Yael Danon
Yael Danon is one of the best artists I’ve heard lately. Ever since I heard “Teddy Bears”, I knew she had something special in her.
She has just released her debut album Diary Girl. The 8 track record is about discovering yourself and learning new lessons along the way. Diary Girl is very personal. It tells stories about relationships, mental health and breakups. Each song offers a different sound. From pop to folk to rock to alternative, Diary Girl is authentic and versatile. This album has something for everyone.
I believe big things are coming her way.
Diary Girl is available everywhere.
Photo credit: Diego Miranda
Hi Yael, you've just released your debut album Diary Girl - how does it feel?
I am so excited about this release, yet at the same time I am somewhat nervous because it is so personal to me.
When did you start working on this record?
I started working on this record in the start of 2021. I kept writing throughout the year, compiling stories and experiences from my diary.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this record? Who helped you create it?
I had the opportunity to work with many talented people for this album. I worked with co-writers and producers from all over the world including: Tommy Torres, Joel Iglesias, Shai Brander, Tal Meltzer, Valentina Rico, and Max Matluck. The process was not the same for every song, some I wrote by myself while others were written in sessions. Overall it was a wonderful experience where I met wonderful people.
What different topics are you talking about on this album?
In this album I am talking about relationships, breakups, mental health, anxiety, missing your friends… pretty much what it feels like being a teenager. I feel like when we are young we feel so much and sometimes every little experience feels life changing. Many times it feels like nobody’s listening, like maybe they won’t ever listen. But, Diary Girl is about listening to yourself and discovering who you are becoming every step of the way while overcoming a few obstacles here and there.
What was the biggest challenge when making this record? Any favorite memories from the making of Diary Girl?
The biggest challenge when making this album was processing that I am actually talking about real-life situations and people. These weren’t gonna be songs that I just wrote for fun or therapy, thousands of people were gonna listen to it and maybe a few would even know exactly what or who I’m talking about.
I have many favorite memories making this record and a main one was recording the music video for “90 Days”. It was sorta last minute yet everything felt so perfect.
What did you feel when recording "90 Days"? What's your favorite lyric on "90 Days"?
Writing 90 Days with Tommy Torres was a wonderful experience. When we started the session, I remembered it felt more like a therapy session than a music one. He asked about my life, what I was going through, was there any guy, any drama? I opened up to him and told him that I had just started to date my best friend. I talked to him about my fears and doubts… I wanted to be with him but didn’t want to lose him as a friend. So, when we started dating we said we’d give it a 90 day trial… and that’s how the “90 Days” concept was born.
My favorite lyric is “I know that we’ll try our best… and if it doesn’t work out I can have my friend back, can’t afford to lose that.”
What made you want to name your album Diary Girl?
Fun fact, I was initially thinking about naming it T.M.I. (too much information). I remember talking to my mom about how I felt like I was sharing my diary with the world and then she said something like, “You’re my diary girl”. As soon as she said that, I knew it was going to be the name of my album.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
I feel like the cover of the album invites the audience to hear my story. Throughout the shoot, we made sure to express the feelings of the songs, and that picture captures the message as to how beneath every set of eyes there is a story.
What is your goal for this album?
My goal for this album is making people feel connected and as if they are listening to their own story. I want to reach new people through my music and hope they get to know me through my debut album.
In your opinion, what makes a good album?
For me, an album simply has to feel good. It has to make sense in a nonsense way. I love the storytelling, I love understanding the “chronological” order of occurrences in the songs and finding a way to relate to them.
Could you list a few records that influenced the music you are making today?
I had many influences for this specific album, a few of these are records by Ashe, Olivia Rodrigo, SZA, and more that I am probably forgetting.
What message do you want to deliver through this first album?
I feel like Diary Girl is an intro to Yael Danon. It’s a glimpse into my life, a reflection of all of us… I also think that Diary Girl isn’t about my story but it’s our story. These songs are relatable to so many of us that they make us realize that we are not alone. We all go through similar experiences and we have different ways of coping. My goal is to express my story and make people feel listened to.
How did things change for you since the release of your debut single? What biggest lesson have you learned since then?
Since the release of “Teddy Bears”, the first single of Diary Girl I feel like I have grown as an artist and got the opportunity to connect with talented producers and co-writers. Also, seeing the reactions and getting messages from people who connected to my story meant a lot. It reminded me why I continue to do this and how great of an impact music has on people. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that one must be patient. Things happen when they need to happen and if they don’t, that is also a sign.
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