B Dayton
I am super excited to share with you this new interview with B Dayton. He’s just released the first single off his upcoming debut EP, it’s called “Supposed to be” and it is one of the best songs I’ve ever heard this year. It is absolutely mind-blowing. B Dayton’s vocals are magical , the songwriting is beautiful and personal and the production is massive. “Supposed to be” is perfect. I am very proud to get to feature such an amazing talent.
Congrats B Dayton on this incredible song, and thank you for this conversation.
“Supposed to be” is now available worldwide :)
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
Since I was a young kid I have always been obsessed with music, drama, aesthetics. Growing up was not always the easiest for me - so I was one of those kids who was always at theatre rehearsal. Always on stage, always singing. I was heavily inspired by icons like Elton John, Jerry Lee Lewis, Gaga - who had huge voices and even bigger personas. The world that those artists created was a world that I wanted to create. It wasn’t until I reached about 15 when I decided that I wanted to be a songwriter and really start creating my own visions. So inevitably, I hit the ground running. In 2016, I moved to Nashville, TN to attend the Mike Curb College of Entertainment at Belmont University, where I had songwriting/music mentors that helped cultivate the artist I am today. In 2018, I was fortunate enough to be a contestant on NBC’s America’s Got Talent - where I competed until the middle round. Around mid 2019, I began working with producers/writers between Los Angeles and New York on my solo endeavors, where I have really learned so much about myself as an artist.
What did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening to so many artists. My grandparents introduced my to CCR, The Beatles, Tom Petty, ELO when I was really young. I loved the ‘Spring Awakening: Original Broadway Cast Recording’ album a lot. Adele was huge for me, Elton John, Lady Gaga. I remember being obsessed with ‘Hotblooded by Foreigner’ and ’The Sweet Escape’ by Gwen Stefani.
When did you start singing and writing songs?
As a kid I made my parents buy me a few typewriters - where I would come home from school and just type up stories, movie scripts, poetry. I think it was in those beginning moments at 6/7 years old where I found my voice. I think other people discovered my voice eavesdropping and hearing me belt in my room. My voice, to me, started off as something so private, and so expressive for me. It took me awhile to get comfortable sharing it with others because it was something so therapeutic for me and the traumas I had experienced growing up. I started writing music when I was 15 - after some years of voice and piano training - and really started stringing my truths together.
When did you realize you were good at what you were doing?
I realized that I was good at what I do when I was in the fourth grade. I was cast as the lead in the little winter musical - had never sang or been outwardy artistic in school - and I remember really committing to the character and learning to drown out the crowd so I wouldn’t get nervous - and I remember when the show over everyone was on their feet. It was, and is, such a weird memory for me - because had it never happened I’d still be in my little room with my little typewriter being scared of the world.
What gave you the confidence to be an artist and release your original music?
I think the confidence came from trusting myself. My only intention was to make music that others could have for them. I was never really nervous about releasing because it wasn’t for me in the first place.
"Supposed to be" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?
‘Supposed to be’ was written in the Spring of 2020 when the pandemic was completely recking all of our lives. I was just getting on my feet from a breakup that truly changed me, and I went into the studio with a case of writers’ block - had a mini therapy session with my co-writers - and we created this! The inspiration behind ‘Supposed to be’ was my own mix of emotions that resulted from my failed relationship. The song is a motif about all of our failed dreams - because I think the first thing to know about me as an artist, is that if I fall I will get back up & so will you!
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this single? Who helped you create it?
‘Supposed to be’ was written by Autumn Buysee, Tony Chetta, and myself. I had been doing single music projects for a while up to that point, but met with them to start the first third of my solo project. I had true writers’ block because so much had happened in my life the last year that I was totally stuck inside of my own head. Autumn poured me a glass of wine, started asking me questions about my feelings and where I was in life, and then all of a sudden it just all came together. We all sat around a piano, sang about our pain, and created a real moment.
What did you feel when writing this song?
As cheesy as it sounds, I felt closure. I felt everything I was too afraid to say come out of my head, through my mouth, then out through speakers. I think that is the reason many of us get so addicted to creativity - because that moment, when your pain becomes someone else’s art - feels like the loss meant something greater. This song makes me feel sad, angry, powerful, hopeful - because that’s how I felt during my situationship.
What's your favorite thing about this single?
My favorite thing about this single is the very last chorus. My producer, Tony Chetta, is one of the most gifted people I know - and the end of this song he really shows off how he can get into your head and mess with your heart. Specifically that section of the song just feels the most undeniably emotional to me. It is a moment. Tony always understand the assignment.
What made you want to release "Supposed to be" as a single?
I think as soon as we finished the initial writing/production session I was pretty much convinced this was going to be the debut single. It has everything in it that represents my artistry, and I think it is a good introduction to the story I am releasing to the world.
What can you tell us about your upcoming EP?
The EP, the first of a series of three, is titled ‘NOSEBLEEDS’. It is an homage to my journey from theatre to now - and a story about my first huge love failure. It is quite literally a project about feeling like you’re witnessing your live unravel infant of you from the shittiest point of view. The EP is dramatic, campy, and hooky. I will be playing the EP live at Breaking Sound Nashville on November 11th at the Analog!
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
The world would be a better place if many things occurred - but first and foremost, I think we need to totally abolish gender, race, and religious discrimination. We need a world of love that looks every different way. That is accepting of others’ beliefs and that encourages that.
What message do you want to deliver to the world?
My message to the world is to keep your eye on the target. Trauma, pain, anxiety, and heartbreak finds us all - changes us all. I encourage my fans, and the world to consume your life with the art, music, and people who make you want to keep going. Don’t be afraid to take people down into your pain with you. If my music can do anything for anyone - it is to prove that you will be okay - no matter what is going on, and I hope you’re okay.
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