Michelle Daly’s new single “In My Dreams” is the type of song that begs for wide-screen movies to be shot to. Exceptionally atmospheric and with a gorgeous vocal delivery, the Irish singer will touch your soul. Read our discussion below.
- Describe your sound in three words please!
Soulful,sultry, nostalgic,
- Tell us a few words about the idea behind your new album ‘January Skies’.
It is a collection of tracks that I began writing back in my days in London. While there songs about unrequited love and failed relationships I draw on themes such as destiny, fate,rites of passage, disillusionment and self-compassion. Heartbreak comes in many forms, not just the romantic kind.
- Your first EP was back in 2014. How has your music developed over these years?
My ep was definitely more jazz and roots influenced and this album has taken a more soulful direction. My songwriting has perhaps become more structured and “sophisticated” with my current co-writer but I still like the more simplistic styles of my ep Melodramas.
I try to be influenced by artists I like rather than imitate them or follow trends. If I did, it would be obvious that I wasn’t being authentic. People can smell BS. You won’t be convincing if you aren’t honest with yourself as an artist. It’s a cliche I know, but for a reason.
- You are currently working on a collection of covers. How did the idea occur and how did the selection of the covers happen?
During the first lockdown I had quite a bit time on my hands and decided to learn how to do some home recording.I am not naturally a techy person so this was definitely a challenge! I have always been a big fan of the trip hop vocal leds tracks of the 90s and 00s and my first offering will be a cover of Massive Attack’s ‘Unfinished Sympathy’.It was recorded remotely by musicians in Paris, Berlin and Dublin. Other covers are yet to be revealed!
- Can the Opera audience and the audience of more commercial music meet and how?
I think it’s as easy to pigeon hole audiences as it is artists and both are limiting. Opera going people are not all stuffy types with blue rinses & tend to have eclectic tastes. It is also worth noting that early opera was the “pop music” music of it’s day. The same applies to people who are into more commercial music. Most people will be moved by a beautiful voice singing a beautiful aria even if they aren’t an opera buff and the same goes for a quality catchy rock or pop song with great vocals. Quality music speaks for itself and all genres of music have aspects of niche and accessibility.
- Who is the one upcomer vocalist you admire?
She isn’t a newcomer but I love Hannah Reid from London Grammer’s voice. Really pure and honest singing.
- Tell us something that most people don’t know about you.
I was a massive Take That fan as a teenager and my bedroom walls and ceiling were covered in posters. A corner of my bedroom was filled merch and my Dad used to call it my Take That shrine!
- Thank you!
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