Check out our interview with talented Grammy Award winner singer and songwriter Daya who just released her new single “Donwtown” today! The single just comes out after the huge success of her previous single “Juliene.”
“‘Juliene’ is a celebration of pleasure and desire,” says Daya. “It’s about releasing any shame and inhibitions and surrendering wholeheartedly to the thrills and temptations of the present moment.”
Follow Daya @daya
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I got into music at a very young age and have had many influences over the years. I think the most notable influences on my voice when I was younger were Alanis Morrissette, Dido, Norah Jones, and Amy Winehouse. Also, one of my first concerts was a Coldplay concert and seeing Chris Martin on the stage really made me want to be a performer.
Tell us about your hit single “Juliene?”
“Juliene” is a celebration of pleasure and desire. It’s about letting go of any inhibitions and shame and surrendering to the small thrills in everyday moments.
What’s the story behind the song?
I was going to Laguna Beach every few weeks with my sisters and I started to get in touch with what it really feels like to chase pleasure in the everyday, mundane, little moments. I wanted to capture that feeling because I don’t hear too many songs about that, and that’s been a big thing for me recently to try and stress less and let myself go more in the moment.
Now tell us about the huge success of your previous EP ‘In Between Dreams?’
I’m very grateful for that EP and what it meant to me. It was very creatively freeing and I think it was the catalyst for my decision to go fully independent and start to own my work.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Sweet messages from strangers on Instagram (and in the real world but it feels like it’s been a lot of Instagram these days) and the feeling when the idea first strikes in the writing room.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I would say to let my guard down and enjoy the process more. I think I internalized a lot of anxiety and pressure and criticism in a way that was a bit paralyzing at times and also, wasn’t a healthy place at all to be creating from. And not everything is that serious!
What is your own definition of happiness?
I don’t think it’s something I can define and it has been brought on by many different things throughout my life but I can recognize the feeling when it’s real and genuine because I feel it in my gut. Also I think it naturally follows when I’m trusting myself wholeheartedly.
Best advice ever given?
Don’t try to be something that you’re not, which feels intuitive but can be harder to follow than it seems. It’s really important to surround yourself with people who see the full vision as well and not cave to industry noise. Also be a sponge, always listen and intake all the information you can.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I hope to still be releasing songs that I love and singing them on tours around the globe.
What’s next for Daya 2023?
I have a few more songs coming out very soon that I’m so excited about; I think it’s some of my best music yet. And I’ll be playing a few more shows too!
Where can we follow you?
Instagram, Youtube, Spotify, Tiktok, all the main ones @daya <3
Photos: Maddy Rotmen @maddyrotman
