Daphne Willis: Singer/Songwriter We Love!

For week two of Jammin' January, we're got a chance to interview singer/songwriter Daphne Willis. In the little more than three years since she grabbed her acoustic guitar and took the stage for the first time, Chicago-based Willis has grown from a feisty neophyte into a self-assured, marvelously expressive artist with a bracingly seductive sound. The 22-year-old's Vanguard debut album, What to Say documents Willis' voyage of self-discovery, while also standing as a captivating introduction to a remarkably fresh voice with a distinctive point of view--one that both reflects and scrutinizes the social patterns of her generation.

Here's what she had to say...

ful: What aspect of making music excites you the most right now?
Daphne Willis: I love writing and recording music. But for me, playing it live and connecting with people face-to-face is so much more intense. The energy is the best!

ful: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you have a set play list?
DW: I play a lot of songs off my new album "What to Say," as well as scattered songs from previous EPs. But I do love to play the new stuff that's really fresh. My set lists vary greatly, but the regulars would have to be "Bluff," "Love and Hate," "Everybody Else" and "Peace of Mind." Requests are always welcome too.

ful: What's your favorite song to play?
DW: Always the last one I wrote.

ful: What's the most unusual place you've ever played a show or made a recording? How did the qualities of that place affect the show/recording?
DW: I played a biker bar once, 2 years ago, in Rockford, Illinois. We went in just expecting a bar gig, younger crowd and quickly realized it was just a different crowd than we were expecting. I love being in situations like that because it keeps you on your toes and exposes you. Embrace everybody. We had a really good time and all 15 people in the room were on their feet, dancing
by the end of the set hahaha... I would go back anytime.

ful: What was the last song you wrote? Can you tell us about it?
DW: I write a lot on my own, but also like to go to Nashville and write with other buddies down there. I recently went down and came back with about 3 solid ones. They all seemed to revolve around the idea of slowing yourself down. I sometimes tend to get way ahead of myself (I think a lot of people do), when I should really be more focused on what is in front of me. Slow down and enjoy the moments.

ful: Your debut album comes out next month. What was the hardest part about making this album? What was the most exciting?
DW: THE most difficult thing I had to do on this album was switch around some of the musicians parts on the album and cut some parts/people out. There are some really good friends of mine that play on a lot of the tracks, and then, on a few other tracks, there are complete strangers that nailed it. I used to have a really difficult time navigating diplomatic situations. Pleasing myself and making sure other people are also satisfied can be rough. BUT it is also one of the most valuable lessons I have learned.

The most exciting thing? The first time I popped the finished product in my
car and cruised around Chicago. I felt like I was flying around the city!!

ful: What bands are you loving right now? Who would you love to play with?
DW: Oh man this is a rough one... I go through so many fazes with music and have kind of an ADD music personality if that makes sense haha. I do have my constant artists that I always have around though.. Ben Harper, Ray Lamontange, John Legend, Norah Jones, Jack Johnson, Lauryn Hill and Brandi Carlile to name a few. I would just die to play with any of them.

ful: What advice do you have for people who want to give it a go in the music industry?
DW: Well the music industry is a big place, with many different job descriptions. Don't get into it for the wrong reasons, or you may regret it. If you wake up in the morning, and music is really the only thing. Music. That's it.

Thanks so much Daphne! We can't wait to catch a live performance! To hear some of her music, check out her website here. And watch the video for her song, All I Know, below: