Jan Daley ”I first discovered music was when I was 6 years old”

Can you share your musical journey with us, from when you first discovered your passion for music to where you are today as an independent musician? Do you stay inspired to continue making new and unique music?

I first discovered music was when I was 6 years old. My mother would play her Big Band records and we would dance together. She would tell stories how she and my father would go to Dance marathons where the Big Bands were playing. It grew from there to music sung in movies and what was on the Radio.
Now as an independent artist I’m always inspired listening to new artists and of course our Grammy winning artists. It’s what gets me up in the morning and gives me solace amid this crazy world we live in.

As an independent musician, you wear many hats – from composing to marketing. How do you balance these different aspects of your career, and what challenges do you face in the process?

In the beginning I was a recording artist for MGM and they did everything for me. That I loved, I still deal with a lot of business but now I’m lucky to have a fabulous team at my independent label, The Sound of L.A., who are dedicated in promoting my product. We are always exchanging the best ways to do that, and they have taught me a lot about the current trends. I’m learning every day new things! My main challenge typically lies in balancing the business aspects of my career with the creative side, often finding myself more immersed in the business tasks than in the music itself.

Could you tell us about your creative process? How do you come up with new ideas for songs, and how do you go about turning those ideas into finished tracks?

I firmly believe that songwriters are constant observers, absorbing inspiration from people, TV, movies, live concerts and, of course, the melodies on playlists and the airwaves. Sometimes, a single sentence can kindle the flame of a new song idea. The more time invested in crafting a song, the more its arrangement often unfolds naturally in the studio, and then the Magic begins!
Throughout this creative journey, I frequently seek input from my team, particularly from the head of The Sound of LA, Michael B. Sutton. With his extensive experience which includes collaborating with legends such as Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, and Kanye West during his tenure at Motown.

Independent musicians often face financial challenges. How do you manage your finances to sustain your music career while also covering your personal expenses?

Well, I come from a modest background. My parents didn’t have a lot of financial resources, which taught me the value of stretching a dollar. Managing finances has always been a challenge, but I’ve developed some effective strategies. I became adept at saving and, early in life, I began investing in the stock market. As a result, when situations arise that require additional funds for promotions or other music-related expenses, I can sell some of my stocks to meet those financial needs.

Can you share a particularly memorable or challenging experience from your journey as a musician that has had a significant impact on your career and personal growth?

Usually, it’s always the setbacks that makes you grow and learn how to adapt to something that is out of you control.
The first time I performed in Las Vegas I was an opening act with Louis Armstrong and a famous male singer who shall remain anonymous. I got to sing a couple of songs and then have “patter” with the male singer, which consisted of jokes that led up to the song. He used to change it up, so he was saying my lines and I was forced to say his lines. I was embarrassed by what he made me say and it made no sense to the audience. Later I found out that he had a drinking problem, so when I went out on stage, I had to be ready for anything! I ended up improvising which resulted in the audience laughing. He decided he didn’t like that since the writers wrote it for him to get the laughs, so he stopped playing around with the “patter” You learn every time you get on stage!

With the rise of digital platforms, the music industry has changed significantly. How do you navigate the digital landscape, including streaming services and social media, to promote your music and connect with your audience?

My social media gal at Sound of LA, Anissa Boudjaoui, will handle it when I’m ultra-busy. Although I do enjoy creating posts that are fun and sharing insights about my life,

Collaboration is a key part of the music industry. Have you worked with other musicians or producers, and how have these collaborations influenced your sound and career?

I’ve always loved pretty much all genres of music, so I’ve had the opportunity to work with talented R&B, Pop, Country and even Broadway writers & producers that have definitely influenced my music and made me grow as a singer and songwriter.

Your music likely reflects your unique style and perspective. Could you describe your musical identity and what makes your sound stand out in a crowded industry?

My dear friend, Julie Andrews, once told me once, ” I love your breathy quality.” I think I have a very intimate sound on certain songs and sometimes surprise people with the strength of my voice, which people have mentioned that “I gave them chills on a particular song”

What role does live performance play in your music career, and how do you approach planning and executing your live shows, especially in light of recent challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic?

