In an exclusive interview, 19-year-old Lakelin Lemmings from West Tennessee shares her inspiring path from small-town talent shows to signing her first artist deal with Stone Country Records. Her debut single, “American Dreamin’,” released today, is a reflection of her roots, values, and big ambitions.
Lakelin began performing at just six years old, taking the stage at local festivals and talent shows. By 12, she was already traveling to Nashville to write and record. At 17, she signed her first publishing deal, and now, with over 100,000 TikTok followers and her first official single out, she’s positioned as one of country music’s most promising new voices.
The Story Behind “American Dreamin’”
The empowering anthem was co-written with veteran songwriters Neal Coty and Ash Bowers, who also produced the track. “This song actually wasn’t my idea,” Lakelin explained. “It was my Neal Coty Ash Bowers, my co-writers on the song. They had written a little bit of the chorus. They just had me in mind. And I walked into the room that day, and they’re like, ‘Hey, we’re gonna play this for you and see if you like it. It’s your vibe. If you don’t, it’s totally fine.’ But they played it for me. I heard it. I was like, ‘Guys, you definitely had me in mind when you wrote it. This has Lakelin written all over it.’ So then we finished up the verses and the rest of the chorus.”
The song’s message is deeply personal to her. “The song talks about, I grew up in our heartland, a couple miles off the main road, and I’m kind of chasing the dream, but no matter how far it takes me, I’m still going to be the hometown touchdown Friday daddy’s girl, just living the American dream.”
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A Message for Young Fans
Lakelin hopes the song resonates with anyone chasing a dream. “I want fans and little girls to take from it that it’s okay to be bold. Be bold and be who you are, and don’t be afraid of the world, and don’t let society make you insecure about things. Just be who you are and be proud of that. I think God made us all perfect in our own way. And I think it takes a little bit of living life to figure out who exactly that is, but once you find out who you are, just be that person.”
Proud of Her Small-Town Roots
Growing up in a tight-knit West Tennessee community shaped her life and music. “Living in a small town, I think it’s a small environment, you really build a community and have friends that become like family and I’ve never lived in the big city, so I guess I can’t really compare it, but I’m very proud of where I came from. The people here are amazing. And, I mean, you can just see a stranger and be like, ‘hey,’ and probably know him.” She continued, “A lot of great people, a great environment, and just a fun place to be. There’s not a whole lot to do, because it is, you know, a small town, but bonfires with friends or hanging out in the parking lot. Those are some memories that I’ll cherish.”
Music in Her Blood
Lakelin’s passion for music was matched by her family’s support, especially her father, a touring country guitarist. One of her favorite memories is winning the Tennessee Songwriters competition with him by her side. “He played guitar for me, and we actually ended up winning. And I got to go to Memphis to be in the final round. And he got to play with me there as well. We got to play at Lafayette in Memphis. That was a big moment. And you could tell that he was just glowing and so proud of me and of us.”
That bond inspired her to write “Baby Daddy,” a heartfelt song for her father. She recently released an acoustic version in time for Father’s Day. A touching video of her playing the original for her dad shows him clearly moved. “He was just so proud of me, and he was very touched that I wrote a song about him, because my dad, he’s one of my biggest supporters, but he’s definitely a behind the scenes person, and so when I told him that I wanted to be in a video, he was kind of against it, but talking him into being in that video, in first place was a great thing, and then to get his reaction of almost crying, and that was just very touching, and it was a heartwarming moment for both of us.”
Looking Ahead
While she once dreamed of being the next Shawn Johnson, music quickly became her sole focus. “There was a brief moment where I thought I was going to be the next Shawn Johnson, but that was not in the cards for me.”
She’s already recorded around 10 songs and hopes to release a full album in the near future. Touring is also part of the plan. “I don’t think a big touring thing is in the works yet. I do think that we’re going to try to get some festivals and stuff this summer, especially with the release of American Dreamin’. I feel like it’s the perfect summer festival banger to play.”
Ultimately, her dream is to bring her music around the globe. “I love to travel all over the world and to sing my songs. I think that is ultimately the dream, just getting to meet fans and to sing for them, and to visit different countries and places.”
Lakelin also shared a fun memory from her childhood: being an extra in The Hunger Games at just nine years old. She stated that one of the on-set managers scolded her and her brother for fighting. “I love acting, so I would love to do a music video. I think that would be so much fun.”
With her heart firmly rooted in her hometown and her eyes set on the world stage, Lakelin Lemmings is living out her American dream and she’s only getting started.
