If you want to feel like you’re basking in the sun on a dream-like beach, we have the perfect artist for you. Transport yourself to this dream world with dayaway, a duo with a fresh sound and story-filled lyrics that we just know will leave an imprint on your vibe. And if that sounds like the perfect scenario for you, you’ll love their new song, ‘ocean blues’ which is literally the epitome of what we just described!
And we have a sweet treat hailing from THP HQ! A first listen of dayaway’s ‘ocean blues’ with it premiering right here at The Honey POP! Listen below and then dive deeper into the ocean with an exclusive interview!
How did you come up with the name “dayaway?”
dayaway is a fun play on words that came from my obsession with Rockaway Beach. I knew I wanted to name the band something that paid homage to Rockaway, and then one day it came to me. It just felt good to say. And then I finished a song I was writing at the time, which turned out to be “dayaway” the song. It all felt very fortuitous.
How did you arrive at the sound of dayaway? And what is the songwriting process like?
I was feeling so inspired by the ocean in the summer of 2018. We had just moved to New York City and discovered the beaches there. I felt compelled to write songs about it and for it. I wanted to make music to soundtrack those days.
I write all the songs on my own, either in the air or with guitar. Generally I’ll become obsessive about a phrase or a concept and spin it around in my mind until the song arrives. Recently, I’m most productive in the shower, and I genuinely believe it’s because there’s something special about being in water. The very first song I ever wrote for this project was called “cool water” and it came to me at the ocean free
When the songs are ready, I bring them to my band mate & multi-instrumentalist (and 4 time Grammy winner) Graham Marsh and we produce them together in our home studio in Queens.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
dayaway is a beach band and we’re very inspired by the legacy of beach music that we’re following. We love the Beach Boys, the Go Gos, the Bangles, and Dick Dale. We’re also super inspired by more cinematic artists like Mazzy Star, Lana del Rey, and the Cure, especially the world building that they do.
And your eponymous single ‘dayaway’ was featured in the Netflix film Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between, how did it feel to hear your song on TV? What was your reaction when you found out it would be included?
It’s always surreal when your song lands somewhere like that. We’re so grateful for every opportunity for our songs to connect with people. You hope for things like that, and it’s very cool when they happen.
Your next single is ‘ocean blues,’ can you give us any hints about the new track? What about your favorite lyric in the song?
It’s iconic! Gorgeous. Cinematic. Sad but in a beautiful way. A brief dream of sun. Desire, but make it slide guitar. The bridge is maybe my favorite part: “My true blue summer moon, my dream come true, so cruel wanting you, I’m ocean blue”
If ‘ocean blues’ were to be included in a movie or TV show, what kind of genre or film could you imagine it in?
All of our songs inhabit a world I’ve created that feels very cinematic to me. This song details the part of the story where our main character realizes she can never be with the person she loves. They’re with someone else, and even though she knows they feel it too, it’s just not meant to be. It’s about coming to terms with never having them in that way and accepting that you’ll only ever be able to love them from a distance.
What can fans look out for this year?
There is so much on the horizon! More music. More bits of the story to piece together. Lots of surprises and a big announcement coming up. I wish I could tell you more, but until then…stay tuned!
Yes, ‘ocean blues’ will be playing on repeat until we finish our main character moment, and we don’t foresee that happening in the near future, so we’re warning you right now. And can someone pick up this movie idea they mentioned? We’d pay big money to see it!
What did you think of dayaway’s new song, ‘ocean blues?’ Let us know in the comment below or tweet us over @TheHoneyPOP! You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook.
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