Dondria: Metamorphosis

Let’s start off by retracing your whole story — Tell me your inception into music; when did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for you?

I’ve been singing since I can remember. My mom says I would sing in the tub while she bathed me as a child. Once I started elementary school, my parents put me in the school choir and children’s choir at church. That was the beginning. I’d say that middle school is when a shift happened. Destiny’s Child released their first album and my parents put me in voice lessons. That was it for me because music was now a part of my life. I was singing at church, school, getting private lessons, and listening to music in general 24/7.

Now you’re a native of Dover, OK, correct? So growing up in the “Sooner State,” who did/do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

I was born in Kingfisher, OK, but my mom grew up in Dover, OK, and that’s where my grandmother still lives to this day. At 3 years old, we moved to Dallas, TX, where I was raised. But we – my brother and I – would visit Dover every summer and my grandma always had Mahalia Jackson playing throughout the house. Gospel music was my first influence.

After being discovered on YouTube by Jermaine Dupri, you soon signed with his So So Def imprint— Talk to me a little bit about this particular time in both your life and career…

It was an interesting time for sure. I was a sheltered 19-year-old girl with a freshman year of college under my belt. I basically got plucked off the internet and thrown into the music industry headfirst. Everything was happening so fast, there’s not much that I even remember. But it was an exciting whirlwind. I was actually living the dream I had in middle school. And I actually had someone behind me who still appreciated the art of good music. JD was great in developing me. He always saw the vision even when others didn’t.

That being said, how would you describe and/or define the style of music that you create and perform?

It’s very important that I make music that people can feel. I create to inspire, motivate, and heal. That’s what R&B music is…not the sound, but the FEELING.

Where does your alter ego moniker, Phatfffat, originally derive from?

Phatfffat was a nickname originally given to me by my college roommate, Niecie. I have always been a lover of food. And at our college orientation, she witnessed me throw it down at Cicis Pizza and I’ve been FatFat ever since. When it came time to choose a username for my YouTube channel, I wanted to spell it in a way that wouldn’t be confused with any other FatFat’s and so I spelled it P-h-a-t-f-f-f-a-t.

When you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw your inspiration from?

My lyrics are very honest and authentic to who I am and what I have gone through. If I’m not pulling from my own life, I pull from the people around me.

Which brings us to now — As of late, what all exactly had / have you been up to; both personally and professionally speaking?

Personally, I’ve battled with depression and anxiety and so therapy was and still is a huge part of my story. As of late, I have been finding myself, growing, getting acquainted with this new version of me. That being said, I’ve been creating from this new space.

You recently unleashed a brand new EP, Perspective — Although self-explanatory still tell me, conceptually, what that title represents both to and for you?

Simply put, I have a new perspective; in life, love / friendship, music, and even my relationship with food, I show up as a different version of myself. I also named this EP, Perspective, because almost every song has more than one perspective. I wanted to use this project as an invitation to open your mind and dig a little deeper.

How then does Perspective either differ and/or compare to previous works?

This is easily the most honest and transparent I’ve ever been. There’s experience behind the lyrics and the vocal choices.

Perspective is an Awe Me Entertainment / 630 Productions project — What are your future plans and / or goals for the imprint? And who all else, besides yourself of course, currently makes up its artist roster?

Awe Me Entertainment is my production company. For Perspective, I’ve partnered with my long-time friend, co-writer, and executive producer, Josh Bias, and his production company, 630 Productions. For Awe Me Entertainment specifically, my sole intention is to inspire positive change through art. This year, in addition to music and my album, Perspective, I will do that through my upcoming podcast, “The Detox with Dondria,” a poetry book entitled ‘In The Dark’ releasing in May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, and mentorship for young girls who aspire to be in the music industry.

Switching gears here, how has not only the industry itself, but even more-so you as an individual, either changed and / or evolved since your whole inception into music?

In the end, it helped me realize that what I have to offer is unique to me and no one else. My message, my voice, my purpose is mine. I’ve learned to trust that and trust myself. I’ve also embraced the freedom that comes with being independent, as well as the challenges.

Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?

Being authentic and understanding that my tribe is my tribe. I’m not for everybody, I’m for MY people.

What do you want people to get from your music?

My sole intention is for the people to feel something when they listen to my music. To be inspired, motivated, or just be happy. I love hearing that my song is saved as a ringtone or that they were inspired to finally break a toxic cycle. That’s what it’s all about for me.

Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?

I have teamed up with the Mayor for his Year of The Youth initiative. Our team will be creating opportunities to get the youth of Atlanta involved in fun, productive, developmental activities and programs. I’m really excited about that.

You’re also gearing up for the release of a book of poetry, ‘In The Dark,’ as well as an upcoming health and wellness podcast, “Detox With Dondria” — Talk to me a lil bit ‘bout both of these endeavors…

Yes, I’m releasing my book of poetry called ‘In The Dark’ in May for Mental Health Awareness Month. I wrote these poems in the midst of my depression, “in the dark.” My hope is to share my story but also inspire people to keep pushing until they see the light. My podcast, “The Detox with Dondria,” is catered to my fellow ambitious women. On the podcast, we will detox from all things: ideas, expectations, and habits that no longer serve us so we can create space for what does.

What has been your greatest career achievement(s), at least thus far anyway?

Wow, that’s a loaded question! I’d have to say though founding my own entertainment company, Awe Me Entertainment, LLC, is my greatest achievement.

What’s an average day like for you?

I always start my day with quiet time – prayer, meditation, journaling – then either the gym or yoga. No day looks the same after that, I could be in a meeting, or at the studio or both, creating content and right now there’s a lot of office work happening.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

I’m always responding to and reposting my fans online. I love going live with them as well. I have a series that I’m bringing back called #DondriaDebates where I ask a question and let the fans share their opinions in the comments, and then we go live on IG to talk about it in real time. I bring a few on to co-host with me, and it’s always a good time.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? Why?

My favorite part is that I get to create for a living and the God in me gets to impact the world in the most beautiful way. My least favorite part is the lack of sisterhood in the industry. It’s not non-existent but it’s a lot less present in comparison to the brotherhood I see.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Be authentic and consistent and trust yourself.

And, lastly, what’s next for you, Dondria?

I have so much on my plate already for this year. I can’t announce everything right now, but I am also a part of a stage play production called, “Aunt Sarah’s Girls.” It’s about a few women who are all finding themselves and it gets real. We will be on stage May 13 in Atlanta. You can visit my website dondria.com/asg for tickets.

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

And, any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

I’m just very grateful for the journey I’ve traveled to get to this point and for the fans that have supported me along the way. This is a new Dondria and I’m committed to sharing more of her with you all.