You’re only 15 years old when you auditioned for The X Factor. What’s the biggest challenge of growing up in the public eye and how have you overcome it?
I can only just laugh now at little ol’ teen me, haha! Ugh, there were so many things the insecure teenager me overcame, but coming from high school and home, I could count on one hand how many people I called friends and those that had an opinion of me. Stepping on that X Factor stage, the numbers tripled on both ends. It was challenging to balance what’s grounded me, at home and who I was at work. But thanks to my rock — my family — they continually remind me of how this all came about.
"I’m hoping to influence women to embrace their insecurities and their inner sexy."
"I knew I loved the feeling I was able to convey through music. The first song I had ever written was with my mom at the age of 12."
Producer - Teresa Lam/HYPEBAE
Photographer - Ja Tecson/@jatecson
Director/Editor - Rosanna Peng/@rosizzle
Second Camera - Hanna La Salvia/@shleepyhans
Gaffer - Jacob Pereira/@lord.of.lights
Stylist - Jessica Paster/@highheelprncess
Makeup - Lyndsay Zavitz/@lyndsayzmakeup
Hair - Carly Walters/@carlyxhair
What are you looking forward to the most about going solo? What kind of music are you hoping to create moving forward?
I’m looking forward to rediscovering myself. I’ve been in the studio for quite some time now, and what an experience it’s been to see how much I’m capable of doing, trying things I never would’ve thought were in me. Over the past six years, I was fortunate enough to play off so many different styles of music and was able to learn from people who’ve been in the business for quite some time. I’m hoping to influence women to embrace their insecurities and their inner sexy. I’m 100-percent honest with myself as I write these songs. I’m sharing stories I was afraid of sharing. I’d tell you more but I’ll let the music speak for itself.
Who’s your biggest style icon?
I love a mix of Kim K and Bad Gal RiRi. Urban sheik is the way to go!
What would be your dream collaboration?
Dream collab? I’ve checked one off so far, to sing with Leona Lewis. My gosh, what a dream she is not only as an artist but as a human being. I don’t know, life is full of surprises so I’ll keep you surprised. I’ve always had a love for ’90s R&B, reggae and urban, so maybe you’ll get a taste of what you’re expecting from lil’ ol’ me.
What can fans expect to see from you for the rest of 2018?
If you been rockin’ with me, you know what’s comin’.
What’s your best kept beauty secret?
Drink lots of water. Stay hydrated, keep slices of pineapple with you, mangos sweet enough to last throughout the day, and keep your chapstick glued to your hand. No time for chapped lips.
What do you enjoy the most about performing on stage?
I love everything about it. I tend to blackout the moment those lights touch me. I walk off stage forgetting what I did so there’s no way I can redo what I did the night before, because it won’t be as great as the first time. I also love seeing the crowd rocking out in their feelings.
Where do you usually look for inspiration for your music?
Usually SoundCloud, that’s where I’d find these authentic, badass underground singer-songwriters. Allen Stone, Aaradhna, Sinéad Harnett, Emily King, Marc E. Bassy, etc. I also find it important to incorporate what’s shaped me my whole life, my culture.
How did you first discover your love for singing and songwriting?
It all began at my grandparents’ home. Born and raised in Santa Ana, CA with my mom’s siblings who were gifted to share their talents not only in our home but at church. I always admired their ability to harmoniously synchronize with one another. My mom didn’t know I had it in me until at four years old, Grandma Susie invited me to the piano to sing some of her favorite hymns. Right then and there I knew I loved the feeling I was able to convey through music. The first song I had ever written was with my mom at the age of 12.
Dinah Jane is as much a star as she is a 20-year-old who’s figuring out life as she goes. Despite rising to fame when she was only a teen, the Fifth Harmony songbird has managed to stay authentic during those transformative years of her life. “I’d rather be happy and broke,” Dinah tells us. “I remember just having ramen every night and not complaining about one thing. I’m glad that I went through that, because it hasn’t changed me even though I kinda got money now. It’s very important you don’t lose yourself.”
With the girl group announcing its indefinite hiatus back in March, fans are desperate to know what’s coming up next for the youngest member of the band. As we’re meeing up at NAILBOX in Los Angeles‘ Arts District, where Dinah got her claws painted with Louis Vuitton‘s famous monogram, the newly-solo artist looked back at her humble beginnings and shared what she anticipates for the next chapter of her career. Read on for our full conversation.
Over a manicure sesh, we chatted with the
newly-solo singer about life after Fifth Harmony.
Catching up with
Dinah Jane at a
Nail Salon
