Danielia Cotton Talks New Album, Would Be A Sugar Raised Donut

Danielia Cotton has really been making a name for herself. She’s received praise from big publications such as NPR, Los Angeles Times, Boston Herald, and New York Times. On top of that, she’s opened up for huge legendary acts, such as Bon Jovi, B. B. King, The Allman Brothers, Derek Trucks, Robert Cray, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Coming from a family of talented musicians, naturally, Danielia chose this path as well. She has just released a new album, titled A Prayer, and I got to listen to a track off of it called “Wasted”.

Man, this track is powerful. A cool blend of instruments start out the song, creating swells and a catchy beat. When Danielia starts singing, you can instantly tell that she’s putting her heart and soul behind her lyrics, as she sings, “why were you wasted?” Her voice is a force of nature that propels the piece. You can hear her pain and heartache and she’s broken when she sings, “why can’t you see that you’re hurting us both?” This tune is filled with raw emotion that makes you really connect with the song. This track is just beautiful.

I still have a hard time forgiving when someone truly hurts me. If I call you my friend, I would truly give my right arm to save you if need be. I love hard and enjoy giving gifts to others. Music colors my life, and continues to be one of my favorite things ever.

What was the process behind your newest album, “A Prayer”?

It’s the first time that I have written an album primarily on the piano. When you write long enough, sometimes a new instrument can light a spark and give you a new vocabulary to use. A new way to color the words and tell your story. The piano has done that for me and continues to, as I have quite an amazing piano teacher who inspires me daily.

Did you encounter any challenges while creating the record?

It took a minute to find the right producer. I finally ended up going the distance with a musician/producer that was right under my nose. Tony Bruno and I communicated in a way that really brought the songs from my head to the listeners ears.

Which track was your favorite to make? Why?

They are all my babies but “Seesaw,” the opening track, speaks to me in a very personal way. I wrote it in Nashville waiting for some mixing on “Anything but Ordinary.”  It came like lightning, which happens every so often, and described a moment in my life that was not yet over. It was a way of helping to heal myself by letting go of necessary feelings that desperately needed to be discarded of. How great that they made a song I love.

What do you want your listeners to take away from listening to your album?

There was a critic who once wrote that art has the capacity to add to available stock of our reality. I would hope that these songs add a little bit.

If you were a donut, what kind of donut would you be and why?

Sugar Raised. I’m not big on fillings in donut. Sugar raised is the perfect mix of good dough and sugar.

Who is your inspiration for your music?

The people I love and great musicians who have come before me and inspired me to try and do the same. While writing this album I was listening a lot to Elton John, David Bowie, Bill Withers, Coldplay’s A Rush of Blood to the Head and a tried and true favorite, Stevie Wonder.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hopefully still making music and raising a beautiful family.