NASHVILLE-BASED, DANIELLA, TALKS CROSSING GENRES, COLLABS AND KEEPING SPIRITS UP AMIDST COVID.
STREAM HER NEW SINGLE, “WHITE TEE” BELOW.
Q+A
TALK ABOUT THE NEW SINGLE, “WHITE TEE.”
The story behind this single is a little different - although I’m co-writing with other Nashville-based artists and songwriters weekly, I wrote this song in the back of my RV on my road trip to Nashville, when I relocated to Music City from California. It was one of those songs that just flowed out of me - no over thinking the lyrics and not a ton of re-writes - the melody and the words just came to me and I immediately had a vision for this song to be a Pop Country + EDM fusion - something I had never done before. All my previous releases were strictly Pop Country. After the lyrics “You and your White Tee will be the death of me,” came to me, my mind just started coming up with all of these “death” related phrases like “I feel like I’m 6 feet down under the ground ‘cause I’ve found, my piece of Heaven, stay here forever,” which all point to the hook. That sounds dark (haha) but it’s a super fun make-you-wanna-dance song! This song captures the electric energy, that incredible infatuation feeling, that you have when you FIRST fall for someone. Everyone can agree that the beginning part of a relationship when your first fall is one of the most natural highs you’ll ever feel - and that’s what this song is about.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR SOUND AND WHAT INFLUENCED IT.
Honestly, one day I was taking a walk in a small town in Idaho (on my three month road trip when I was on my way to Nashville) and for some reason, I kept listening to Thomas Rhett’s song “Leave Right Now” on Spotify (it’s a Pop Country EDM fusion). This would have made anyone who knows me laugh because before that, I was STRICTLY a COUNTRY music girl, with the occasional NSYNC, Hillary Duff, and Jessie J song on my playlist. In that moment, I KNEW in my soul that’s what I wanted to create - Pop Country + EDM. There was no contemplating if I should “change genres” or not, it was an “I’m obsessed with this sound and I’m going to create it."
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE COLLABORATORS IN NASHVILLE?
My friend Sid Menon produced this song for me, he’s incredible - he was able to capture EXACTLY the sound I had buzzing around in my head. I met him a few years ago when he was touring with Chris Lane. I got to be friends with the guys and I loved the songs that Sid had produced for other artists. Working with Sid was a no brainer.
I’m super stoked about a song I wrote called “Different” with Haley Decker and Maloney - Haley will be releasing it as a single some time this year, and it’s fire!! (@HaleyDeckerMusic)
TALK ABOUT BEING CREATIVE AND CRAFTING MUSIC IN QUARANTINE.
I’ve learned that I LOVE Zoom Writes! Writing with others virtually is what has gotten me through quarantine. Being quarantined has also allowed me to become more focused, and allowed me to get more music stuff done. The production of “White Tee” was entirely created in quarantine. But, it’s also been a really challenging time, probably the hardest year of my life! And I know that goes for SO many of us. If I’ve learned one thing in this time, it’s that I can handle more than I ever thought I could, and I’m stronger that I thought I was. I feel that goes for all of us - we’ve been forced to live in circumstances that we never thought we could handle; surviving on no income, seeing loved ones gets sick, losing dreams that had been promised, rising to the occasion to fight for what’s right, and much more. Even though this year has been awful, we are stronger because of it.
WHAT IS ONE SONG THAT EVERYONE SHOULD LISTEN TO RIGHT NOW?
Go listen to Stephan Hogan’s new release, debuting 7.10.20 on all major platforms, called “1973”. He’s an incredible guitarist and songwriter, and a good friend of mine. He describes “1973” as a "wood paneled car with no AC and 2 shots of tequila - sweaty and might get you in trouble.” OR “Like LA in the 70’s” Haha it’s a JAM! (@StephanHogan)
WHAT ELSE CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU?
Well now I’m on a Pop Country + EDM kick! I’ll be releasing my next single around early September - it’s in the early stages of production, but it’s a “we’re young and free and VIP even though no one knows who we are” anthem kind of vibe. I’m stoked.
My life long dream is to be on NBC’s Songland to just putting it out there …. :)
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO ADD?
Yeah, you’re great, and if you’re reading this you have an amazing, irreplaceable purpose on this earth. This year has been hard, but there’s so much more life after 2020. Keep going. Your dreams are important, you are worthy of achieving and experiencing every good thing. You can do it. You are Loved.
STREAM - “WHITE TEE” NOW
