Today we’d like to introduce you to Daya Dai.
Hi Daya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My love of singing began as a young child. I would sing along to Disney movies, my dad’s favorite playlist in the car, and jingles on the television. In middle school, I became interested in musical theaters, where I landed my first solo in “Holding Out for a Hero” in the musical Footloose, I performed in dance spring shows and choir concerts. In the interim, outside of school, my parents enrolled me in singing lessons and acting classes and during my alone time, I would write and sing my own songs.
One of my greatest memories growing up was the first studio session that my parents booked for me at the Barton Creek Mall in Austin, Texas. I remember feeling excited and nervous as I entered the booth. I sang an Ashley Simpson song that day. It was a great experience that left me inspired and motivated to push myself for more.
In high school, I created Facebook videos of myself singing and got a positive response from all of my friends and family. And, during my first year of college, I created my YouTube channel to share my voice and love of singing with a bigger audience.
As my followers grew, so did my interest in releasing songs of my own. That’s how I met Jake “B Nimble” Rodriguez, owner and recording engineer, at Takeoff Terminal Studio’s in Austin, Texas. Jake recorded, mixed, and mastered my 2020 singles I knew and Feelings. We are a great team and he encourages me to try different vocal ranges and techniques.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Not at all. I’ve faced many obstacles on the way. One obstacle that I face every day is trusting that all my hard work is going to positively impact my life and future. I stay optimistic by writing down my goals, staying consistent, and keeping my body, mind and spirit healthy.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’d be happy to.
I first saw my future in singing after I watched the Selena Movie. I was able to relate to her story, as I too, was a young Hispanic girl from Texas with a passion and love for singing. Selena was the first music artist that I looked up to and till this day I still consider her a role model.
My taste in music at an early age ranged from jazz, soul, rap, hip-hop but mostly R&B. My music style has been most influenced by Aaliyah, Lauryn Hill, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, SZA, Ariana Grande and so many more. My voice has been described as airy, smooth, soulful and sometimes raspy.
My music writing style gravitates to storytelling. My songs come from real life interactions, events and experiences. For example, my first single I knew tells a story about being in love and my second single Feelings tells a story about falling out of love.
My hope is that through my lyrics I can inspire and be a voice for those who can’t easily express their feelings. I want to create music that my listeners can relate to and vibe with. I’d describe my music style as alternative R&B with elements of soul, chill wave, ambient and vibes.
I am set to perform live for the first time at the Vulcan Gas Company for Austin MiniFest and I plan to release new original music in 2022. My journey has just begun, but what better place is there to share my love of music and voice than with the Live Music Capital of the World.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Choose you.
I have an ambitious mindset and I have goals that I intend to achieve this year. But first, I need to listen to what my body wants and needs. I learned that If my body needs rest, love, water or a good cry, I need to honor that. I learned that I cannot be my best self and execute my everyday task, if I’m not taking care of the most Important person in my life. Me. Eating healthy, spending time with friends and family, exercising and having a creative outlet are some ways I keep myself aligned and focused.
My main mission in life is to build a life I’m proud of filled with love, happiness and good health.
Contact Info:
- Email: dayadaimusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dayadaimusic
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/dayadaismusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DayaDaiOfficial/about
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/dayadaimusic
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2FBqTM1ovM0Fjuyk4bqTGT
Image Credits
“Pink Robe” Isla Monet Boudoir
