Berlin-Based Irish Songstress Offers a Feel-Good Anthem on the Trials of the Music Industry
Irish singer-songwriter Michelle Daly, currently based in Berlin, is poised to enchant audiences with the soulful charm of My Mama Told Me. This single offers a inviting glimpse into her forthcoming album, January Skies, scheduled for release in February 2024.
Daly’s latest single, My Mama Told Me, serves as a soulful narrative, seamlessly blending her personal experiences in the tumultuous music and performing arts industry with a nostalgic nod to classic R&B and soul legends. Drawing influences from pop, funk, jazz, and rhythm & blues, the track unfolds as a lush and captivating tale, echoing the struggles, rejections, disappointments, and uncertainties often faced by artists.
Daly confides, “It is also about facing the inevitability of the unfulfillment of our childhood hopes and dreams.” Yet, the singer finds solace in the unwavering support of her mother, providing a comforting reassurance that resonates even in the face of adversity:
“I wrote this song about my experiences in the music and performing arts industry, highlighting the constant struggles, rejections, disappointments, and uncertainties that artists often face. We keep going back for more despite no guarantee of success. It is also about facing the inevitability of the unfulfillment of our childhood hopes and dreams. Fortunately, I am lucky to have an incredibly supportive mother who, even in the face of these challenges, always reassures me that everything will eventually turn out okay, even if it feels far from the truth! I wanted an old-style R&B feel for this track, which is evident in the Bill Withers-inspired groove.”
Michelle Daly’s debut album, January Skies, found its place on the coveted shortlist of ‘The Irish Times’ Best Albums of 2022. This album, brought to life through a triumphant crowdfunding campaign, was meticulously crafted at Berlin’s Jazzanova Recording Studio in collaboration with acclaimed Australian composer Michael Edwards, renowned for his contributions to Morcheeba and the Game of Thrones Soundtrack.
Tracks such as January Skies, In My Dreams, Missed Chances, and Raven have made a notable impact on playlists, gaining recognition on RTE RADIO ONE Recommended, BBC RADIO Ulster, and Jazz Radio Berlin.
Daly’s songwriting mirrors the timeless craftsmanship of the 60s and 70s, enriched with nuances of 90s trip-hop and neo-soul influences. January Skies delves into a myriad of themes – purpose, patriarchy, rites of passage, lost faith, fate, missed opportunities, and the eternal struggle between fantasy and reality.
As the Winter approaches, Michelle Daly is gearing up for a full digital release of January Skies, accompanied by an extensive promotional tour.
Photos by Victoria Cadisch
