since its release, I feel fortunate that I've been able to spend a lot of time figuring out what type of musician I want to be and that includes music I gravitate to and how to challenge myself to try new things. I think this album is a reflection of that growth as an artist. I know it's just the beginning of this journey, but I still am super proud of these records.
L'O: What do you hope fans take away from the album?
DD: I hope they listen to it and can relate to it—they can sing it in their car and are able to connect with it in one way or another—like it becomes their own! I'm honestly excited to hear how the fans interpret the lyrics and meanings. That's the beauty of music and expression.
L'O: Your first single “Be Happy” was a big hit. What’s something that makes you happy that people may not know about?
DD: I’ve recently gotten into painting. It’s so peaceful and calming. I have a bunch of canvases at home that I’ll pull out when I have some time off. I’m no Picasso, but it’s a fun hobby.
L'O: How do you think you’ve grown as an artist since your first single “Be Happy”?
DD: My growth is wild. I’ve been working so hard these past couple of years to really put myself into the music fully. I’ve been in the studio, going to writing camps, and making or working on music daily. These years were a necessary step to finding myself as an artist. I’m so excited for people to see the finished product of what I've been working so hard on.
L'O: You’ve been very open about the importance of taking care of your mental health. What changes have you made in your life to make that a priority?
DD: I think more so than anything, I’ve made my mental health my first priority and stuck to that promise to myself. It's not always easy making it your top priority, but it really is so crucial to everything. I know that taking care of your mental health looks different for everyone, but being consistent in prioritizing it and realizing when you need to step away to take care of yourself, is key for me.
L'O: You’re about to go on tour with Big Time Rush. How are you preparing for the tour?
DD: I’m currently in rehearsals on a break! I’ve been working so hard to make sure I’m fully ready to deliver a good set for each crowd on tour. I've been rehearsing for nine hours a day with my drummer Madden and guitarist James. It’s hard work and at times repetitive, but they make it so fun. My friends and family come through each day to see the progression with each day of rehearsal and it’s so fun to see their reactions. I can’t wait for people to see the show we’ve prepared. I really enjoyed touring the first time around for Jingle Ball, but now that this album will be out, it feels even more exciting.
L'O: Were you a fan of BTR growing up?
DD: A major fan!! I watched the Big Time Rush show when I was a kid and I was hooked. I am so excited to support them on their tour and it feels so good for them to be just as supportive of me! Feeling so grateful for this opportunity. And still a fan girl at heart, so also kind of freaking out still.
L'O: You’re very close with your family. How are you feeling about being away from them for so long while on tour? How are they feeling about it?
DD: I will miss them (of course) but touring is something I love and the time flies so quickly anyway. My family already has plans to fly out to so many of the shows, so I won't end up without them for too long!
L'O: Season 2 of The D’Amelio Show is on its way. Has filming for that already ended? Is there a release date? Can you tease a bit of what viewers can expect from it?
DD: I can’t say too much… but it’s very different from Season 1. This season shows a lot more of the crazy, fun, and exciting things we’ve been up to. A lot more highs this time around! Yay.
L'O: As a young person in the spotlight, you do a lot of interviews (case and point: this one) and people know a lot about your personal life. Is there anything that you wished people talked about more? Or anything that you’ve always wanted to be asked about?
DD: I think since I’ve truly stepped into the role of an artist, It’s been so cool to see people see me in that light too. People are talking about my music and are much more curious about my music career which is rewarding for me. Questions I love answering are about my dream collaborations with people because the list gets longer every day. You have to put those dreams out into the world. Manifesting, right?
L'O: At 20 years old, you've accomplished so much. What are you most proud of?
DD: I have to say so far it's definitely this album, and no, I am not just plugging that. A Letter to Me is so special to me and I’m really proud of it. My team and I have poured our hearts into this. It perfectly captures this stage of my life and reviews some of the mistakes I've made, along with things I've learned, but most importantly, it also shows that I'm still very much figuring life out as I go along. Like a lot of us are and it's a reminder that that is okay.
