Dasha, the talented singer-songwriter who took the internet by storm with her hit song “Austin,” has recently inked a deal with Warner Records. In an exclusive conversation with Billboard, Dasha shared her excitement about joining Warner Records. “After meeting with numerous labels, all of which were impressive, choosing Warner Records was tough. However, their team resonated with me the most; they were genuine music enthusiasts who passionately supported my songwriting. That’s what mattered most to me, as storytelling through music is my core,” Dasha explained.
Warner Records’ co-chairman/CEO, Aaron Bay-Schuck, expressed his enthusiasm via email, stating, “Dasha is a star. Her presence is magnetic, her talent undeniable, and her music has a depth that goes beyond ‘Austin.’ She’s a visionary with a clear path for her music.”
In November 2023, Dasha, as an independent artist, released “Austin,” blending biting lyrics with compelling dance rhythms. The song narrates her departure to Los Angeles, leaving behind an ex-lover in Austin. The track gained traction on TikTok, climbing the Spotify Viral 50 chart, and now sits at No. 74 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 17 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Dasha also ranks at No. 11 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart. The song is part of her eight-song project, “What Happens Now?”, and has inspired a TikTok line dance, amassing nearly 450,000 unique video creations.
Dasha, originally from San Luis Obispo, California, and now based in Nashville, discovered her songwriting talent at 13. Influenced by a diverse range of artists, she pursued music at Belmont University in Nashville. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led her back to California. After releasing the R&B/pop album “Dirty Blonde” in 2023, Dasha rekindled her love for country music, leading to the creation of “Austin” with collaborators Adam Wendler, Cheyenne Rose Arnspiger, and Kenneth Heidelman.
Warner Records plans to promote “Austin” across country and pop radio stations, aiming to make it a global hit while ensuring Dasha’s story remains at the forefront. The label’s dual strategy reflects a commitment to building a solid foundation for Dasha’s career, ensuring her music reaches a wide audience without overshadowing her as an artist.
Dasha’s success with “Austin” has caught the attention of artists across genres, opening up possibilities for future collaborations. She emphasizes the importance of organic partnerships, hinting at a potential duet version of “Austin.”
Having made her television debut with “Austin” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on March 21, Dasha looks forward to performing at major music festivals, including California’s Stagecoach Music Festival. Despite her major label signing, Dasha remains thankful for the independent team that helped launch her career, acknowledging their role in her current success.
Dasha’s journey from an independent artist to a rising star under Warner Records highlights her unique talent and the collaborative effort behind her hit song “Austin.” As she continues to make waves in the music industry, her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists worldwide.