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The story behind my original song ‘Don’t You Dare’ 

So yesterday in my introduction post I shared a live video of a song I wrote called ‘Don’t You Dare’. Thank you to everyone who checked it out, and for the amazingly warm welcome I received!!! I’m already obsessed with Steemit :) Thank you again @benlee for paving the way! 

Today I want to share a little more about that song as it’s a special one to me.

## **The story**

Years ago when I’d just moved to LA… I was really enjoying jumping into the music industry, but at the same time I was feeling pressured to fit into certain moulds and I started doubting myself. So I wrote ‘Don’t You Dare’ kind of as a mantra to myself and anyone else having a similar struggle and needing some inspiration to keep on going! 

I’ve been in the entertainment industry since I was 14 (when I modeled for a Target catalogue… and soon after I booked my first role on Australian TV Series ‘High Flyers’).
While most of my experiences in the industry have been inspiring and fulfilling, I’ve definitely experienced my fair share of low points, rejection, criticism and as a result, self-doubt. There can be a lot of pressure put on every artist, but especially young women, to be a certain way…

Some things people said over the years which really stayed with me: 
“You can’t do that”
 “Don’t sing like that” 
“Can’t you be a little more like… (person x)”
“You’re not sexy enough”
“You need to dress up more/wear more makeup”

And my all-time ‘favorite’ from a photographer… “Can’t you just be a little… taller??!!” 

I don’t mean to poke fun at the attitudes of the people who said these things, but more to show what it can be like for a young woman growing up in the industry. 
It takes a lot of strength and self-awareness to love and express yourself anyway! 

At it’s core, ‘Don’t you dare’ is a song about believing in yourself and your dreams… it’s a song about finding the strength and vision to go for it no matter what people say or what obstacles come your way. 

I believe every single person is an artist and has something valuable to share with the world and I hope this song can be an inspiration to always keep letting your light shine. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfOqKWf8v0k

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Photos by @markvicente