Local 518 musician Dakota Bates is a songwriter whose music carries quiet strength, emotional honesty, and a deep sense of connection. Though she got her start in the Capital Region and now lives outside the area, Dakota brings the spirit of home with her in both her writing and performances. Her songs live at the intersection of folk, indie, and Americana, shaped by thoughtful storytelling and an intimate, unforced delivery.
During her 518 session taping, Dakota stripped her songs down to their core, allowing the emotion and nuance to rise to the surface. In the interview, she also speaks about her late father, Bob Bates, and the profound bond they shared through music. That influence still resonates in her work today—an enduring thread that connects past and present, family and craft, and helps shape Dakota’s heartfelt, authentic sound.
