THE BAND DAKOTA

The Band Dakota is the only Latina trio of sisters in country music today.

 

The Band Dakota is three sisters: Erica, Nicolette, and Joelle.  Erica is the group's lead vocalist, pianist, guitar and co-writer.  Nicolette is the group's guitarist, vocalist and songwriter.  Joelle completes those tight triad harmonies, adds percussion, and is the band's official artist.

 

Growing up in Connecticut, the sisters were part of a very large and loving Latino family.  Their parents exposed them at an early age to music by bringing them to church choir rehearsals.  At the age of nine, Erica sang her first solo and the audience was moved to tears.  Recognizing her gift, Erica immersed herself in music and was self-taught in piano and guitar.  Their parents soon discovered that Nicolette and Joelle were not far behind the oldest as far as talent and passion for music. Nicolette started writing at a very early age and would often fill books with stories and poems.  At the age of 12, her dad introduced her to the guitar as well and Nicolette ended up pursuing the instrument with a relentless passion soon becoming a self-taught rhythm guitarist who was asked to be in the church's adult worship band.  Before long, both Erica and Nicolette showed an interest in writing and performing music.  Soon members of the church and the greater community wondered if the next sister in the family of six would have as much talent as the oldest two.  They were not disappointed.  Joelle, who is an incredibly gifted artist as well, discovered that it was her voice that completed those tight triad harmonies that everyone loves so much.  Before the age of 20, all three girls committed to their creative vision as The Band Dakota and sought to write and release an album.

 

Without a doubt, their early musical influence stemmed from the songwriting style of Switchfoot and Relient K to the vocal ensemble of Point of Grace. Their diverse musical influences led to their unique sound that captures country, rock, and some soul.  With some new songs, shiny new guitar strings, and a hometown audience, The Band Dakota debuted in 2013 to a sold out crowd of over 500 and have since been working hard in the New York/Connecticut area.  In February 2014, they partnered with Grammy-nominated musician and songwriter Dana C. Lamb and came to Nashville to begin their album.  Working with John Bass, a longtime respected Nashville engineer and producer, Dana and John worked with top Nashville session players to help the girls create their signature sound.  "I get approached all the time by well-intentioned and dewey-eyed parents to produce and orchestrate their baby's albums.  When their dad contacted me, I remained hopeful but wasn't sure if they had the originality and commercial viability for Nashville.  But within thirty seconds of Whoa!, I knew that this band was going to be well on their way to taking country music by storm.  They jumped off my screen and into my earbuds as something that country music has been missing for a long time.  Not since Barbara Mandrell and her sisters rocked the world of country music three decades ago has there been such a fresh infusion of family, talent, and quality music like there is with Erica, Nicolette, and Joelle.  It has been my privilege and honor for them to have chosen me to produce their work, get their promotional package in gear, and get them ready to introduce themselves to Nashville in a big big way." says Dana Lamb.  "There is no doubt they're onto something.  If they keep performing, keep writing, and keep those tight harmonies, the skies are the limit," says John Howard. "I hear a lot of music in this studio and of all genres and all styles.  There are some groups that you just know are going to go on and do great things and The Band Dakota clearly has that special something that will get them to their dreams. They are three of the most talented sisters, and yet they are humble, and gentle, and bring a work ethic that is essential in this business.  I have no doubt that they will chart in the near future."  says John Bass of Arctic Sound Studios.

 

The Band Dakota is self-managed and self-promoted.  This means that they need fans like you to support them, get on social media and promote them, and really get behind them in a meaningful way to get their music heard.  They are passionate about their music and, like Taylor Swift, aren't willing to settle for anything less than making great music and connecting with their amazing fans.  Thank you for supporting The Band Dakota by buying singles from their EP, sharing dates and information on your social media, and coming out to the shows.  "Without a doubt, it's about the people. We do this for them.  We want to be role models, we want to perform in schools, we want young girls to look to us and believe in their dreams because we are living ours.  And our dream is nothing without the perfect combination of faith, family, and the unwavering support of our beloved fans," says the group.

 

Funny how good things always come in threes...