My favorite time in my career is on stage. There is an energy from the audience that can make a performer do some things they’ve never done before. I call it “Magic!” And boy did we all miss that during Covid!
During the Pandemic I decided to start a project I had put off for years about my life story of never knowing my father. My father was fatally shot down after WWII picking up our POW’s while waiting to go home. What is interesting is how our lives intertwined without me knowing it. Years later I found 2 boxes my mother had saved, after she had passed away, I found a photo of my father stationed in Alaska with a celebrity, Bob Hope, who entertained the Troops in WWII & Vietnam for years! You’ll have to wait for the Movie, Book, or limited series comes out to know the whole story.

Many fans are interested in the stories behind the songs. Could you share the back story or inspiration behind one of your recent tracks that holds special meaning to you?

I wrote “The One She’s Been Waiting For” originally about a lover waiting for her love to come back to her. Then I realized I was writing about my mother waiting for my father to come home from the war, but it can be about anyone and not just a war but spouses of 9/11, police & firemen or woman. I made a video with photos of my parents including all the photos before and during the War which I include in my Bob Hope Tribute (live) show called “Where There’s Hope” which includes clips of me in Vietnam and round the World. Before playing it and explaining it to the audiences, there is never a time that I don’t tear up, and it touches me that I see audiences pulling out their own Kleenex.

One of my recent tracks that holds special meaning to me is “The Way of a Woman.” This song is particularly close to my heart because it not only charted #27 on the Billboard AC chart but also carries a powerful message of empowerment for women.
The inspiration behind “The Way of a Woman” comes from the resilience and strength that women exhibit, especially in challenging situations. The song’s narrative revolves around a woman who has faced betrayal in a relationship but has found the inner strength to move forward. It’s a tribute to the indomitable spirit of women who rise above adversity and emerge stronger and more resilient than ever. This track is a celebration of their courage and determination. I’m truly proud of how it has resonated with listeners, both female AND male.

“The Way of a Woman” has achieved significant recognition, including:
Billboard Adult Contemporary No#27 (July 22nd, 20230
Billboard Adult Contemporary Top 30 (July 15th, 2023)
Billboard Adult Contemporary Top 30 (July 29th, 2023)
iHeart Radio – #21

#1 on the Mediabase Independent Adult Contemporary chart for 10 weeks

Additionally, I’m proud to share that I received a special honor this year, being inducted into The Women Songwriters Hall of Fame, in Washington DC and my “The Way of a Woman” became the official song for their 2023 Hall of Fame.

Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations as an independent musician? Are there any upcoming projects or exciting developments in your career that you’d like to share with your fans and the audience?

Well, when Mike said let’s turn your Pop song “Way of a Woman” into a Country Song I said “OK, let’s see what you come up with.

What he didn’t know was I had worked on an Album for Word/Universal in Nashville for 9 months writing songs and going back and forth from LA, but when my 2-year-old (that doctors told me I would never have because of my Cancer at 23) walked right past me and didn’t know who I was! I was devastated and I knew then I couldn’t go on tour to promote the album. God had given me my “miracle baby” and I couldn’t turn my back on her. Consequently, I walked away from the touring part of the Music Business but continued my acting career with roles opposite the likes of Peter Fonda, Alec Baldwin, Bruce Willis, Hugh O’Brian, and George Kennedy.

During my Cancer stint I got out of my hospital bed and flew to Italy to record the Title Song for the Movie, Madron, that ended up being nominated for an Academy Award.
When you make great efforts in anything, sometimes the reward will be beyond your dreams!

I continued writing and singing as guest soloist on the international TV programs, “Hour of Power” & “Let God Love You” for 10 years. During this time, I was able to enjoy the joys of motherhood, singing locally, which gave me time to write a song a week for other artists that built up my catalogue.

So now we are coming back full circle using those songs for my New Country/Americana Album. AND November 17 my new single “The girls in Love,” that everyone is excited about is being released. When I started to go over my all my songs for this new Album I teared up. My team were so excited and supportive it seemed like God was telling me “Now is your time, Jan!”

For all of you out there, who are struggling with what to do next or seeing no future for your dreams to come true I am here to tell you: “It’s Never too late, you’re never too old or young to realize your Dreams! At 78 I am the Poster child for this motto and having the time of my life.

Course I haven’t forgotten My Life’s Story about my father, but for now it’s down another road so stay tune!!

Don t miss out on the upcoming release ” the girl’s in love” by Jan Daley

Label: The Sound of LA/Worrdsound/Virgin Music Group /Universal Music Group