1 – Congratulations on ‘Juice County: Volume 1’! What does this EP represent for you at this stage of your career?

DJ: This body of work represents a rebirth for me. It’s the first time in my career that I was able to fully pour into myself and tell my story without outside influences. I’m so proud of this project

2-What was the creative process like for ‘Juice County: Volume 1’? You have collaborated with artists such as Young Go, JKING and Tone Stith on the EP. How did these collaborations come to life? 

DJ: The process of completing my first-ever EP was so fun, yet kind of stressful, trying to select which tracks belonged in the first package! I was scrambling with my list because there were so many favorites and ideas, but as time went on, I was able to hone in on how I wanted to visually and sonically represent what Juice County: Volume 1 means to me. Being born and raised in Orange County, California, I also wanted to give that SoCal Polynesian girl aesthetic. I was able to revive some of my favorite records that held such a dear place in my heart after all these years, like “Ocean Song,” “Road Less Traveled,” and “Tell Me.” Collaborating with artists like JKING, Young Go, and Tone Stith was such a gift! JKING reached out to feature me on his single “Falling in Love,” and from there, we picked up a vibe. Since I was in his hometown, Sydney, Australia, shooting the music video for his single, we thought, “Let’s also hit the studio,” and boom, “Let’s Go” was created and later sent to Inglewood’s finest, Young Go. I’ve always been a fan of his flow and wordplay—I just knew he was the perfect addition to complete this record! Massive shout-out to Tone Stith! I’ve been following his journey for quite some time. I remember asking him, “Have you ever done an island reggae song before?” He shook his head, and I was like, “Perfect! We’re going to make an island reggae/R&B song today!” As we were creating the sound, the concept came so naturally to me… maybe because I was in a toxic situationship at the time (lol). I guess you could say my best songs come from real-life events—oops (lol).

3-You’ve spoken about wanting to show a more personal side of yourself with this project. Which song on the EP do you feel showcases that the most, and why?

DJ: I think for me, it’s “Road Less Traveled.” I’m such a lover girl, and this was the first release where I could be super vulnerable. The song is about a long-distance relationship I was in at the time, and I was able to pour all the love I was feeling into the record. It didn’t work out (lol), but I’ll save that story for my next song (haha).

4- How does it feel to be back in the industry after a musical hiatus of over three years? What have you learned about yourself or your career during this time? 

DJ: It feels so good to be back! I did my first solo show a few months ago, and the rush of being on stage and hearing the fans’ cheers felt like passion running through my veins. It reminded me that this is where I’m meant to be. God gave me a purpose and a gift that’s meant to be shared. I’ve also learned that I’m a fighter.

5- What has been the most rewarding and most challenging part of transitioning from a group to being a solo artist? How did your experience in Fifth Harmony shape your approach to music today?Looking back, is there a particular moment with Fifth Harmony that you’re especially proud of or cherish?

DJ: It feels like a lifetime ago, but honestly, there are so many amazing memories. The awards and accomplishments were great, but what I really cherish is the sisterhood we built. The “life” moments we endured together and helped each other through—those are the memories I hold dear.

6- How does it feel to have a full project out now as a solo artist compared to your days in the group?

DJ: I’m so proud of myself. Being an independent artist isn’t easy. I turned down a few record deals because I didn’t want to give up my creative freedom. I’ve paid every producer, engineer, and mixer out of my own pocket. It’s made me feel more like a BO$$, eeeoooouuu (lol).

7- You’ve recently embraced your Polynesian roots in your music and image. What prompted you to make this rebranding decision? Why were rebranding and embracing your roots important for you?

DJ: For most of my career, I was encouraged to be racially ambiguous. But my family is as Tongan as they come (lol). I could be performing at a sold-out arena or the VMAs, and then I’d go home and wash the dishes (lol). My family created that bubble around me, so I wouldn’t lose my sense of self or where I came from. There aren’t many Polynesian people in the world—some reports suggest there are fewer than two million of us worldwide. When I decided to come back into the industry, my team and I made a conscious effort to put my Polynesian heritage at the forefront of my artist identity. I’m a brown-skinned Polynesian girl, and our stories deserve to be told.

8- How have your Tongan and Samoan roots influenced your music, both sonically and lyrically? 

DJ: I grew up listening to my mom and her siblings singing in church. They would harmonize, and I would try to find my part and blend with them. I love including those influences when I’m creating records—I’m a harmony girl (lol).

9- What does representing your Polynesian culture mean to you in an industry that might not have as much representation of your heritage?

DJ: I now understand that the platform I’ve been given should not be taken lightly. My goal is not only to open doors but to leave those doors open for the next Polynesian creative.

10- How have your fans, especially those from the Polynesian community, responded to this new chapter in your career? 

DJ:

They’ve shown me so much love and respect. It’s truly humbling to be able to represent our culture. I’ll come across little kids singing “Ocean Song,” and I can’t help but tear up. Fans tell me, “Oh, Dinah, we love that you incorporated Poly Drums and ukulele in that song.” Those moments of representation stay with me. For some of them, it’s the first time they’ve heard our traditional elements infused in a modern way, and it’s something I’m really proud of.