Dina Renée – Glow Up

By: Paige Zinaman

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I call my sound “empowerment pop.” It’s colorful, Y2K-inspired, and rooted in honesty — I write about heartbreak, healing and self-belief, but always with a glamorous and playful edge. My songs are meant to feel like confidence anthems you can dance and cry to at the same time.

Q) Who are some of the artists that influenced you when you were growing up?

A) I grew up obsessed with pop icons like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Mariah Carey. Later on, Lady Gaga inspired me with her ability to mix fun, over-the-top visuals with meaningful messages.

Q) “Glow Up” is such an empowering anthem — what was the spark or personal moment that inspired you to write it?

A) I wrote “Glow Up” after my friend and I were both going through a breakup and I was finally stepping out of the house again. I had done my hair and makeup and wore a sparkly dress. I honestly felt like me again. I realized I had dimmed my own light in my previous relationship and needed to get myself back. The song came from that moment of deciding to step into my power again and remind myself — and others — that healing can be glamorous.

Q) You’ve said the song is about “finding your sparkle again.” What does a “glow up” mean to you personally?

A) To me, a glow up is about rediscovering yourself after loss — not just looking good on the outside, but feeling strong, confident and aligned with who you are on the inside. It’s about remembering your worth, no matter what you’ve been through.

Q) The song has a glamorous, confident vibe — did you draw from any particular artists or eras of pop for inspiration?

A) Yes! I leaned into my love for the early-2000s pop era — that mix of sparkly fun and bold confidence. Think glittery music videos, pink carpets, and an unapologetic sense of drama. I wanted “Glow Up” to feel like it belonged on your favorite Y2K playlist, but with a fresh 2025 twist.

Q) What was it like teaming up with Brooke Tomlinson on the songwriting process? How did your collaboration shape the track?

A) Brooke is amazing. She immediately connected with my vision and helped me shape the song into something bigger than I imagined. We bounced ideas back and forth about how to make it both personal and universal and her input gave the song that perfect balance of rawness and sparkle.

Q) AJ Arroyo’s production really gives “Glow Up” its bounce. What can you tell us about the studio process and how the sound came together?

A) Working with AJ was so fun — he understood right away that I wanted the track to be both playful and powerful. He layered these shimmering synths with punchy drums that made the song feel like an anthem. We spent hours tweaking the little details until it felt like a glitter explosion you could dance to.

Q) The idea that “healing can be glamorous too” is such a unique perspective. How do you practice that philosophy in your own life outside of music?

A) For me, it’s about making self-care feel special. Whether that’s dressing up for no reason, hosting karaoke nights that bring people joy or just choosing environments that make me feel alive again — I believe healing doesn’t have to look messy. It can be fun, colorful, and full of hope.

Q) Your vocals on this track feel both sultry and playful — did you approach your performance differently compared to your previous single?

A) Yes, definitely. With “Glow Up,” I wanted my vocals to feel like I was having a conversation with my best friend — a mix of sass, vulnerability, and confidence. Compared to my last single, I leaned into more playful ad-libs and dynamics to give it that flirty but powerful edge.

Q) Many listeners see “Glow Up” as a post-breakup anthem. What do you hope someone going through heartbreak feels when they hear it?

A) I hope they feel hope — and a reminder that they’re not defined by the person who hurt them. I want listeners to dance, cry, laugh and then realize they’re stronger and more radiant than before. It’s not just about surviving heartbreak; it’s about thriving afterward.

Q) You’re gearing up for more releases this year — how does “Glow Up” fit into the bigger picture of your musical journey? Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) “Glow Up” sets the tone for this new era of my music — playful, bold and healing all at once. I have more singles coming that expand on those themes and, yes, an EP is in the works. Think of “Glow Up” as the first glimmer of what’s to come.

Q) Who are some artists that you would love to collaborate with on music in the future?

A) I’d love to work with artists who balance fun and depth — people like Dua Lipa, Bebe Rexha or Camila Cabello. My ultimate dream would be to work with Britney, of course. I also dream of collaborating with Max Martin, since his songwriting has shaped so much of pop music.

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of your music?

A) Thank you for believing in me and for showing up to every release, every karaoke night, and every show. I make music to connect with people who need a reminder that they’re not alone, and your support means everything. Keep shining, keep sparkling, and never forget your own glow up is always possible.