KYLIE DAKOTA

Human Jukebox

[iamkyliedakota]

Some say I’m like a Human Jukebox

Hey Tumblrverse! I haven't been blogging in about a year. I've been performing in LA and focusing on my debut EP (set to be released before the end of summer). I spoke in previous articles about artists that matter to me but I'd like to really start writing to you more often. I'm excited about whats to come with my own music but I could talk about music history for days without stopping (I talk a lot..) but I think its happened once or twice. Music history and the current popular music climate are subjects that very rarely hit a dead end. I also believe music is one of the most important things in life and cultivating our collective voice as a generation. I'll talk about my Golden Age era of music that I look back at in awe, as well as why saying "people just don't buy albums anymore" is a big fat lie and much more. If you've ever seen my instagram posts with my human jukebox facts.. we'll explore those more too. Lets start with fact #1: The fastest selling album of all time happened last year and it wasn't streamable. (Where is my Home Alone Emoji when I need it?!) One word : ADELE Find out tomorrow why and what this means for the future of the music industry.

[iamkyliedakota]

Sorry Kylie Jenner, but my name is Kylie too and I’m not going to change that for you.

So, I was going through twitter the other day and found this article from TMZ (here is the link: http://www.tmz.com/2015/05/04/kylie-and-kendall?adid=TMZ_Search_Results) about how Kylie Jenner wants to "file an application to trademark her first name in the nature of providing information by means of a global computer network in the fields of entertainment, fashion and pop culture" and "mark her territory for personal appearances by a celebrity, actress and model." When I heard this my instinctual reaction was anger. I was born in 1992. Kylie Jenner was born in 1997. Kylie Minogue, who had made a name for herself in 1988, was the only celebrity I knew named Kylie. The name Kylie wasn't nearly as common as it is now and as a kid with a "weird" name; Minogue became a source of confidence. Its how I got starbucks to spell it right. And as I got older, It became a name I grew to love. Its a name by which I am proud to be called. At 4 months old, 5 years BEFORE Kylie Jenner was born, I was already a working actress as the Gerber baby and continued starring in commercials and appearing in film well before 1997. Now she wants me to pay her for a name I was given in 1992 and have used as an actress before she was even alive? I do not know Kylie Jenner and have no intention of judging her character or anything, but I do wish she'd see the bigger picture. There is a level of entitlement that comes with trying to trademark a first name. To all the Kylie's of the world, Kylie Jenner really is doing a disservice as a fellow "Kylie." To try and even attempt to deny someone's right to their name that has been part of their identity and maybe even their business for their entire lives is taking her power way too far. As an actress and a singer/songwriter myself, I would never try and discourage anyone from not being his or herself. I don't know why Kylie Jenner feels that she needs to own the name Kylie instead of just making a name for herself and owning her own name with confidence without having to take it away from others. I know this attempt to trademark her name will most likely not happen, since trying to trademark a popular name in this capacity is pretty unrealistic.. BUT as a girl named Kylie who has been working in the entertainment industry longer than she's been alive its hard to keep quiet. Kylie Jenner has become a role-model to young girls and I think this example of trying to prevent anyone else with the name Kylie to succeed and reach their dreams is a horrible message. Be yourself, Be Kylie, but don't take that right away from me or anyone else. ~ From a fellow Kylie

[iamkyliedakota]

The first picture is Tucker and I back in 1998 when I got him :) And the most regal photograph of any one ever...Wasn't he a stud? REST IN PEACE MY SWEET TUCK

[iamkyliedakota]

