For emerging R&B/pop artist dove rd, music has remained a constant through a remarkably varied journey. From singing in church and recording his first song as a child to college football, studying theology and songwriting, working as a pastor and touring with Emblem3, each chapter has eventually brought him back to the same place.
Now, ‘Fantasy’ marks a genuine new beginning. The first single released under the dove rd name, the intimate track began as an imagined story about someone becoming such a distant memory that they almost feel unreal. Written during a relationship but completed after it ended, those lyrics unexpectedly became a reflection of the artist's own experience.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Most definitely the drums! Even though I play guitar now, I was fascinated by drums as a kid. I actually tried to learn, but pretty quickly realized it wasn’t quite for me.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up listening to a lot of different kinds of music. I loved gospel music as a kid. Since I grew up in church, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, and Mary Mary were always in my rotation. My dad would also play 50 Cent and hip-hop on the way to my Peewee football games, so I was exposed to a pretty wide range of music from an early age. But I think my real love for music started when I discovered Michael Jackson’s Thriller. A church member gave me his CD when I was in second grade, and the rest was history. Michael has always been my favorite artist, and discovering Thriller was really the moment when music became something more than just something I listened to—it became something I fell in love with.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Thriller by Michael Jackson. No question.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Blackbird by the Beatles. There’s just something so simple and sweet about that song.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not really, to be honest. Songs come to me at such random moments. I’m very ADHD, so sometimes I’ll start writing something and come back to it months later. Lately, though, I’ve been waking up at 5 AM with song ideas and somehow finishing them in full before going right back to bed. It’s been the best. I have no idea why my brain decided 5 AM is the perfect time to write, but I’m not complaining.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Right now I’ve been listening to a lot of EDEN, keshi, Bryant Barnes, Jia* (super cool artist), and Novo Amor. I’ve been really enjoying discovering new artists and finding inspiration in what other people are creating.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Honestly, right now I’d say keshi. His concerts have such a cool energy, and I’d love the opportunity to get up there and rock out as an opener. I think our sounds would match really well.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Most definitely connecting with new fans. Every once in a while, you come across someone who says, “That song from 2018 helped me through a tough time,” and that honestly touches my heart. It’s a reminder of why I write music in the first place. For me, it’s all about connecting with people. If my music isn’t doing that, then I feel like something is missing. Music has the ability to bring people together, make someone feel understood, and hopefully be a light for someone when they need it.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Being an artist is not for the faint of heart. There are days where I feel like people don’t care, or times when a song doesn’t perform the way I expected it to. It’s a mental game. Vic Mensa recently said on his podcast with Rapsody, “The differentiating factor between successful artists and those that quit is not necessarily talent, it’s the nervous system and how much it can withstand feeling disappointment.” I think that sums it up perfectly. I’m honestly frustrated all the time lol. The day-to-day life of an artist can be frustrating, and there are definitely moments when I want to quit. But I have to keep going. I love it too much.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
It might sound cliché, but to never give up and to always bet on yourself. I’m still fairly young as an artist, so I’m always trying to take in wisdom whenever I can. But the truth is, giving up in this industry is probably the easiest thing you can do. The hardest part is believing in yourself enough to keep going when things aren’t working and having the courage to go all in. I’m choosing all in.
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dove rd's new single 'Fantasy' is out now. Check it out in the player below.