Nancy Dunkle is a singer/songwriter based in New York.
Q: What’s your story?
Nancy Dunkle is an indie folk singer/songwriter who draws inspiration from a wide range of artists such as Big Thief, Samia, Fleetwood Mac, and Billie Marten. Her music features honest lyricism and thoughtful instrumentation, giving her sound a unique yet familiar feel. She constantly challenges herself to take her music to a deeper level and form intimate, understanding connections with her audiences and herself. Her debut single, “Poster Child,” and her sophomore single, “Symptom,” are both currently available on all platforms with more music in the works.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of making/writing music?
Making music has always felt very intrinsic to me. Both of my parents are visual artists, so being creative was baked into me from a young age. In a lot of ways, how I’m doing with songwriting is closely tied to how I feel about myself. It’s something I can always turn to. If I hate what I’m writing, I can put that energy into getting better, and if I love what I’m making, I get to have fun with it. Either way, it gives me somewhere to put things. The support I’ve received from the community I’ve gotten to build through music has been a huge reward.
Q: What is the inspiration behind your songs?
Anything really. Anything from a movie, or something I see while I’m driving, or a really heavy emotion. I’m most likely to have a good idea when I’m able to sit with my thoughts and when I’m not really trying to think of a song.
Q: What goals are you working towards right now?
Generally, developing as an artist. Specifically, pinning down how I want to present and express myself fully and authentically. I think it’s easy to water yourself down, but I want to get over the fear of being shamelessly myself.
Q: What three songs do you think capture “you” the best for a first-time listener?
My songs Symptom, Climb the Stairs, Poster Child.
Q: What’s advice you live by?
My Dad always says “Don’t ask for permission, beg for forgiveness”. I think this advice rocks and can apply to so many things. Women especially are taught to always be polite and ask for what they want. This advice reminds me that sometimes you have to make power moves and not worry about how others might feel about it.
Q: What does your ideal day look like?
I wake up early on a morning in July to a really good breakfast being made. There’s 60’s folk playing, and every window in the house is open. Then, a long hike or walk with a friend. Then lunch and thrifting. We’re playing a show later. We’re really excited, and we’ve been practicing for months. We feel super prepared. My outfit comes together seamlessly and has a perfect cool without trying quality to it. I crush the show, the energy in the room is great. I have 2 whiskey sours after, no more. I’m surrounded by friends and we hit a dimly lit backyard bar. We order a pizza and talk and talk and talk.
Q: Who inspires you?
My best friend Georgia inspires me a ton. She is a master manifester and a great reminder that the only thing that can limit you is yourself. Music wise, Adrienne Lenker, Jake Minch, Truman Sinclair, and Metric, but I could list a million people.
Nancy’s Foster Recs:
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