Daphne Willis
By Jennifer Jones
Nashville-based singer and songwriter Daphne Willis’ songs make you want to put your driving goggles on and the convertible top down. You’ll be an instant fan at first listen. Her list of artists who inspired her is deep and wide: Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Lauren Hill, Brandi Carlisle, Ella Fitzgerald, and her music is just as wide- ranging and relevant.
About four years ago, Daphne Willis fell in love with Aly’s Beach after performing at a 30A Songwriters Festival. She has been back playing at venues on 30A ever since. During an interview in June, Willis said she comes back as often as possible.
While a student at DePaul University, with her father’s encouragement she recorded an EP that was heard by a recording label executive during an American Airlines flight after his I-pod battery died. He loved it and signed her to a recording contract. “Leaving school was a difficult decision,” says Willis, “but my parents told me ‘You only live once and you can always go back to school.’ ” That dead battery serendipity and the YOLO wisdom of her parents set her on the path to pursue her passion.
In the past, Willis would complete her band with musicians in the region where she was touring–Texas, Illinois, Tennessee. After some years of touring, she chose to move her home address from Chicago to Nashville, but she’s not waiting to be discovered. She is making her dream happen. “The industry is huge in Nashville and the most talented players and writers are there. It naturally has some of the best producers and studios . I use Nashville for the amazing talent and only play there maybe every couple of months or so.”
Playing away from Nashville didn’t keep her from being discovered. “I was playing at Music City Roots, produced by the radio station Lightening 100, and John Oates was there. I walked over to check on my friends at the merch table and they exclaimed, ‘Dude! John Oates just bought ALL your CDs!’ ” When she returned backstage she ran into him “just hangin’ out, and he wrote his number on a napkin and said, ‘Call me some time and we’ll write together.’ And he was true to his word. He comes out and plays with me sometimes,” she smiles.
Her time in Nashville and the success of her most recent work has resulted in a new band setup to include drummer Cam and keyboard player Dane. Just like Daphne who is originally from Chicago, both musicians are transplants to Nashville as well. “I really am enjoying writing and playing and we’re working on a new record that will hopefully be ready in the fall.”
When asked about the songs from her last album, Live to Try, and what message she’d like to send, she states, “My music is about positivity, self-empowerment, overcoming your adversities – I want it to be positive and relevant. There needs to be more positive music.”
When asked about the particular songs, their meaning and how they’re being received, “Golden Boy” was written with Angela Lauer. I have fans that are trust fund babies and they love the song. They say, ‘Hey, that’s us!’ It’s funny; they love it. “Backyard” is kind of obscure. After writing it, I was having a philosophical discussion with a friend and realized it was about running and hiding from the truth . It’ll always get you.”
[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]To learn more about Daphne Willis, visit www.daphnewillis.com. Her music is available on her website and on Amazon and iTunes. [/box]
The Alys Foundation presents Concerts in the Amphitheatre at Alys Beach most Wednesdays 7pm to 9pm. They’re free and open to the public. Plan to dine: Shrimp Boil available, Wine and Beer sales to benefit the Alys Foundation. For conceart listings visit alysbeach.com/events.
[author image=”https://www.panamacityliving.com/media/2014/07/Jennifer-Jones.jpg” ]At the pulse of the local music and arts is Jennifer Jones . She majored at Florida State University in music and minor studies in literature. Her career included working as marketing director of the Bay Arts Alliance from which she quickly advanced to the position of Executive Director. Bay Arts Alliance has served as Bay County’s arts agency since 1978 and has brought many nationwide acts to Bay County residents at the Marina Civic Center. Jennifer enjoys the uniqueness of Bay County and is proud to stand witness to the growth of the cultural community as well as the community’s vesting in the Arts. Jennifer is also a solo and back-up vocalist, charter member of the Ukulele Orchestra of St Andrews and avid Ukulele player, binge reader and shoe shopper. She is the proud and amused mother of Maggie, who has discovered a love of theater at Mosley High School.[/author]