Singer-songwriter Dina Renée kicks off the summer with the release of “Glow Up,” her second single of the year. Following the success of “Ready When I’m Gone,” the artist bets on a bold pop track, full of attitude and with an infectious chorus. “Glow Up” celebrates overcoming a breakup and highlights self-love, transforming pain into strength and confidence. The song, co-written with Brooke Tomlinson and produced by AJ Arroyo, marks another chapter in Dina Renée’s rising journey in the pop scene.
You just released “Glow Up,” a track about rediscovering your own shine after a breakup. What was the process like for you to transform that overcoming into such an empowering and glamorous message?
‘Glow Up’ came from a really raw place. I wrote it after a heartbreak that forced me to look at myself differently—not from a place of pain, but of power. Instead of falling apart, I decided to level up. I wanted to capture that shift—the moment you stop waiting for closure and start becoming the version of yourself that you always dreamed of. Glamour was part of the healing for me—I’ve never been the girl that does her makeup or dresses up for a man. I’ve always done that for my own confidence and to feel good. But, it’s just a glow up about the outside, but how you reclaim your confidence within.
Your single features a bold and full-of-attitude pop sound, different from your previous work. How did you choose this new musical direction, and what influence does it have on your artistic identity?
I wanted to make something that felt fearless and unapologetic. My earlier songs were softer, more romantic, but this chapter is louder—it’s me owning my space. We actually wrote this on the guitar with Brooke Tomlinson playing the cords. Working with AJ Arroyo helped bring the track to life. I’m in a more empowered place creatively, and I’m not afraid to make Pop that’s a little more raw.
The song encourages people to love and value themselves more. Amid so many voices, how do you maintain your authenticity and convey this message of self-love with such sincerity?
I’ve learned that the most powerful thing that you can be is honest. I’m very hard on myself, and I’ve always put others above myself. I’ve had to learn it’s ok to say no if you need to take time for yourself. I never did this before. I try to be really real about my journey—the highs and the breakdowns. Being sober now for three years, I’ve had to really own my flaws instead of blocking them out to forget. I think the hardest past is sitting with who you are, not escaping it. I think people can feel when it’s coming from the heart. ‘Glow Up’ is for all the girls who got told that they were ‘too much’ who were just authentically them.
You collaborated with Brooke Tomlinson on the lyrics and AJ Arroyo on production. How did these partnerships help bring “Glow Up” to life, and what is it like for you to work as a team in this creative process?
Working with Brooke and AJ was magic. Brooke just got me—she helped me shape the message in a way that still felt totally mine, but sharper. AJ brought that big Pop energy with the production, and pushed me to go bolder. I love collaborating because it takes my vision to places that I wouldn’t go alone. There’s something so powerful about creating with people who believe in the message just as much as you do.
Summer is often a time of celebration and renewal. What does the “hot girl summer” mean to you personally, and how does this vibe reflect in your musical work?
Hot girl summer, to me, is about freedom—being your most unapologetic self. It’s not just about the look, it’s the energy. It’s showing up as the version of you that’s healed, hyped, and not waiting for anyone else to co-sign your worth. That’s what I wanted ‘Glow Up’ to embody: the soundtrack to your main character moment. Your post-breakup runway anthem.
You’ve already released other tracks this year and have more powerful songs planned. How have you been preparing for this moment of growth in your career, and what expectations do you have for the near future?
This year has been all about momentum. I’ve been investing in myself in every way—creatively, emotionally, and professionally. I’ve been building my team, performing more, creating visuals, and just staying consistent. I’m not chasing viral moments; I’m building something real. My goal is to keep growing my audience and releasing music that speaks to people who need to be reminded that they’re not alone—and that their glow up is always one decision away.
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