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Kelly Daye Wins The First “Best Vocalist Of The Month” Competition
By Dale Kawashima
Kelly Daye, a talented singer & songwriter based in
Nashville, TN, has won the first SingerUniverse “Best Vocalist Of The Month”
Competition, for her performance of “Missing You.” This is a new song which was
written & produced by veteran writer/producer Tommy Farragher, who is based
in New York City. “Missing You” is one of seven Farragher songs that Daye has
recorded, and Daye’s performance of his song “I’m Doin’ Fine” was also named
one of the Top Five vocal performances of the month.
Kelly Daye
“Missing You” is an intimate, haunting pop-rock ballad,
which provides an excellent showcase for Daye’s clear, passionate vocals. Daye
also expertly performs all the background vocal parts, and her multi-tracked
harmonies create a rich vocal texture that helps create a powerful bridge and
final chorus for this production.
Daye was born and raised in Baltimore, MD, and she began
singing and performing live at a very young age. Her mother entered her into
beauty pageants for girls, and her singing ability helped her excel in
the talent segments. “I always loved singing – I performed anywhere anyone
would let me sing,” recalled Daye. ‘I also sang in church, did talent shows,
community theatre, and sang in the (well known) Peabody’s Children’s Choir. I
was inspired by great singers in many genres, such as Pat Benatar, Celine Dion,
Reba McEntire and Liz Phair. In addition, when I was in high school, I sang in
several rock bands.”
Following high school, Daye started commuting to New York
City (a four-hour drive), meeting songwriters and doing demo work. She eventually met hit
writer/producer Tommy Farragher, who has worked with Taylor Dayne, Al Green and
many others. They hit it off, and during the next year, Daye sang on seven of
Farragher’s songs, including “Missing You,” which was recorded in January 2003.
“It was great working with Tommy,” said Daye. “I learned a lot from him.”
Kelly Daye
Farragher discussed shopping Daye for a record deal, but
Daye wanted to first develop her own songwriting skills before pursuing the label
deal. “I felt I needed to work on my songwriting before putting myself out
there as an artist,” explained Daye. “So I decided to move to Nashville (in
April 2004), because I knew it would be a great place to meet and collaborate
with songwriters and producers. Since I moved here, my songwriting has been
going well, and I’ve also learned to play guitar. For many years (since she was
a child), I had written lyrics, but it was great to finally put my words to
music.”
Currently, Daye is looking forward to demoing her new songs,
which have more of a rock edge. “I’m looking for a producer to work with, to
help record my songs and collaborate on new ones,” said Daye. “I’m ready to do
whatever it takes to get my music to the next level. If that means moving to
New York or LA, that’s what I’ll do. I feel that I’m ready to get myself out
there, both as a singer and a writer.”
Here are the Top Five Vocal Performances which were submitted for this month's competition, with the songwriter credits, plus their e-mail and website links. To hear the songs, please click on "Listen To Song".
"Best Vocalist Of The Month" Winner
"Missing You". Performed by Kelly Daye of Nashville, TN. Written & produced by Tommy Farragher.
"I'm Just Starting" (pop/rock). Performed by Eldeevee Kristanto of Jakarta, Indonesia & Paris, France. Written by Eldeevee Kristanto & Jean-Michel Bacou.