Country singer Hannah Dasher has shared that a well-known, married celebrity once sent her a direct message on social media. Dasher, speaking on the "Like a Farmer" podcast, indicated that her Christian faith has guided her career choices, preventing her from pursuing shortcuts in the music industry.
Dasher, 40, declined to name the individual, citing their fame and marital status. She alluded that accepting certain advances could have led to significant career opportunities, such as joining major tours. "I could have gone on some pretty big tours, you know, if I wasn't a Christian," she said.
Raised near Savannah, Georgia, Dasher was influenced by '90s country music. After college, she moved to Nashville to pursue her career. She previously worked at Bass Pro Shops, selling boats, and was reportedly fired for writing songs on the job. Her early career included a publishing deal with BMG Chrysalis in 2013, followed by a signing with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Her first songwriting success came in 2017 when Brad Paisley recorded her co-written song "Go to Bed Early."
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dasher launched a popular TikTok cooking series called "Stand By Your Pan," which combined Southern recipes with country music and comedy. The series garnered over a million followers, expanding her audience. In 2021, she signed a recording deal with Sony Music Nashville and released her debut EP, "The Half Record." That same year, she was recognized as one of CMT's Next Women of Country and performed at the Grand Ole Opry. However, Sony reportedly ended her recording contract shortly after the EP's release, leading Dasher to continue her career independently.
Reflecting on losing her record deal, Dasher described it as a "huge humbling." She also discussed the challenges of maintaining her confidence after setbacks and the importance of remembering her personal motivations for moving to Nashville. She found songwriting again after a break, which included penning her cookbook, "Stand By Your Pan: 100 Easy and Affordable Comfort Food Recipes So Good They'll Hurt People's Feelin's," published in March.
Dasher expressed excitement about creating new music independently, emphasizing the freedom she now has. "I don't have any rules over me that I feel like I'm having to write for, or that I can't do this or I can't say this. I'm just making this as authentically Hannah as it can be. Just real," she stated.
Regarding the current state of country music, Dasher noted its enduring popularity and the resurgence of '90s influences. She spoke about advocating for traditional country elements, like the pedal steel guitar, in her music, drawing parallels to artists like Patsy Cline who navigated sonic shifts in the genre. "And so I just think good stuff sticks around. And I just think people right now are really craving authenticity," Dasher said.