At age thirteen I discovered my love for music and wrote my first two songs, “Hair” and “Beauty Queen.” Being a girly-girl, I wrote happy pop songs about pretty things but eventually dove into exploring different styles of music. I even got a karaoke machine to practice singing. I was discovering all types of music but my heart belonged to pop. I was sixteen with a dream of music and fame.
Some years later, I got into a studio to learn about recording and production. I worked with a guy named Milton in the Bronx, NY. He taught me almost everything I know. At our first session he had me write and arrange a song in 30 minutes. We recorded it the same night. He couldn’t believe I had never recorded before. Since then I have worked with several other producers, which was a great way to get different input to shape my unique style.
My drive to make music and eventually get signed, led to the completion of my first EP, Genesis, which debuted September 16 ‘08. I wrote and co-produced all of the songs and even feature my Japanese language skills in a track called “Ride it (Sore ni Notte).” Genesis spawned four singles and three music videos. My music and videos have been featured on various Radio, internet and television outlets including: Blogtalk Radio, UCLA Radio, KTU.com, Z100.com, Toronto TV and WPIX morning news… Click Here To Read More About Demi Davis
YouTube: https://youtu.be/
1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?
I would say my ah-ha moment was when I was thirteen. I remember watching some kid show with songs in it and thinking to myself. I could do that. So I just started writing based on melodies in my head. My aunt had a massive CD collection so I would rummage through that and I got a karaoke machine to practice. There was Madonna, Whitney Houston, Prince, Cyndi Lauper, Blondie, Michael Jackson etc, classics. Then I started getting into rock/alternative style. I was also a huge Missy Elliot fan so there rap elements too. I in general just enjoyed singing and imagined myself on stage.
2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?
If your asking for artists with a similar sound then maybe Sia, Rihanna, Robyn and Ariana Grande. My music is a mash of Pop and EDM. I couldn’t directly compare myself because my music has kind of evolved from Pop/Rock to more Pop/EDM. Add that to the fact that I have a unique voice and style. I also dabble in Japanese lyrics.
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?
A lot of my songs are about relationships with people. Be it friend, boyfriend, or romantic interest. Break-ups, make-ups, etc. the drama of love. I also write about being happy, confident, partying the gamut of emotions and experience we all go through. For me the hardest thing about becoming an artist is essentially getting heard. There is a sea of artists all vying to get their sound out and it takes a lot of dedication and heart to stick it out. Even when you play a venue and 1 person shows up (the worst) but you still play like there are 100 people. The other difficulty is being a female and dealing with being hit on and having inferred ultimatums about working with certain men in the industry. It really stinks when you just want to make music but a producer is trying to get in your pants.
4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?
I do music one of two ways. One is to top line off of an instrumental track and create the lyrics, arrangement and melody from that as a starting point. The other way is to have a melody come to me in my head. I will hum it and record a rough demo with made up words to remind myself of the vibe. Then I go back and flesh out the details and what the song should be about. After that I find an instrumental or have someone build it around the rough demo. Next I make a rough full out demo with my phone to practice and then head to the studio to record it.
5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?
Yeah, it is tough. I think the best way is to get good at your craft. Someone once told me that in order to make it, you have to be undeniable. So lots of practice. Besides that it is matter of working social media, networking with the right people and a dash of luck.
6.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?
Right now I am in the process of approaching labels. I think the best scenario would be an Indie Label with Major backing. A lot of the major deals are crappy 360’s. There needs to be a balance of creative freedom, financial gain and exposure.
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves?
I think social media has aided in getting the word out about music. Traditional formats like radio, TV and newspaper are becoming less influential while a viral video or tweet can do wonders instantly. You can reach more people more easily.
8.) Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?
I think it is extremely difficult. We are in an era of having our stars in reach. I think if you are an up-and-coming artist, it is almost life and death to keep up on social platforms. It is especially important in business because the first thing a sponsor, label or booking agent wants to know is “how many followers do you have?”
9.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
Well I think if you make music you believe in and it sells well then you found a sweet spot. The idea in general is to get your foot in the door. Perfect example is P!nk. She was groomed to be an R&B pop singer and it wasn’t her thing but she was good at it and it gave her a platform so that she could use it to crossover to pop/rock and be true to herself. I am not too worried about “selling out” because I am pretty good at sticking to my guns.
10.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
My goal in the next 5 years is to go from underground to mainstream.