Q&A With True AfterDARK – Exclusive Interview With the Emerging Artist
By Dennis M. Kelly
Dennis: For those who don’t know you, tell me a bit about yourself.
True: My journey has been anything but ordinary. I actually started out as a dancer when I was young—that’s really where my love for performance and creative expression began. Over time, that passion naturally evolved and followed me into my professional life. I ended up stepping into executive roles across several companies, which gave me this rare opportunity to see both sides of the industry—the business strategy and the creative heartbeat that drives it.
When the pandemic hit, I saw a lot of talented, underserved artists struggling to find their footing—especially in areas like sync licensing and placements. So, I decided to shift my focus toward helping them gain access to real opportunities.
I became a sync representative for Sony Music, which gave me a platform to advocate for independent voices—getting their music placed in film, TV, commercials, and more. It was all about opening doors that had been closed for far too long.
Dennis: Please describe for me your music and how your music reveals your personality through it.
True: These songs are pieces of my journey—each one carrying a little bit of the scars I’ve earned and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. They’re stories of growth, heartbreak, resilience, and the winding roads that have shaped who I am. Every lyric is a glimpse into where I’ve been and where I’m headed next.
Dennis: What is the latest news with you and your career?
True: Lately, I’ve been fully immersed in expanding my work as both an artist and a mentor. I’ve been laser-focused on developing new music that really reflects where I am creatively, while continuing to help other artists navigate sync licensing and distribution. It’s been an intense but exciting season—lots of late nights, deep focus, and big-picture planning. I’m determined to keep growing, pushing boundaries, and turning every opportunity into something meaningful.
Dennis: Tell me about your songs, perhaps your proudest song, when and where you recorded it, and the impact it had on your fans.
True: One of the songs I’m most proud of is WDNAOA (Smoke In My Lungs). I wrote and recorded it during a deeply introspective period, letting the emotions of loss, betrayal, and eventual release guide every note and lyric. I feel like the song captures that feeling of holding on to something that’s no longer there, and then finding the strength to move forward. People have told me it resonates with them in moments of heartbreak and self-discovery, and hearing that connection reminds me why I create – to give voice to the feelings sometimes we can’t put into words.
Dennis: Tell me about your videos and TikToks.
True: When I create videos and TikToks, I really focus on making the visuals feel like an extension of the music itself. I love matching imagery with the lyrics and the emotions behind them, whether it’s a subtle gesture, a color palette, or a fleeting moment that captures the mood of the song. It’s all about creating an experience where people don’t just hear the music – they feel it, see it, and connect with it on multiple levels. Every frame is meant to tell a story that complements the sound.
Dennis: How has having business experience in the industry helped you so far?
True: Even though I’m just in my second month of releasing tracks, my business background has been invaluable in giving me clarity and focus. It helps me navigate the ins and outs of licensing, distribution, and building meaningful partnerships with confidence, so I can make smart, strategic decisions while staying fully true to my creative vision.
Dennis: Tell me about sync licensing, your role in it and how it has helped those you’ve worked with so far.
True: Sync licensing has been such a meaningful part of my career. With my background in the industry, I’ve been able to help independent artists get their music placed in film, TV, and commercials – signing deals with platforms like Netflix, HBO, and Disney – without ever taking a cut of their royalties. I do it because I want their voices to be heard and their work to shine. Being able to guide artists through the often confusing world of licensing and placements, while ensuring they retain full ownership and earnings, has been incredibly rewarding.
Dennis: What live shows have you played so far? Do you have any memorable experiences you’d like to share with our readers about your gigs?
True: So far, my live performance experience is just getting started – my independent career is only two months old! LOL I do have a special show coming up on Christmas Eve, which I’m really excited about. Beyond that, I’m curious and open to seeing where this journey takes me. Every gig, even early on, feels like a learning experience and an opportunity to connect with people through my music, and I can’t wait to create more memorable moments on stage as I grow.
Dennis: What do you have planned for the rest of this year and next year?
True: For the rest of this year, I’m focused on promoting my existing portfolio and connecting with my audience through interviews and features – it’s all about sharing my music and my story. Looking ahead to next year, I plan to continue creating new music, expanding my reach, and exploring opportunities that allow me to grow as both an artist and a mentor, all while staying true to my creative vision.
Dennis: What are some long-term goals for you and your career?
True: Long term, I want to continue growing as an artist while creating music that truly resonates with people—songs that feel personal, honest, and real. I also hope to keep mentoring and supporting independent artists, helping them navigate the business side of the industry so they can thrive without compromise. Ultimately, my goal is to build a career that balances creativity, impact, and connection, leaving a legacy that reflects both my art and the ways I’ve helped others along the way.
Check out more great interviews here!
True AfterDARK
ASCAP MEMBER ~
True’s journey through the arts and entertainment industry has been anything but ordinary. Starting out as a dancer in her youth, she developed a deep love for performance and creative expression that carried into her professional life. Over the years, she has held executive roles across multiple companies, giving her a unique perspective on both the business and the creative sides of the industry.
When the pandemic shifted the landscape, True turned her focus toward helping underserved artists gain access to opportunities in sync licensing and placements. She became a sync representative for Sony Music, advocating for independent voices to be heard and placed in film, TV, commercials, and more. Today, she continues to mentor artists through her work by guiding them through the complexities of music distribution, licensing, and monetization.
This year, True stepped forward with her own artistry – being recognized and celebrated as a writer and publisher whose music is now reaching audiences through newly launched channels. Her recent releases highlight her ability not only to guide others, but to live the creative process herself, showing artists what it means to move from behind-the-scenes to center stage.
Video:
Audio:
Links:
Official: https://trueafterdark.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/true.afterdark.songs/
TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/true.afterdark.songs/
