UCLA Alum Dina Dove Blends Glitter, Grunge, and DIY Video Production to Forge a New Pop-Rock Identity

Dina Dove, a 2022 graduate of UCLA’s music history and industry program, has emerged as a distinctive voice in the pop‑rock landscape. A 2026 nominee for the Hollywood Independent Music Awards (HIMA), Dove combines glitter‑laden visuals with a gritty, DIY approach to grunge‑influenced songwriting.

The artist’s background is rooted in a blend of academic study and hands‑on experimentation. While at UCLA, Dove was among the first students to complete the full music history and industry curriculum. She also undertook an independent study project that involved building a TikTok presence from scratch; the account grew to roughly 17,000 followers through covers, challenges, and lyric rewrites. The pandemic’s shift to remote learning allowed Dove to take classes in Ohio and Nashville before returning to Westwood for her final year.

Dove’s music videos are a key part of her brand. Videographer Garrison Morev, who has worked closely with her, notes that Dove designs many of her own props and costumes. A safety‑pin‑stitched dress and a disco‑tiled table are examples of the handmade elements that appear in her videos. Morev also describes the use of a starry filter that creates a glitter effect on Dove’s clothing, a visual signature that supports the “glitzy glam grunge” aesthetic the artist has cultivated.

One of Dove’s most recent videos, the official clip for “Cotard’s Delusion,” was shot at three a.m. inside a U‑Haul truck. According to Morev, the shoot involved fake rain and cold temperatures, yet Dove completed the sequence in a single take. The video, released in 2026, was filmed in a prop warehouse and lasted about an hour. Dove explained that the focus of the video is on the props themselves rather than conventional narrative devices, stating, “I want to show off the props… I could hold a telephone and be talking to somebody, but it doesn’t work.”

Producer Skye Abrams highlights Dove’s willingness to blend genres. He says she incorporates elements from shoegaze and dungeon synth into her pop and dance tracks, creating songs that feel fresh while remaining accessible. Dove herself has cited The Clash, the Barbie film series, and Taylor Swift as early influences, noting that Swift’s use of metaphor shaped her lyrical approach.

Beyond the studio, Dove is preparing for a new EP titled “Dopamine Whiplash.” The project is described as a commentary on the emotional highs and lows that play out on phone screens versus real life. The EP’s themes align with Dove’s stated goal of empowering listeners to take control of their own narratives. She has expressed a desire to perform at Lollapalooza in the future, indicating a trajectory toward larger live‑event venues.

Dove’s career is supported by a growing digital footprint. Her YouTube channel hosts the “Cotard’s Delusion” video and other content; Apple Music lists her releases, and her TikTok account continues to attract new followers. The artist’s Instagram profile, which has nearly 4,000 followers, showcases behind‑the‑scenes footage and fashion choices that reinforce her DIY image.

The Hollywood Independent Music Awards, which announced its 2026 nominees in August, recognizes independent artists across a range of categories. Dove’s nomination places her among a roster that includes established names such as Billie Eilish and Rihanna, underscoring the significance of her work within the independent music community.

In summary, Dina Dove’s blend of academic grounding, DIY production, and genre‑mixing songwriting positions her as a notable figure in contemporary pop‑rock. Her upcoming EP and potential festival appearances suggest continued growth, while her HIMA nomination affirms her impact on the global independent music stage.