I think it’s fitting that entries will open in the 2012 NA2R competition in a month and in the lead up we managed to get the talented Danielle Blakey, winner of the 2011 NA2R in the POP category, to tell us a little about herself.
What was your reaction to your win in the New Artist 2 Radio competition?
I was blown away. It was very exciting to realise that my first single Fearless was going to be played all around the country on all major radio stations. There is actually a photo of me with my mouth wide open, so there was definitely some shock and amazement thrown in there too!
How would you describe your music?
It’s catchy pop with an acoustic element. I love real instruments and the sound of a band playing in a room. So I try to incorporate that vibe into my songs, while still having the commercial sound.
Who has influenced your musical style and which artists do you most admire?
I have a lot of influences ranging from Sheryl Crow to Stevie Wonder to Shania Twain, Mariah Carey and Maroon 5. I admire artists who are true to themselves and express their ideas and experiences through their music and above all are original.
What inspires you to write music?
Always listening to all kinds of music, singing along to the songs I love and playing guitar. Usually I will start playing guitar or making tracks on my laptop and melodies and lyrics will start to flow.
How was it working and writing for major profile artists such as Stan Walker and the McClymonts?
It was a great experience! They are all very talented people so the ideas flow very easily. It’s always great working with major label artists. Writing songs as a career, for myself or anyone else is a privilege and I would love to do more of it, any chance I can.
What is your second single Closer about and when will it be released?
CLOSER is about that moment of realisation that you want to be with someone and doing something about it, no matter how scary it may be. Something I think everyone can relate to. It will be on radio from 19th March and available on itunes soon after.
When will your album be completed and released?
I am currently in the studio working on my third single, which I can’t wait for everyone to hear. I am so proud of this one. Then I will be putting the finishing touches on the rest of the album. Super excited for the world to hear what I’ve been working so hard on.
Tell me what it was like travelling to the Solomon Islands to perform for our Australian troops?
It was a trip I will remember forever. I really enjoyed being in a totally different environment and entertaining our brave Australian troops and Federal Police. I also had the opportunity to perform to a local tribe and sing with them, which was a truly humbling experience. I would love to do another tour to another part of the world I never would think to go to, and to perform to Australians who do so much for all of us.
What’s one message you can give to other aspiring Aussie females looking to break into the industry?
Love making music and enjoy the journey. This industry is extremely difficult but if you’re having fun and enjoying what you are doing 90% of the time, then you are in great place. Also, never give up!
If you could choose to collaborate with any other musician or celebrity who would he/she be?
Adam Levine from Maroon 5
Where do you see your musical career in the next 5 years?
I see myself continuing to grow as an artist and person. I would love to have a few albums under my belt and also have a great songwriting catalog. I see myself based out of the US and traveling the world with my music.
What does being a woman mean to you?
It means everything. The music industry can be very male dominated, so I have always been hanging with guy musicians and have learnt that being a woman is very powerful. From a songwriters perspective women have different views and ideas which can really make a song come together. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
I devour books, vampires and supernatural creatures are my genre of choice but over the past couple of years, I have broadened my horizons considerably. In a nutshell – I love to write! I love interacting with a diverse range of artists to bring you interviews. Perhaps we were perfect before – I LOVE WORDS!