Dasha Talks ‘Mad About It’ While Spotlighting Special Needs Shelter Dog On The Pupdate

Dasha returns for Part 2 of the Pupdate, filmed in partnership with the MuttNation Foundation, continuing their mission to spotlight shelter animals who are often overlooked and in need of loving homes. On a beautiful spring day, the country/pop breakout star visited the Williamson County Animal Center, where she spent time getting to know Thumper, an 11-month-old mixed breed pup who has already faced a difficult start to life. 

Thumper was rescued from a landfill, and after medical evaluation, staff learned that he is both hearing and vision impaired. Despite those challenges, the team at Williamson County Animal Center quickly discovered that his heart works just fine…he is sweet, affectionate, and full of joy. Thumper immediately won Dasha over during their walk together.

Following Part 1 of the episode, where Dasha dished on all things ACM Awards and Las Vegas, the breakout star returned for Part 2 to chat about her new music, including her latest single, “Mad About It.”

Written by Dasha, Bardo Novotny, and Charlotte Sands, “Mad About It” puts a playful spin on heartbreak. The infectious track finds Dasha trying to convince herself (and everyone around her) that she’s completely moved on, even though she’s still hung up on the situation. 

“This song is a true personality song,” she revealed. “It’s all sarcasm, the entire song.”

During our walk with Thumper, Dasha opened up about the inspiration behind the track and explained why capturing the right vocal delivery proved to be one of the biggest challenges in bringing the song to life.

“The fun part about this song was the vocal delivery was so tricky…I was just so mad at this guy. But it was this weird petty thing of being … I’m sure you can relate. Sometimes in the world as a woman, you can’t act like you’re mad and you have to be like, ‘Oh, what do you mean? Oh, I don’t mind that you’re sleeping with my best friend. Oh, I don’t mind at all.’ And so it’s just that emotion, whatever the scenario is. But the whole thing is just like, ‘no, I’m not mad about it. I would never write a song about it. I haven’t even thought about it.’”

She continued, “And the vocal…The vocal delivery was interesting. I tried to recut the vocals and then we ended up going back to the demo vocal because it was just in the studio. It was raw. And I was feeling it.” 

“Mad About It” offers fans an early glimpse at what they can expect from Dasha’s forthcoming album. The singer-songwriter has spent the last year and a half working on the project alongside her brother/producer, Bardo Novotny, and friend/producer Ben Johnson, and she says the experience has allowed her to lean further into her artistry than ever before.

As she continues shaping the record, Dasha says she’s found herself reconnecting with the songwriting style and creative instincts that first made her fall in love with music.

“It’s been so cool working with them, being such close friends and obviously with my brother. I don’t know… I feel like I’m bringing it really back to my roots and where I first started falling in love with songwriting and just allowing myself to be really confident in my choices and just say things that other artists can’t quite say the way I can,” she explained. “I mean, that’s the beauty of being an artist. You say things a certain way that no one else can.”

For more of Dasha’s Pupdate episode, watch the video above.

We’re also happy to report that Thumper has since been adopted and is now living his happily ever after in a loving home. There are still plenty of dogs at Williamson County Animal Center waiting for families of their own. Senior dogs, dogs with special needs, and longer-term shelter residents are often among the most overlooked, despite having just as much love to give. If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, the shelter has many lovable dogs still searching for a second chance.More information can be found HERE.