Goodbye Tucker

My childhood dog of 17 years passed away Sunday. He was truly the kind of soul that changed the people around him. He made everyone better. I received him as an early christmas present December 21st, 1998. My mom left this HUGE (well I was 6 so it probably wasn't that big) present under the tree. For weeks, I would nag and nag to open it. My mom always let me open one present before christmas. Finally, she let me open it. It was a dog bed. Now at 6 years old, I genuinely had no clue what it was or what it meant. I thought maybe this was my new bed or some sort of strange lounging item but I didn't like it. Then my mom said that there was a mistake and the other part of the present was outside.. and here came this happy beautiful dog with lit-up raindeer ears that played "rudoplh the red-nosed raindeer" and a bandana (confused from the get-go) to a shaking, shocked and extremely excited little girl, ME. It was the dog from the pound that mom had taken me to see just a few weeks earlier. He was the only dog not barking at the pound. I remember my mom driving me home and asking what I'd name him if I got to have him and I said "Justin Timberlake." It was 1998. My mom kindly tried to detour me from this name choice saying "Well Kylie, you may not love Justin Timberlake as much in 10 years." To which I respond, "No, Mom. I will always love Justin Timberlake." I was right. However, I realized maybe it was better to not name your dog after your future husband. (Thanks Jessica Biel :P) So I named him Tucker and he became my best friend. I grew up with him. We'd play games, he'd be my only audience member as I performed my songs for him, and he'd be my shoulder to cry on when I had a bad day. I became a more loving and patient person because of his disposition. In the last few years, Tucker began to wither and age in a way I couldn't really deal with. He was frail and had trouble walking. Before this I truly believed he was invincible and this whole experience has made me cherish the time we all have even more. I still didn't think he'd pass away though. But unfortunately, death is inevitable despite our best efforts. Through this pain, I can't help but share memories and laugh about the fun we had. As an only child, I'm lucky I got to experience the feeling of having a sibiling. I can't believe this day came and I wish I could live forever on May 2nd without having to deal with the 3rd, but I will carry his spirit with me forever. For anyone dealing with the loss of pet or family member, I have you in my prayers today.

[iamkyliedakota]

RIP Ben E. King

You may not know Ben E. King but you know his music. He passed away yesterday at 76 years old. He was the lead singer of The Drifters with classics like Under The Boardwalk and Save The Last Dance For Me. Then while the drifters faded into the background, Ben E. King emerged the frontman as "Ben E. King and The Drifters" with songs like Spanish Harlem and of course the most famous Stand By Me. I wanted to shed some light on this artist because King and The Drifters' melodies paved the way for the pop melodies that we hear today. I always consider The Beatles "the abc's" in terms of melodies and I would confidentally put The Drifters in that same category. When I was 11, I saw the movie Stand By Me directed by the wonderful Rob Reiner. His love for the music of his adolescene in the late 50's - early 60's jumps off the screen. It became one of my top favorite movies ever because of the incredible story, the fantastic soundtrack... and of course the late great River Pheonix (swoon). Stand By Me by Ben E King became the title of the adapted "The Body" novella by Stephen King. (Ironic how they share a last name huh?). I ,then, found myself researching all the songs I heard in that movie along with Stand By Me and began my immersion into the wonders of The Drifters. I hope even an ounce of their melodic talents made its way through my ears, into my brain and out through my songwriting; if so, then I learned something of incredible value. If you don't know Ben E. King and The Drifters or if you do, please take a moment to listen to their music. I promise it will inspire you to write something so simply catchy that no one will forget it. And no one should forget Ben E. King. RIP Ben E. King

[iamkyliedakota]

My Favorite Song of All Time..Yes, Of All Time.

I have so many songs that I proclaim as "the best" or "my favorite." Of course there are so many great songs and all of them hold a special place in my heart like "Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes" by Paul Simon or "Going to California" by Led Zeppelin, but I have one favorite that surpasses all the rest. "The Wind" by Cat Stevens. The first time I heard that song was watching the movie Almost Famous. Which has one of the best soundtracks for rock n roll lovers like me. The Wind is my favorite song because its so short and yet says the purest and simplicist truth about the human condition. We enter the world with this faith in something we can't see like "the wind." We feel a force greater than ourselves has a plan for us. Then we make mistakes "swimming upon the devil's lake" realizing what's right and wrong, but no matter what, we keep on following the direction of "the wind". In one minute and forty-two seconds, Cat Stevens tells us a story about a human being's faith in something intangible. I've always been drawn to songs with an ethereal-sounding quality and "The Wind" is no exception. I wish more modern-day songwriters would follow this writing style; A simple, truthful perspective written in a poetic and evolving fashion without overcomplicating or overproducing. Letting the song tell the story for itself. If you haven't heard this song, go check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4-IZTZkTY8 The Wind I listen to the wind To the wind of my soul Where I'll end up, well, I think Only God really knows I've sat upon the setting sun But never, never, never, never I never wanted water once No, never, never, never I listen to my words But they fall far below I let my music take me where My heart wants to go I swam upon the devil's lake But never, never, never, never I'll never make the same mistake No, never, never, never