We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Daisy Dance. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Daisy below.

Daisy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I don’t regret not starting my career earlier, but I do wish I had taken my craft more seriously from the beginning. I was discovered at 14, singing at a family BBQ, which led to recording an album. I was fortunate to have that opportunity at such a young age, but my inexperience and lack of vocal training resulted in the album being rejected by major labels. This was my first rejection, one of many to follow.

Despite knowing from 14 that singing was my path, I didn’t take my career or myself seriously during the early years. If I could go back to my 20s, I would train harder, enroll in music courses, and invest more in vocal lessons. I wouldn’t have partied with the wrong friends or held myself back with self-sabotaging behaviour.

I have struggled with imposter syndrome for much of my adult life, wasting time talking myself out of projects I didn’t feel worthy of. These feelings were neither helpful nor necessary. Today, I work hard and am confident in my abilities. Changing my attitude and putting in the effort has significantly improved my life. I often wonder why I didn’t adopt this mindset earlier, but as they say, better late than never.

To the next generation of creatives and entrepreneurs: don’t waste your 20s procrastinating, partying, hanging out with unsupportive people, or overthinking. This is your moment to shape your future and form good habits. Time goes by quickly, and you have less of it than you think. Focus on self-improvement and remember that negative thinking is a waste of energy. Do what works for you and always remind yourself that you deserve success, because you do.

Daisy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Daisy Dance, and I am a professional singer and songwriter.

I was formerly known as Daizy Agnew until I adopted my late father’s name, Dance, in 2011 just before he passed away. Most people assume Daisy Dance is my stage name, but it is actually my real and family name.

Growing up, I soaked in my parents’ eclectic music collection, which ranged from Elton John and James Ingram to Guns N’ Roses and Randy Crawford. I was also deeply influenced by my sister Jo, her incredible singing voice, and her taste in music, including artists like Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, and Mary J. Blige.

Once I realized I had the vocal capability to pursue music, there was no stopping me. Determined to have a career as a professional singer, my life revolved around this goal. Supported by my parents, I began ‘paying my dues,’ learning my craft on the club circuit, performing live gigs, and entering local and TV competitions. I also gained considerable recording experience while developing my skills as a songwriter.

As an 80s baby, my journey to becoming a singer involved buying the monthly Stage magazine and booking auditions, some very dodgy auditions! With limited social media, I had to be creative in finding ways to stand out and get noticed.

Early recognition came after winning MTV’s Hugo Urban Rules, an audition I discovered via Kiss FM. My winning entry formed part of a compilation album urban music, and my subsequent track ‘Insecurities’, produced by Soundbwoy went on to win best original song from the HUR’s contestants and rewarded prime time air play on Kiss FM. As a songwriter, this experience elevated me to the next level.

Although achieving success was a wonderful milestone, I quickly realized that resting on my laurels was not an option. I had to keep pushing forward with new songs and ideas, as the competition was fierce. I am just one of millions striving in this industry.

In a complete contrast, I then contributed to BBC1’s Eurovision ‘Your Country Needs You’ as part of a girl band. This opportunity led me to work with legendary producers Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Diane Warren, recording the original vocals for the UK entry ‘My Time’. This experience opened doors, and I was asked to audition for a different girl band, which became Girls Can’t Catch. We signed with Universal and enjoyed success touring with Girls Aloud and the Jonas Brothers on their worldwide arena tours, performing at venues including The O2 and Wembley Arena. Our hit single ‘Keep Your Head Up’ was featured on the St Trinian’s soundtrack and film, *Legend of Fritton’s Gold*. We also performed at iconic venues and events such as Glastonbury, iTunes Festival, Jazz Cafe, T4 On The Beach, GAY, Blue Peter, Loose Women, The Alan Titchmarsh Show, Rock The Park, and many more. It was a wonderful time.

All of this stemmed from relentlessly auditioning and participating in singing competitions since I was 14. I never stopped pursuing my dreams.

In 2018 and 2019, I became a music judge alongside 100 other industry professionals on BBC One’s ‘All Together Now,’ with Spice Girl Geri Horner as the main judge and comedian Rob Beckett as the host. Participating in both series was a unique and exciting experience, where I learned even more about the industry.

