Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Daye.
Hi Sarah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Thank you! I am happy to share a part of my incredible journey and story.
I am an International Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, and entertainer originally born and raised in Toronto, Canada. I started in the Industry as a professional dancer first training in ballet and jazz at the tender age of three. Thankfully my dear parents encouraged my natural passion and creativity early on and they learned quickly that dance and entertainment were it for me.
Music was Introduced to me super early as my dad sang and played guitar serenading me at my bedside since I was a baby. Pretty much as soon as I could speak, I quickly began to sing along with him. From jams at home, and my parent’s parties, to camp tires and cottage nights during my childhood into my teens. He most definitely influenced me. I copied his riffs and stylings, eventually finding and growing in my voice along the way. But little did I know that I’d end up singing professionally.
I eventually auditioned and got accepted to Toronto’s top private musical theatre college “Randolph College for the Performing Arts”. A triple-threat program where I studied singing, dancing, acting, film and television, movement, improv, pilates, sword, and some stunt. I was blessed to work with some top professional casting directors in Canada who soon advised me to focus on my singing. Encouraged me and said that I’d get major lead roles in the business if I continued to work hard and pursue singing primarily. I decided to listen and the rest is history. I’ve been working non-stop professionally ever since and it’s taken me around the world Internationally.
Music was always been the one thing that filled me with comfort, happiness, love, and joy. Especially through the confusion early on when my parents split. Dance helped me to escape the pain, and heal internally along my journey during years of custody battles and divorce court.
From Toronto, we moved to Nova Scotia for a few years with my mother and grandparents. Which was a big culture shock. Eventually, we did come back a few years later and were based in the west side of Toronto in Rexdale. Those years were some of the most impressionable years of my life. And thankfully we moved to a neighborhood where I was surrounded by a melting pot of culture.
We lived in Government-funded apartments on Kipling avenue, with my mother. A single mother with two girls who struggled unfortunately with alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, dealing with disintegrating disc disease, chronic pain, and suffering from depression and anxiety from abuse as a child that she never sadly dealt with or healed from. Which I watched haunt her most of my life coming up. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
I pretty much became a mother to my mother in many ways and her best friend from early on. The only outlet I had to keep me sane through it all was music, dance, and sports. Thankfully I made lifelong friends who also helped distract me as well. They saw a lot with me, but I am proud that I chose to make something of myself and I didn’t let it get the best of me.
Years later, I went through a very difficult cancer and diabetes fight watching my mother’s health deteriorate rapidly. The amazing thing was, somehow she defied so many odds. And I saw miracles upon miracles she survived through. including a comma that I didn’t know she’d make it through. This is where I get a lot of my undying faith and strength to continue in the entertainment industry too. I prayed with everything in me and she amazingly woke up to live much longer than what the doctors had said.
I lived through what seemed like a lifelong struggle that most definitely built in me an unbelievable backbone that has been necessary to push through all the crazy difficult challenges and ups and downs in this entertainment business, and Hollywood scene.
Back home, my neighborhood also Influenced me majorly. It plays a big part in who I am personally and in my sound musically. I feel very blessed to have been brought up with such diverse culture surrounding me. My building was mostly West Indian; Jamaican, Trinidadian, Guyanese, Bajan, and East Indian, sprinkled with a few other mixed cultures Including the houses in front of us which were mostly Italian, Spanish, some Asian, and European families. I feel very blessed to be raised in such a multicultural community. It all helped shaped me and gave me my style, sound, and flavor as you can hear and see. I like to say; Tres unique!
Apart from my solo career, I came up singing in a few reggae bands, backing several Canadian award-winning artists and was even got flown to Jamaica to open up at ‘The Cabana Club’ in Kingston for Richie Stephen’s album launch with names like Capelton, Movado and The Stone Love Crew. It’s been an eclectic journey indeed. And my recording and songwriting career started when I applied for a factor grant in Canada with Juno award-winning producers ‘PerryAlexander’ who produced many successful award winning artists I knew and worked with in Toronto. It turned out that I was awarded the demo grant out of a thousand recipients aparently, and we went on to produce my first Ep thankfully. That music alone set me up with a great product which brought on some awesome opportunities. Including booking original shows and a tour overseas that lined me up to work with so many greats. I’ve feel very blessed, and all my travels opened up my mind and put a fire in me to continue to succeed. Though my journey really all started to ignite when I moved out at sixteen to pursue and follow my dreams and focus on me. Thankfully somehow I always had the desire to make something greater of myself and defy the odds against me coming from a broken home with an alcoholic parent, surrounded by a lot of abuse and brokenness.
