Daya

Daya Artistfacts

  • October 24, 1998
  • Grace Martine Tandon is a Pennsylvania native of Indian, German, and Irish descent, who records under the name of Daya. "I changed my name to Daya; that's my stage name," the singer told ABC Radio. "It's because I wanted a little more privacy in my home life, and I think that Daya really gives me that. And I really love the name. I think it's really great for my image... it's a loose translation of my real name, Grace, in Hindi, and my grandfather emigrated from India."
  • Daya started playing the piano at the age of three, switching from classical to jazz piano eight years later. By this time, she had also learned to play the guitar and ukulele.
  • Daya's professional career began in January 2015 when she was invited to LA for a writing session with Gino Barletta [JoJo, Miranda Cosgrove, Jessica Mauboy] at Paramount Recording Studios in Los Angeles. One of the songs created in this initial songwriting session was "Hide Away" which became her first hit single in the US.
  • Daya gained international recognition in 2016 after lending her vocals to The Chainsmokers' huge hit "Don't Let Me Down."
  • Daya wrote her very song on the piano aged 12. She called it "Dance" but told American Songwriter, "The crazy thing is that it wasn't just about dance. It was about putting yourself out there and doing what you want."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.

Rosanne Cash

Rosanne CashSongwriter Interviews

Rosanne talks about the journey that inspired her songs on her album The River & the Thread, including a stop at the Tallahatchie Bridge.

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Loreena McKennitt

Loreena McKennittSongwriter Interviews

The Celtic music maker Loreena McKennitt on finding musical inspiration, the "New Age" label, and working on the movie Tinker Bell.

Amy Lee of Evanescence

Amy Lee of EvanescenceSongwriter Interviews

The Evanescence frontwoman on the songs that have shifted meaning and her foray into kids' music.