In 2022 and 2023, I was invited to tour with Ministry of Sound Disco and stepped in for Janice Robinson (“Dreamer”) during the Ministry of Sound Classical tour. This musical adventure was a blessing after lockdown, allowing me to learn from incredible professionals and grow from their expertise and advice.

I have been fortunate enough to collaborate and work with many successful names in the industry, including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Diane Warren, Shaznay Lewis, Pixie Lott, Andy Chatterley, Nerina Pallot, Rui Da Silva, Karen Poole, American singer Joe, Sway Clarke, Terri Walker, Trevor Nelson, and Ministry of Sound.

​Original Music:

Over the years I have released many original songs and a few covers, including,

Keep Your Head Up 2009 (top 30)
Echo 2010 (top 20, A listed on Radio 1)
Take Me To Vegas 2014 (signed to Black Hole)
Delete 2013
Penny’s Falling 2015 (top 5, B listed on Gaydio and Kiss FM)
It’s Over’ in 2020.
Remember Me 2021.
Our way 2021.
Ain’t No Man 2022. (top 10)
Lost & Found 2024 (BBC Introducing)
Ain’t No Turning Back 2024

I continue to write and perform on a regular basis.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I would describe myself as a resilient person, but I’m also very emotional and sensitive. Sometimes that can be perceived as weakness, but it’s not. Clearing out my emotions (i.e crying!) is part of my resilience; it’s how I let go of negativity and move forward quickly.

Like most people, I have experienced my share of loss and trauma. In 2011, shortly after losing my record deal, I lost my dad to cancer. This was my first heartbreaking life lesson. I adored my dad; he would come to every one of my gigs, both supporting and embarrassing me. He was my best mate.

After the highs of a record deal, touring, TV appearances, and a top 20 hit, I suddenly had no career, no income, and no dad to turn to. I hit a dark place and was grieving. For a while, I turned to toxic substances to numb the pain. I quit music for a few years because I didn’t see the point of singing if my dad wasn’t there to share it with. I took up temping, working different office jobs. I convinced myself this was the right career move for me, a sensible decision. Although I met some wonderful people (big shout out to Pam on reception) An eccentric older lady who was very patient with me and taught me how to use a fax machine, I was unhappy not singing anymore. In hindsight, it was an important period of growth.

Losing so much and living a life that didn’t make me happy eventually made me wake up. I realized who I was and what I really wanted. I quit temping and the unhealthy lifestyle, starting over in music from the ground up. I joined a four-piece band, learned hundreds of songs, and gigged in pubs and clubs, sacrificing my weekends, often getting changed in the back seat of a car, and traveling for miles for next to no money. But this time I had a clear focus on my goal, which paid off. Slowly, I began to find success again, with one gig leading to another, bigger gig.

This is a shorter version of my story, but it’s an example of what resilience can look like and how I picked myself up after such a dark time. Sometimes, it’s okay to let go of what you want for a while. Forcing yourself, or others, can keep you stuck. Stepping back can be beneficial for healing. Taking time out from music and living a life I didn’t like made me appreciate what I once had and fight for what I truly wanted again.

None of us are owed anything. Just because we want something doesn’t mean we are entitled to it. We have to work for what we want, and sometimes we don’t get exactly what we hoped for. I lost my sister during the 2020 lockdown, another incredibly difficult time for me and my family. I nearly hit rock bottom again, well, I did to an extent, but this time I fought harder, completely rearranging my life for the better. It was extremely difficult, but I didn’t want to return to the version of myself in 2011.

Life is precious and short. We have zero control over what happens to us, but we have full control over how we react. That is resilience.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I have a small studio setup in my kitchen where I record and mix music. I recorded the vocals for my latest single, “Lost & Found”, (Silverland) using my Focusrite Scarlett Pro Tools. This equipment has changed my life. I wish I had taken a sound engineering course years ago and invested in this setup from the beginning. The freedom to record and mix my own music is transformative.

Although I’m not a pro and am still learning, I highly recommend that vocalists, musicians, and writers invest in their own recording equipment. Today, thanks to social media, we can create our own empires as creatives. All we need are the right tools and the knowledge to use them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.daisydance.co.uk
• Instagram: @msdaisydance
• Facebook: Daisy Dance
• Linkedin: Daisy Dance
• Twitter: msdaisydance
• Youtube: DaisyDanceOfficial

Image Credits

All images were taken and approved by EJacobs Photography.
https://www.ejacobsphotography.com/