Now I can say proudly that I’ve headlined hundreds of stages both dancing and singing Internationally, as well as working on television and film from Toronto, Canada to Sth East Asia. Making my way to Hollywood now based in Marina Del Rey where I have my sailboat Lady Daye that I bought and named after my late great mother. My sanctuary. My peace among the crazy in LA!
Overall, I am proud and grateful to have shared the stage, opened up for, worked with, and sung with greats like; Chuckii Booker, Bobby Brown, Bruno Mars, and Andra Day opening up for Lenny Kravitz at the LA Greek Theatre for instance for her ‘Cheers to the Fall’ tour. It’s been amazing! I’ve got some pretty cool Hollywood stories. Years worth.
Pre Covid I had the great opportunity to front ‘The Kevin Eubanks Band’ as lead singer in Vegas at the famous TMobile Arena two years in a row for Microsoft. An amazing Vegas highlight performing for over 40,000 dancing and prancing around the stadium right after Jlo just did her ‘It’s my party tour’ there. One of my friends ‘Kevin Teasley’ produced, while friends and colleagues play in her band. Surreal! It’s a very small world.
Over the years in LA, I’ve also featured and opened for names like; Teena Marie, Ray J, Shanice, Karen White, Mario, and Bobby Valentino. I even got to sing with Bobby Brown for his 40th birthday celebration on the popular “R&B Live Hollywood” stage where he invited a few of us opening acts to join him with Ralph Tresvant singing his hit “My Prerogative”. A Daye dream moment for sure, having come up inspired by him and New Edition. Not to mention, ‘Magic Johnson’ was hosting with an unreal room of celebs watching.
Another highlight my early days in LA, were the several features I got to do on the Jamie Foxx Show “Foxxhole” DTLA at Jlo’s club “The Conga Room”. I performed my originals and covers with the star studded house band, opening for some of my music hero’s growing up. The show was a live radio and stage show which featured many celebrity artists and up-and-coming. During those days host comedians Mark Curry and Chris Spencer from ‘R&B Live Hollywood’ would often Introduce me as the white Mary J Blige. I had been told that before, and I guess it’s because of my raw soulful and powerhouse vocal delivery. The way I belt and have an Infectious stage presence, energy, with my dance moves everybody comments on regularly. Plus, I’ve been told my style, rasp, deep soul-felt delivery, and surrender that I come with naturally, reminds them of her. But I can say, I know it honestly comes from all the pain I’ve also lived through. So, It makes sense to me. I’ve often gotten compared to Mary years and the great Miss Erykah Badu. I take it as a big compliment. Otherwise, some have mentioned Diana Ross. I’ll take either of the three.
My influences musically however do very much come from the incredible record collection that my parents had me listening to. Including a lot of Motown, funk, soul & rhythm, and blues.
Music was obviously a big part of my journey training at different dance schools, eventually dancing at the hottest Toronto nightclubs, street block parties, and after-hours in my city. I even went to reggae parties in my building was I was pre-teen.
Later on it was no surprise that I auditioned and danced with the first major hip-hop dance company out of Toronto called “Dodat”. The company was known to be a fierce crew, and was based out of Jane and Finch where my dad also lived a while.
Apart of ‘Dodat’ I got to work with now celebrity choreographer “Luther Brown” who is the creator of the company. He is also one of the original judges for “So you think you can dance” here in LA. Luther inspired and taught us a lot, especially about our lines, staging, and overall discipline when performing. Now you can see his choreography at concerts for Janet, Missy, and he even had the honor to do Alliyah’s “Rock the boat” video back in the day. But currently works with the top stars headlining Coachella, all the award shows, and you name it. I’m super proud of him and the team. We started dancing in the parking lots practising back in the day, moved soon after to the school hall ways of York University using the windows as mirrors, to eventually their studios when we could get them. We did videos, theme parks, live shows with many Canadian artists, tv, and film spots like the feature “Honey” with Jessica Alba. I’m super proud of him and the Dodat family. I’m also very appreciative for his support letters on my behalf for my artist visas to work in the US. I’ll be Dodat forever. It was a blast dancing with the team for years. It got me ready! And ever since, I have been doin’ my thang. Seeing my peoples work continually inspires me.
