MC: In terms of live performance, how have you developed your stage moves so that you’re comfortable in your own body?
Daya: Just by doing a lot of practicing, and doing choreography and moves over and over again, which is the best way to learn and grow. Over the past year, since all of this has happened, I’ve really grown so much as a performer. I’m proud of my stage presentation and I’m looking forward to taking the stage and playing for people.
MC: Do you have a long-term plan for where you want your career to be in, say, five years?
Daya: I definitely do. My main goal is to keep working hard and putting out music that people love and relate to––and potentially touring the world. I dream of playing arenas and stadiums.
MC: How much professional vocal coaching have you had?
Daya: That’s what I was doing with Christina [Chirumbolo] for six years. She classically trained me and I also took musical theatre training from her.
MC: Looking back to the very early part of your music development, what has been the best thing you’ve done to get your professional music career on track?
Daya: The three years I spent taking jazz piano. It was the hardest I’ve ever worked in music, and to be honest, I didn’t love it at first, but it was definitely the most rewarding in the end. It taught me how to improvise, think on my feet and create my own unique style within music.
MC: What has been the most challenging aspect of your career so far?
Daya: The most challenging aspect has been staying healthy while getting little to no sleep, and dealing with a packed schedule which includes shows, interviews, meet and greets, etcetera on a daily basis. I’m basically traveling to a new city every day and it can be very exhausting––but it’s also part of the adventure and thrill of it all.
MC: What has been the most surprising aspect?
Daya: The most surprising aspect is that social media is such a huge part of my life. I’m happy to do it because it means interacting with my fans, but I just didn’t expect to be constantly online like I am now––I was never that way before.
MC: What’s it like being a teenager from Pittsburgh who’s whisked off to Los Angeles to make a record, resulting in all these amazing things?
Daya: It was entirely my decision to go to Los Angeles to pursue this dream I’ve had for the past 10 years of my life. I’ve believed in myself from the start, I’m ambitious and I don’t back down for anything, so I’m not completely surprised that it’s all happening for me now. I’m just very, very grateful for the support I’ve received from the hometown and people everywhere. It’s what fuels me and keeps me going for more.
MC: Any advice for other artists who are striving to forge a music career, beyond the usual “go for it,” “follow your dreams” cliches?
Daya: Sure. Make the decision that you want to go for it and then treat it as if that’s the only option you have. Don’t leave room for any kind of a back-up plan. Put yourself out there, make connections, and then––and yes, I’m going to say it six times because that’s how strongly I believe in it––work work work work work work!
Photos by Nathan Johnson
Contact Natasha.Desai at PMK*BNC
