Kelly Daye Wins First “Best Vocalist Of The Month" Competition With "Missing You"

Kelly Daye

Kelly Daye, a talented singer & songwriter based in Nashville, TN, has won the first SingerUniverse “Best Vocalist Of The Month” Competition, for her performance of “Missing You.” This is a new song which was written & produced by veteran writer/producer Tommy Farragher, who is based in New York City. “Missing You” is one of seven Farragher songs that Daye has recorded, and Daye’s performance of his song “I’m Doin’ Fine” was also named one of the Top Five vocal performances of the month.

“Missing You” is an intimate, haunting pop-rock ballad, which provides an excellent showcase for Daye’s clear, passionate vocals. Daye also expertly performs all the background vocal parts, and her multi-tracked harmonies create a rich vocal texture that helps create a powerful bridge and final chorus for this production.

Daye was born and raised in Baltimore, MD, and she began singing and performing live at a very young age. Her mother entered her into beauty pageants for girls, and her singing ability helped her excel in the talent segments. “I always loved singing – I performed anywhere anyone would let me sing,” recalled Daye. ‘I also sang in church, did talent shows, community theatre, and sang in the (well known) Peabody’s Children’s Choir. I was inspired by great singers in many genres, such as Pat Benatar, Celine Dion, Reba McEntire and Liz Phair. In addition, when I was in high school, I sang in several rock bands.”

Following high school, Daye started commuting to New York City (a four-hour drive), meeting songwriters and doing demo work. She eventually met hit writer/producer Tommy Farragher, who has worked with Taylor Dayne, Al Green and many others. They hit it off, and during the next year, Daye sang on seven of Farragher’s songs, including “Missing You,” which was recorded in January 2003. “It was great working with Tommy,” said Daye. “I learned a lot from him.”

Kelly Daye

Farragher discussed shopping Daye for a record deal, but Daye wanted to first develop her own songwriting skills before pursuing the label deal. “I felt I needed to work on my songwriting before putting myself out there as an artist,” explained Daye. “So I decided to move to Nashville (in April 2004), because I knew it would be a great place to meet and collaborate with songwriters and producers. Since I moved here, my songwriting has been going well, and I’ve also learned to play guitar. For many years (since she was a child), I had written lyrics, but it was great to finally put my words to music.”

Currently, Daye is looking forward to demoing her new songs, which have more of a rock edge. “I’m looking for a producer to work with, to help record my songs and collaborate on new ones,” said Daye. “I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get my music to the next level. If that means moving to New York or LA, that’s what I’ll do. I feel that I’m ready to get myself out there, both as a singer and a writer.”