Daisy Howard

In this interview, Daisy Howard opens up about the emotional cycles behind “On and On,” sharing insights into love, reflection, and transforming personal experiences into a compelling debut album.

1. Your latest single “On and On” captures the addictive cycle of a relationship that keeps repeating itself. What was the moment that made you realize the pattern—and inspired you to turn it into a song?

Honestly, I think it was hindsight. As it goes with these kinds of relationships, you can’t really see it while you’re in it. It wasn’t until years later when I was reflecting on the back-and-forth dynamic of this relationship that I realised there was almost a bit of dark humour to it… I never wanted to take away from the fact that it was heartbreakingly tumultuous, but I could see a bit clearer that I was just as much a part of the constant to-and-fro-ing. No one could keep up with whether we had broken up or were back together, and neither could I – hence the question: “we just broke up again, or are we back together?” It’s meant to be a bit ironic…

2. Your debut album is described as a cohesive narrative following one transformative relationship. How did you approach structuring such a personal story across multiple songs?

I started writing these songs during the relationship and continued writing until years after we parted ways. When I decided to start recording my songs and potentially lay down an album, I realized I had a whole narrative already written. As such, I’m planning on ordering the songs of the album chronologically so my listeners can get a real insight into the story of us. Things got so crazy at times that I remember feeling that my life could be a book – turns out that time would become an album, which is close enough…

3. You blend raw emotional honesty with a rock-influenced sound inspired by bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Foo Fighters. How do those influences shape your songwriting today?

It’s funny because I never set out to write a song in the style of anyone – they kind of just come flowing through. Then, I realise a melody or a hook sound like something off ‘There’s Nothing Left to Lose’ or ‘Stadium Arcadium’, and why? Well, these are the albums I grew up with – the soundtrack to my teen years. I guess it’s only natural that these bands will, in some way, shape or form, influence the way I write. With ‘On & On’, actually, we were nearing the end of production and I said to Seagame (my producer) that I could kind of hear a bit of a Frusciante guitar riff in my head that belonged somewhere in the track; for reference, we pulled up ‘She’s Only 18’ and tried to bring some of that flavour into the mix. So it might not be obvious to the average listener, but I guess it’s a bit of an homage to the music I grew up with.

4. You mentioned that creating this album was a cathartic experience. In what ways did the process of writing and recording help you process that chapter of your life?

My god, was it cathartic…  to be honest, it was hard at first. When I began recording these tracks at the end of 2023 and into 2024, it was quite an emotional experience. I had to kind of catapult myself back to those COVID years (when I was in that relationship) and really feel into where I was at during this time. This was, of course, to reach into the depths of my soul and pull out those emotions from when things were at their peak-dramatic-ness (that should totally be a word, but alas, it’s not…) – and I won’t lie, it kind of sent me into a spiral. Those years were, to quote Dickens, the best of times and the worst of times. The days surrounding each studio session were heavy. That being said, it felt… necessary. In taking myself back to those challenging moments and pulling out all those emotions I’d been sitting on for years, I got it all out and put it into the songs. Whilst ‘On & On’ is more playful, the other tracks are definitely more emotional.

5. Having built an audience through cover performances with millions of views, what has the transition to fully original material taught you about your identity as an artist?

I think any songwriter feels this, but yeah, putting your own material out into the world is scary as F. This is really vulnerable, revealing stuff… and my songs are like my babies, you know? I made them and I’ve nurtured them into something I’m really proud of, but that’s not to say other people will agree. One of the biggest things you have to do as an artist is accept that not everyone will get it – not everyone will hear your music like you do – and it’s about that delicate balance between putting your ego to one side, and also believing in your art, no matter what. It’s tricky. That all being said, though, being a songwriter is the same as being a storyteller, and my goodness have I got stories to tell… so what’s the point in never sharing them? In short, I have to do it…

6. Living a semi-nomadic lifestyle and working between places like Koh Phangan and Chiang Mai, how do your surroundings influence your creativity and the emotional tone of your music?

Being on the move is very fruitful for my creativity, though I’d say the most inspiration I get comes from the people I meet. This is why I love to travel to new places and meet new people. If I stayed in one place, I’m not sure I’d be able to write as much. I’m incredibly grateful to be able to live the way I do, as I know it’s a gift, and one I cherish.

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