Italian-born, London-based singer-songwriter Daniela, known for instilling emotional depth into jazz-inspired textures, joined us for an intimate discussion about her latest single, Waiting. Daniela shared the personal experiences that shaped her track, reflecting on love, heartbreak, and life’s moments of anticipation before touching on how her Italian roots and London’s diverse music scene influenced her sound, how collaborations with accomplished musicians like Robin Banerjee shaped her vocal delivery, and the balance she strikes between honouring classic inspirations and exploring new sonic territory. Daniela also opens up about the vulnerability she aims to convey in her music, the contrasting energy of intimate jazz bars versus festival stages, and her ambitions for the future.
DANIELA, welcome to A&R Factory! Thanks for sitting down with us after launching your latest single, Waiting. We’d love to know the backstory of the single.
Thank you! I’m really excited to share more about Waiting. This song is incredibly personal to me, and it’s rooted in a relationship that had a strong impact on my life. I fell deeply in love with someone, and even though we’re no longer together, those emotions are still very present in this track. I’ve always loved intensely and fully, but I’ve come to realise that sometimes love feels like a luxury I can hardly afford. There’s a song I love called ‘You Don’t Know What Love Is’ and it says: “You Don’t Know What Love Is, Until You Know the Meaning of the Blues”, and that line really resonates with me because, in a way, that’s the essence of Waiting. It captures that bittersweet side of love—where the joy and pain go hand in hand.
I think anyone who’s truly loved knows that love doesn’t always last forever and as reality set in, it hit me harder than I ever expected.
Originally, ‘Waiting’ was supposed to be a “happy” love song, but after the relationship ended, I kept going back to it, changing the lyrics, trying to make sense of what I was feeling. The final version reflects that whole journey—the dreamy warmth of falling in love, the waiting game that could lead to something beautiful or, as it often does, to a heartbreaking end.
This song holds a special place for me because it’s the result of a lot of introspection. I wrote it during a time where I was navigating a lot of emotions, almost like I was in this in-between space, and I think we all have moments like that. Personally, I felt this sense of waiting for something to shift, like I was on the verge of a breakthrough in my own life but didn’t know how or when it would come. The song became a way for me to process those feelings. I wanted the sound to reflect that build-up of emotions, almost like you’re holding your breath, waiting for that moment when everything finally clicks and you know who and what is in front of you.
After writing it, the meaning of the song extended beyond just love. It became about waiting in general, that feeling of anticipation, where we’re waiting for the next step, the next moment that could change everything. After-all, aren’t we all waiting for something in life?
How do you feel your Italian heritage and London experiences have shaped the emotional core of your new single?
Haha, isn’t there enough drama in that pre-chorus to tell you I grew up in Italy?! Oh, and did I mention the person in question is from London? Did I say too much?! Anyway, to answer your question a bit better, I think it’s like blending the passion and intensity I’ve always known with the complexity and introspection that come from living in a place like London. This city can be both exciting and isolating at the same time, and that sense of navigating life while still holding onto those deep, emotional roots definitely influenced the tone of Waiting. It’s about creating moments within all the noise—even those quiet, vulnerable ones where you’re waiting or falling in love.
How have your collaborations with seasoned musicians, such as Robin Banerjee, influenced the way you approach vocal expression?
Collaborating with seasoned musicians like Robin Banerjee has been such a rewarding experience. We actually met years ago at various jam sessions in Brixton and South London, and since then, I’ve always loved his vibe. Jazz musicians like Robin have this incredible ability to express emotion in such a soulful, free, fluid way, and being around that has definitely influenced how I approach music.
In “Waiting”, I found myself exploring different textures in my voice—whether it was a softer tone to express vulnerability or a more raw, emotional delivery for certain lyrics. Working with jazz musicians over the years has helped me grow both as a singer and a songwriter. They’ve taught me to be more intentional with how I convey emotion and to embrace the nuances that make each performance unique. That’s something I’ve carried with me into all my projects.
