Reminiscent of Sade and Erykah Badu, there's a quiet vulnerability in Phoebe Day's smooth and sultry tones. The Melbourne-based songstress captivates listeners with an alluring vocal tone, emotive lyrics and dreamy soundscapes. Her voice bounces between a velvety lower register and a delicate, breathy falsetto. Day exudes speakeasy and golden-era charm whilst creating a sound that is fresh and relevant. Coupled with polished songwriting and lush lyricism, it’s easy to hear what sets this artist apart.
As a trained jazz vocalist, pianist and songwriter, Phoebe Day is unafraid to blur the lines between jazz, soul and R&B. She notes Chet Baker , Miles Davis, Melody Gardot, Amy Winehouse, and Erykah Badu as her greatest inspirations. Day was heavily influenced by the jazz instrumentalist her father introduced her to as a young child and spent hours learning to sing their solos. Born into a Cypriot-Australian family, she also credits her spellbinding vibrato to the Greek singers she listened to in her childhood.
Day has garnered much attention from critics and fans alike since releasing her debut EP, Place in Time (2017) and single Two Steps (2018). Alongside praise from media including Beat Magazine, Happy Mag and Triple J Unearthed, Two Steps was named Record of the Day (London, UK). Day has also collaborated with producers and artists including Joel Sena, Jordan Astra Peter Holz (Peking Duk, Gang of Youths) and Maria Alfonsine. After delivering sold-out performances in some of Australia's most established jazz clubs including The Paris Cat Jazz Club (MELB), Day was invited to make her debut at the 2019 Melbourne International Jazz Festival and Melbourne International Saxophone Festival. Both festivals featured an impressive lineup of artists including Herbie Hancock and Ambrose Akinmusire.
Phoebe Day's songwriting explores the human condition and a deep desire to connect through sound. Her music flirts with dreamy electronic production whilst keeping firm roots in acoustic instrumentation. Imagine hushed percussion, soulful and jazz-styled vocals, shimmering piano melodies and lush string arrangements. Day is a natural storyteller who radiates warmth, depth and elegance.
Her upcoming EP 'When Flowers Bloom,' is set for release in the coming months featuring lead single 'Glow'. Of the single, Day says:
'Glow' was very much the beginning of this record [When Flowers Bloom]. I wanted to explore that sensory relationship we have with the natural world and the comfort to be found in its' everyday beauty. The warmth of a glowing sunset, the beauty of a flower's first bloom after the rain - these things helped me find light in darkness.'
Demonstrating a growth in the depth of her artistry, the EP is defined by its' carefully crafted songwriting, intricate string arrangements and intimate vocal performances. The record was produced by Day's partner (saxophonist and producer), Joel Sena and features violinist Nyssa Sanguansri of Invictus Quartet (Billy Davis).
'I've always had an obsession with the lyrical and haunting sound of stringed instruments. When I'm writing, they're often the first instrument I move to after piano . Nyssa's playing brought this beautiful human quality and deeper level of emotion.'
Day will accompany the digital release of When Flowers Bloom with an exciting run of live shows in 2019/2020 including her debut at the Melbourne Recital Centre and the Kew Court House.
press
"Centering on Day's smooth, enchanting vocals, [Place In Time] utilises heavy jazz influences — in both instrumentation and arrangement — to create a truly distinct and engrossing soundscape, filled with sparkling piano, sweet, sweet saxophone, hushed percussion and unexpected melodic shifts to keep the listener invested from start to finish."
- TheMusic.com.au
“A smooth soulful sonic oasis. You just need to bring your shades and a beach towel.”
–Nkechi Anele (Roots N All, Triple J)
“Unapologetically raw, Day fearlessly blends strong emotions and smooth harmonies.”
– SkopeMag (Boston, MA)
“Phoebe Day has something special…”
“As Day saunters through seamless vocal melodies and lush instrumentation, you’ll be consumed wholly by her gauzy sounds.”
“A gorgeous slice of jazz-infused soul…It’s absolutely gorgeous”
– Record of The Day (London, UK)
“Honey. Smooth, flowing, sticky honey. That’s the best I’ve got to describe Phoebe Day...
a soulful, moody and elegant expression of everything that makes music great.”
–Moptop Music (Sydney, AU)
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