Nashville Indie Pop Artist daena Releases Her Powerfully Relatable Debut EP “Electric!”
January 24, 2020 - It’s no secret to anyone that life has its ebbs & flows, highs & lows. But indie pop artist daena chooses to produce these unique moments into hit after hit, now compiled into one forceful debut project. Her highly anticipated EP “Electric!” is set for release on February 7th. “Electric!” introduces a higher quality to indie music, easily setting her apart from the pack. Filled with lush layered vocals, glittery synths and punchy guitar, this retro-inspired EP encourages listeners to treasure the beautiful moments in life, flashing glimpses of clarity to listeners in the darkness. The project follows the release of her preceding singles “Overrated” and “Close Isn’t Enough”. Gaining recognition from Spotify, “Close Isn’t Enough” made it to their Fresh Finds, Fresh Finds Poptronix, and Night Pop playlists! The foundation has been laid for this anthemic six track EP to shape the next chapter in daena’s career.
The term “electricity” is technically defined as energy fueled by the transfer from positive and negative points. “It may sound cliche, but I think that’s a really good metaphor for these songs as a whole,” daena says. “We’re all just floating in and out of the positive and negative experiences that life throws at us. The important part is to embrace every one”. The EP begins with the upbeat and seamlessly structured pop melodies of “Overrated”; a playful, tongue-in-cheek anthem poking fun at stereotypical relationship tropes. Organically, the song leads into a more moody “Close Isn’t Enough”, an ethereal power ballad filled with 80s-inspired space synths that will truly transport you. The next track “Give It To Me” offers a minimal Imogen Heap-esque production which, paired with daena’s pure and potent vocal, encourages her muse to wear their heart on their sleeve, again stressing the importance of the present moment. “Gonna Catch Up” offers hints of nostalgia with its hooky cassette tape sample - pulled right from the 1980s from none other than daena’s grandma, Barbara Rogers' own music! Lyrically, daena remains confident as she clearly sees through inauthenticity and how quickly it can ‘catch-up’ with a person. The title track “Electric!” is a powerful duet with artist griggs, pulling together the theme of the record as it reflects on irreplaceable memories and a relationship that no longer ‘is’, - but when it ‘was’, it was great. The EP ends with a raw ballad entitled “Show Your Bones” which elegantly closes the project, urging listeners to be honest and vulnerable with themselves, especially in those darkest times. “I’ve always been a person who’s very emotional,” daena says. “And I feel things - super strong”.
As a queer woman, daena hopes to be a role model for other young people within the community. Her ethos that love is universal regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation holds true beyond her music. If she continues to pair impactful messaging with advanced music production, daena has the true potential to truly influence her listeners. Produced by griggs and mix / mastered by Kyle Dreaden, “Electric!” lures people in with its catchy pop melodies, and makes people stay through authentic and relatable lyrics.
Catch daena performing at Breaking Sound Nashville on her release date of February 7th. Ticket Info can be found here.
Photo By: Acacia Evans