Day Lee: Into The Light

DAY LEE

From his humble early beginnings as a standout member of his local church choir all the way to more high profile studio sessions with the late PnB Rock, New York-bred singer-songwriter, Day Lee, who has also collaborated with rappers Lil Tjay, OhGeesy and Roddy Ricch, is already a major industry force to be reckoned with. And with his latest entry, “Fill The Void,” there seems to be no real indication of Lee slowing down anytime soon. 

Let’s hop into this single, "Fill the Void" — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition? 

I was in the studio with DJ Tino and Ajellz - my mixing engineer and producers - cycling through sounds, and as soon as I heard the music I instantly heard the melody in my head and came up with the first line, “Girl we in the same city know you thinkin’ ‘bout it, if you call my name I’ll be on the way…” That pretty much set the tone for the song, and after Ajellz and Tino added the drums it instantly gained a bounce that contributed to every melody / flow that followed. 

Of course "Fill the Void" comes courtesy of your forthcoming EP of the same name -- Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you? 

The title of my upcoming EP is (now) What Once Was Lost; it’s a title I’ve had in mind for years following the release of my last project, Worse Than It Seems, which was a body of music I created during a difficult time in my life. This title represents the commitment I've made to myself to pull myself out of this dark time. It represents resilience, faith and ambition, while still remaining vulnerable and authentic. 

As a songwriter when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from? 

As soon as I am in the studio ready to create, I draw inspiration from my everyday life. Whether it be love, hate, happiness, or pain. My lyrics are almost always motivated by my emotions and what I am going through. 

Tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Day Lee?

I guess you could say I’ve always been interested in it. As a child there would always be music blasting in my grandfather's home. Every car ride with him we’d listen to classics like Fleetwood Mac. My uncles were always playing instruments and would let me stick around, and even taught me some stuff. I started off in church choir, and soon after in high school would start creating my own music with my group of friends. 

DAY LEE

Now you’re from the Lower East Side, correct? So growing up in "The Big Apple," who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences? 

Correct. I’ve lived in almost every borough, but grew up in the LES. Being from NYC, my strongest musical influences have always been people who grew up in similar environments as me but created their own wave, not only through music but through their New York persona. For example, A$AP Rocky and the whole A$AP Mob, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, and Fabolous. 

That said, how do you describe and / or define the style of music that you create and / or perform? 

I would describe it as a modern form of R’n’B that is fresh for new listeners, but reveals nostalgia through soulful melodies and precise production. 

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music? 

That there is someone who can relate. Whether it be a sad or happy song, I want people to feel like they are sharing that moment with someone who feels the same.   

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why? 

It is so hard to pick just one, there are so many, haha! But if I had the chance, I think I'd be crazy to not pick Michael Jackson.       

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why? 

I would choose Madison Square Garden because it’s a staple in the city where I’m from.         

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B? 

I am very happy as I continue to create and grow everyday. 

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?

Authenticity.        

Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music? 

I would like to be a big songwriter / producer and make great songs for other great artists. 

To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway? 

My biggest career moment was meeting PnB Rock.         

What’s an average day like for you? 

An average day for me is waking up, handling all my self care / gym, and then calling my producers to create music. 

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans... 

I treat my fans more like family, as they have brought a lot of purpose into my life and music. 

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why? 

My absolute favorite thing about this line of work is being able to create. Anyone who knows me knows I've grown up around art and my absolute favorite thing to do is express myself through creativity. My least favorite thing would be the egos you sometimes have to deal with because sometimes it does feel like a popularity game. 

DAY LEE

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps? 

I would say to remain true to yourself. Stick around people who believe in you ‘cause many will say they do, but would they show it? When you’re going through a challenging time, keep an eye out for who lets you sit there and fade away, and stick close to the ones who prove their loyalty through actions. Actions speak louder than words! 

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself? 

I see myself not only as a major artist, but a major brand. The window of opportunity I created through music helping me create something bigger than myself.     

As for the immediate, what's next for Day Lee? 

What Once Was Lost, the EP, on the way! 

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