Daily Inspiration: Meet Kandisha Dailey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kandisha Dailey.

Hi Kandisha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am an up-and-coming rapper-singer-songwriter born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. I come from a unique family of rock, blues, and opera musicians. My early upbringing was difficult, and I hadn’t developed the self-esteem to openly display my love for music early on. I wrote songs and played piano only to myself growing up. Desperate to find what I was good at outside of my siblings, I ventured into the world of fashion. I’d work as an assistant stylist and intern during my short time working on a fashion degree. Despite my love for visual expression, I still wasn’t satisfied. So, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue creative direction, conceptualizing short fashion films. My time in the Atlanta creative scene coincided with the very fresh resurgence of the female rapper spotlight. Friends in the industry thought to take advantage of the momentum and position me in place, not knowing my close yet complicated relationship with music making.

I thought it to be a sign that I should pursue what was actually always in my heart. I wouldn’t become a muse but embark on the journey on my own. It felt like a puzzle piece in my heart was finally in place. Years later, I would drive alone to LA to find people that could help me make the music in my head. The pandemic happened shortly after. Since my move, I’ve been relentlessly working to release my debut EP, Kandi//Land. There have been so many obstacles, some even comical. Now, the six-song project is in its final stages, and I’m hoping to begin my relationship with the world.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I moved to Los Angeles a year before the pandemic. Most of my collaborators, friends, and community moved away just as I was getting my feet wet. There were all the very stereotypical things they say will happen when you’re a new musician in LA. Deals dangled…money stolen. I’ve even overcome a disabling illness in the past year. Most of all, there’s just the reality most artists face of having to support yourself and well-being while also trying to support an artistic dream.

Despite any hurdle, I have never once thought of giving up. I am so grateful to be here, with so many obstacles in my past.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I think when people hear my music, they appreciate being able to hear many differing influences in one place. I grew up equally on hip hop, pop, and rock music with so many influences in between. I started in electronic. How I express from those places can vary, but it’s all still somehow me. My most recent video’s IG comments are so many Britney and Janet comparisons. Go a little further back, and people said they heard 36 Mafia, Aaliyah, and Fka Twigs.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I would say to be your total and complete self, to the craziest degree. Not that version of yourself that is hyper-particular and hidden away with your art, but further than that. Free. Go beyond confidence and be free.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/kandisha
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHcSUrAtbKA
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5U1w34i8UbsjCxiIa9NUCZ?si=6ztMOXFIQz6JTNrNBWmCPg

Image Credits
Paige Marguiles Allen Park