Nashville, often called the “Music Capital of the World,” owes its title to the legacy of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. In 1873, this group of Black student performers from Fisk University captivated Queen Victoria during their European tour with their powerful renditions of Negro spirituals and hymns. Legend has it the Queen referred to their home as a “Music City,” a name that has since defined Nashville’s identity as a global hub for music rooted in gospel, soul and heartfelt storytelling.
Detroit, known as “Motown,” revolutionized 20th-century music with its viral blend of soul, pop and R&B. Founded by Berry Gordy in 1959, Motown Records launched icons like Stevie Wonder, Dianna Ross and The Jackson 5 while fostering unity through its cross-cultural appeal. Beyond Motown, Detroit’s influence spans genres, from techno to jazz and rock, making it one of the most dynamic musical cities in the world.
Between Nashville’s gospel-infused traditions and Detroit’s soulful storytelling lies the perfect space for an artist like DALONA to thrive. Drawing from her Nashville roots and deep musical heritage, DALONA’s genre-blending style and raw vulnerability come alive in her sophomore concept EP, “Love & Delusion,” a powerful exploration of love, heartbreak and self-discovery.
DALONA has a voice that resonates as deeply as her penned, storytelling prose. With roots in her late grandfather’s church choir and the influence of her mother — a Gospel powerhouse — DALONA’s artistry is seamlessly blended of soulful melodies, raw vulnerability and genre-defying creativity. Her new album promises to push boundaries, diving into themes of heartbreak, self-discovery and the fine line between love and illusion.
Sitting down with DALONA, discussions flowed about her creative process inspirations and the transformative journey behind “Love & Delusion.”
On personal transformation and artistic evolution
Q: How has your personal journey influenced the narrative of “Love & Delusion?”
A. When I unknowingly started writing for “Love & Delusion,” I was on the brink of some heavy life changes. I had to get brutally honest with myself about not knowing how I wanted to be loved, and because of that, I struggled to communicate it to others. This EP became a soundtrack to my journey of figuring out how to honor myself.
Q. How does this EP differ from your debut project, “Burning Journals?”
A. With Burning Journals, I was still finding my sound, learning what I wanted to say and how I wanted to say it. With this project, I became more comfortable being ‘uncomfortable’ in my subject matter and vulnerability. Storytelling comes naturally to me, and this time, I leaned into creating immersive worlds for my audience to live in for those three to four minutes.
Q. What experiences shaped the themes of this EP?
*Laughs*
A. It’s a mix — failed romantic pursuits, “talking stages,” situationships. Even the strongest, most self-aware people wrestle with the line between love and delusion. Sometimes, you meet unhealed people who can make their version of love feel like both at the same time.
On connecting with listeners
Q. What personal truths do you reveal in this EP?
A. I’m usually a mix of an open book and super private. This EP pushed me to share moments where I lost myself in romanticism and potential. I’ve learned never to say, “That could never be me,” because life will humble you real quick. Writing this helped me give myself grace while growing.
Q. How do you hope listeners will relate to the stories in your music?
A. I want songs like “Blocked” to remind listeners of their homegirl’s experience or “Stupid M-F” to empower them to never let anyone play in their face again. My goal is authenticity — if my music makes even a few people feel seen or reflective, it’s worth it.
Q. What message do you want to leave your audience after listening to “Love & Delusion?”
A. As a concept EP, I want listeners to go on their own journey, using my voice as the guide. Love is so multifaceted — sometimes you want to dance, cry or feel all the emotions at once. For me, it’s about giving them space to interpret it in their way.
Track-by-track breakdown
“Rent Free”
This upbeat, sad-girl pop track captures the butterflies of infatuation. It wasn’t supposed to be the single, but I wanted to embrace my pop audience.
“Make Me Believe”
Let’s just say this one’s for the grown folks. Next question!
*Laughs*
“Stupid M-F”
It’s about realizing you’re not a priority to someone. Instead of getting even, it’s about taking it on the chin and moving on.
“Audition”
This is the emotional apex — where you realize why someone is the way they are but also confront your own brokenness that allowed them to treat you poorly. On a lighter note, I just wanted to talk my shit.
“Blocked”
This track is pure fun and chaos. It’s about letting go of misplaced expectations and making your exit plan.
“CTRL-Z”
This closer represents acceptance. It’s about saying, ‘You know what? No thank you!’ when someone’s version of love doesn’t honor you.
On creativity and influences
Q. How did your upbringing influence this EP?
A. I was born in Nashville but raised in Grand Rapids, Mich., surrounded by Motown and gospel music. My mom was a touring gospel singer, and I grew up singing in my grandfather’s church. That foundation shaped everything — my tone, my riffs, even how I approach a note.
Q. Which artists inspired Love & Delusion?
A. As an R&B singer with a lower register, I admire artists like YEBBA, Jazmine Sullivan, H.E.R. and Brandy. I believe in experimenting with sound, so I draw from many genres and decades.
Q. What was the songwriting process like?
A. My producer, Mark Evich, and I worked virtually for seven months. Writing comes in waves for me — I’ll get lyrics or melodies while folding laundry or grocery shopping. Some songs came together in one sitting; others were pieced together over time. It’s always unpredictable, which keeps it exciting.
Future plans
Q. What’s next after “Love & Delusion?”
A. I’ve got live shows lined up in Nashville, thanks to my sponsorship with Guidance Whiskey, and I’d love to tour soon. I’m also planning more collaborations and singles in 2025, building toward a full album.
Q. Where can fans stay updated?
A. My website, dalonasings.com, has all the info on shows, music and merch. You can also find me on social media as @duhlahnuh on Instagram, TikTok and Threads.
With “Love & Delusion,” DALONA brands herself as a force in modern R&B, blending soulful authenticity with bold storytelling. Whether you’re dancing, crying or reflecting, this EP promises to resonate long after the final track ends.
Featured image: Photo by Reese Bland
Edited by James Sutton