When you look back at your background in swing and jazz, what elements have you carried into your latest material?
My background in reinterpreting and performing jazz repertoire has deeply influenced me, especially in a live context. On the EP, you’ll hear some of that influence with a few friends playing horns and guitar, adding layers to the music. Jazz, as a genre, has been crucial in helping me explore different musical styles and develop my skills as a vocalist. It taught me how to really listen and feel the moment, which has made me more flexible and expressive in my performances. The London jazz scene is rich and diverse, where different influences blend into the mix, nurturing a unique perspective. This has pushed me to experiment with different sounds, allowing me to find my own voice and evolve as an artist
How important is it for you to challenge your listeners with themes that reach beyond surface-level storytelling?
Crucial. I want my music to spark something deeper, to make people think and feel. Life isn’t just about the highs or the lows—it’s about everything in between, those moments that are complex and sometimes hard to express. I think as an artist, it’s my job to dive into those complexities and invite my listeners to explore them with me.
I’ve always been drawn to songs that don’t just tell a story but also evoke emotions, reflections, and even questions. So, I try to do the same with my work, pushing beyond the obvious to explore themes of love, loss, hope, and vulnerability in ways that aren’t always straightforward. I want my music to feel like it’s a conversation, not just with myself, but with the people listening, offering them something they can relate to, challenge their perspective, or even make them look at things in a new way. That said, I love a good catchy hook!
How do you determine the balance between honouring classic inspirations and pushing into unexplored sonic territories?
To me, it’s about what feels good—some people may connect with it, others may not, but I think that’s the beauty of art. For example on the single “che si puo fare” inspired by the Barber Strozzi’s composition, I love how that piece captures emotion so beautifully, and I wanted to take that sense of depth and emotion into my own work, while allowing myself to explore my own voice and sound.
Working with good musicians and producers has been essential in making this balance happen. They help me take the classic inspirations I hold dear and bring them into the present, using modern sounds and approaches to create something fresh. It’s a collaboration of ideas and visions, and having a strong team to push me creatively is what allows me to stay true to my roots while also exploring new sonic landscapes. That’s the space where I find myself most creatively fulfilled.
Which aspects of your identity as a performer do you want audiences to feel most strongly when they hear your voice?
When people listen to my songs, I want them to feel my vulnerability the most. I believe that’s where true connection happens—when you’re willing to be raw and open, letting people into your world and your emotions. Vulnerability is where the depth of a song comes alive, and I hope that when listeners hear my music, they feel like they’re experiencing something personal, like if someone has finally found the words to say what they have been going through all along.
Do you ever feel pulled between the intimacy of a cosy jazz bar and the scope of larger festival stages, and how does each setting influence your artistry?
Absolutely, There’s something incredibly special about performing in a small, intimate space like a jazz bar. It’s so personal—it’s just me and the audience, and in those moments, I can really let my guard down and experiment with the music, knowing that every nuance in my voice or every small shift in energy is felt by the crowd. On the other hand, larger festival stages have their own magic. The energy is different—there’s a bigger crowd, more excitement, and a feeling of shared experience. It’s more expansive, and I get to tap into that collective energy. The performance becomes a bit more dynamic, with room for movement and more elaborate production. Both settings push me to connect with the audience in different ways, and I love that contrast
After the release of Waiting, what ambitions are driving you forward in your music career?
I’ve got a new single coming out soon at the beginning of spring, which I’m incredibly excited about. On top of that, I’m thrilled to announce a special live show on the 17th of April for Korak Music Events, a fantastic new platform dedicated to emerging artists. You can find more details about the event here: Korak Music Events – A Complete Live Music Journey. These next steps are all about continuing to grow, share new music, and engage with listeners and fellow artists. There’s so much more to come, and I’m excited for what’s next!
Discover Daniela’s music on Spotify, and discover more about her via her official website.
Interview by Amelia Vandergast