Dana Williams first broke out into the music scene with her 2017 single “Honey.” The sugared flow highlighted her signature Alt-R&B sound with unique, jazzy vocal movement reminiscent of her inspirations Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.
Her latest offering is her 5-track EP ‘Talk Therapy.’ The project features “Laundry,” produced by Bijou (Kyle Dion) and co-written with Ryan Curtis (Louis Tomlinson, Bryce Vine, Jordin Sparks). The fresh slow jam cycles through the worries of a slighted partner.
We talked with the daughter of legendary guitarist David Williams (Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”, Madonna’s “Like A Prayer,” etc) about the EP and more!
Congrats on the release of your EP, Talk Therapy. What inspired the title?
Thanks so much. I write about what’s going on in my life, and what I’m feeling at the moment, so I decided to call it ‘Talk Therapy’ literally as an ode to talk therapy. Whether it’s a conversation with a friend, my therapist, or myself, these songs are my contemplative inner monologue. Change is uncomfortable and hopefully, the ability to discuss my feelings and to articulate my needs, will help me to inspire my own emotional evolution.
What was the production process like?
Every song comes about in a different way, but usually, it starts with a conversation. The music starts to match the vibe of the conversation. I usually like to write to a stripped-down piece of music, whether it’s some guitar chords, or in some of the cases in this EP, the Wurlitzer, and we build around the melody. The production bends around the melody.
How did writing this EP help you process things?
Since I write from personal experience, I think it helps me let go of resentment and disappointment. I can listen back and laugh about what I was going through. I am grateful to have the ability to look back on each experience, or failure, as a lesson.
One of the singles featured on the EP is “Laundry.” What was the inspiration behind that song?
I wrote the song when I was in a relationship where I wasn’t feeling prioritized. I was finally fed up with my needs being ignored and not being met.
How has your music evolved since “Egyptian Luvr”? How have you grown as a songwriter?
I collaborated with my good friend Rejjie Snow for his project on “Egyptian Luvr”. I really like making music with him and I think we align creatively usually, so when he asked me to write a hook to that Kaytranada track I was really honored. I think my personal project is more mellow, and as a writer I’ve mainly been learning to be more vulnerable with my music.
Do you have any favorite memories from the making of the EP?
I think my favorite part of making this EP was that I made a new friend. I reconnected with Jesse and Chris of Likeminds, and they introduced me to another incredible writer, Jennah Bell. I think writing with her and exchanging experiences to pull from was a really cathartic, special experience, and I’m not only lucky to have been able to create a project that I’m proud of, but also, I made a new friend.
If you could set fans up in the perfect environment to listen to the EP, what do you imagine it looking like?
Hmm burn some incense, get comfortable, lay down, close your eyes, or keep them open, maybe make sure there are some plants nearby.
What can fans look forward to next?
I’m always writing a lot of new music. I’m really looking forward to collaborating with my friends. Music has always been such a private introspective experience for me, but I think I’m ready to share the experience more freely with the people I love.
What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?
My dad always told me to play every show like it’s my last because you never know who’s watching and it might be. I try to put my whole heart into my music and into my shows.