Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with Southampton artist Jaquie Daniels to find out more…
Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I was born in Twickenham and I started having piano lessons at the age of 5 – soon after I found out that I had perfect pitch. 4 years later I started learning the ‘cello and played with youth orchestras, and I wrote my first song at the age of 12 while living in the USA with my family.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
Initially the Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel as my parents had a few of their albums, then I bought two ABBA albums. I later got into some of the synthesiser bands in the early 80s when I was in my mid-teens – my favourite was Japan. These days I listen to a lot of folk and acoustic pop bands – I’m a fan of O’Hooley & Tidow who I’ve seen live 3 times and old favourites include Joni Mitchell and Nick Drake. I’m also impressed by some of the younger acts like Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift.
How would you describe your sound?
Alternative folk singer-songwriter – there are influences from traditional folk but it has a modern, progressive feel with electronic elements.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
In the City EP. This came from working with a coach on production skills in 2023 – we had worked on a couple of songs which were electronic based rather than the acoustic style that I usually use and she encouraged me to consider producing a hybrid genre album exploring both styles. I decided on an EP as I thought it would take less time to complete.
What’s your local music scene like?
There are a number of open mics in Southampton and 3 folk clubs; there are a few pubs and cafes offering live music but not as many as there used to be – I think COVID has had an impact and people are not going out as much as they used to.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
I’m planning to work on getting more gigs and growing my fanbase.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
O’Hooley & Tidow.
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
Last October I organised a gig for my husband and myself – we perform as a duo. I booked a room at a local community centre and chose a theme of ‘Embracing failure’ as the date of the gig fell on International Day for Failure. A few people had told me they were interested in coming but on the day there was heavy rain, and only one person turned up to the gig! So the result kind of embraced the theme!
Do you have any upcoming live dates and performances?
Yes on Monday 28th April 2025 at Veg Out Cafe, October Books, Southampton at 12.15pm.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I’m a supporter of green issues and have been involved with Friends of the Earth in the past. I think the future of the planet and climate change is the most important issue facing us.
You can find out more about Jaquie on her website or via Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, TikTok or YouTube.
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