Toronto overall has always had an amazingly vibrant and diverse music, arts, and dance scene which I immersed myself in deeply since super young. I was practically a baby. It has helped shape me. I’ve thankfully come up with some super fierce talent that always pushed me to wanna be better. It’s another reason why I still have such determination and drive today.
I can most definitely say that things weren’t always easy! It’s been a crazy hard road that many would never believe I’ve been on. But, I am happily still here to speak about it. And to encourage and inspire others with now. Especially our youth which I now teach at Culver City Middle School for the last four years successfully, in Los Angeles county. I’ve been teaching Singing, Performing Arts, and Presentation as well as working one on one with singers on artist development. I am very happy to share over twenty years of experience in this Industry.
I thank God on a daily bases for my strength and tenacity! It’s with his strength and will, that I am still alive today to share my gifts of song, voice, lyrics, and melody.
Being that my parents split up when I was five, I am very thankful my dad always made sure to support and encouraged us to keep busy consistently. He had us involved in many sports and the arts. My favorites were; basketball, dance, and equestrian horseback riding. These three passions kept me off the streets, engaged, excited, and excelling.
To this day, my dad’s support is something I am super grateful for. It truly saved me along my journey as a young girl growing up in the city.
Without his consistency, love, support, and his positive direction. I truly wouldn’t be here.
I always say, my strength also comes from his Polish blood in me. Haha. My Babcia, aka my Polish grandma, had such amazing strength coming from Poland alone on a ship with her first son who was sick. After practically slaving in the work camps through the second world war after being taken from home at only fourteen by the Nazis. She thankfully made her way to Canada unbelievably to meet my Dzia dzia. (Grandpa)
To say that we have a lineage of hard workers, with a crazy hardcore work ethic, bravery, and determination to succeed, Would be an understatement indeed. A next-level kinda hustle and mentality that Influenced me massively. I know I come by it honestly.
My late great-mother ‘Patricia Ann Daye’s’ side, on the other hand, is the “Daye” family. In which I honor her, taking on her name. May she continue to rest in peace. Nova Scotian born, Toronto raised. She also had unbelievable strength having more than nine lives defying almost every odd you can imagine. And, I’m pretty much her Minnie me. I’ve been blessed to witness many miracles with her, which is also where I get my undying faith and tenacity to never top and to keep on dreaming.
After being in and out of hospitals, shelters, addiction centers, and AA with my mom. It’s given me a deeper appreciation for life with serious respect and sensitivity towards humanity.
We sadly lost her way too early from many illnesses that caught up to her, unfortunately.
My mom was my best friend and my everything. It has been the hardest loss of my life that changed me forever. But I will say, it only made me work harder for what I want. And, it has pushed me full throttle to continue to pursue my goals and dreams once she left us physically.
Somehow she prepared me, even though I thought I couldn’t be here without her genuinely. I am so very glad I took the time with her that I did for many many years before she left us devastatingly at the early age of 49.
I didn’t sadly get to say goodbye. But the time I spent on a daily with her for years, and the last six months of closeness we shared beforehand, somehow calmed me with a sense of peace in a way I could never anticipate.
Just months before she passed, she told me to spread my wings and fly. She said; When I go, “Go travel and be the star you are Boo”, which is my family nickname. And that is just what I planned to do. Remarkably, not so long after, I got an offer for a gig overseas in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at a high-end club inside the five-star Hilton hotel. In amazement without any hesitation, I packed up my apartment into storage and left Toronto to go sing professionally overseas. It was an unbelievably cool opportunity where I got to arrange my own shows, and freestyle live with some great International musicians and a female UK Dj. From there I was scouted to feature and produce different shows Independently building an amazing tour organically.
I ran with the opportunities and never looked back. Three months turned into five years across five countries and I booked myself on a variety of shows playing at the top five-star venues, hotels, festivals, and for major brands, and celebrities, opening and featuring with International DJs and even performing for royalty.
The crazy thing is, I didn’t anticipate that all that hard work, press, and years of experience Internationally would end up helping me gain what was necessary to receive an 01 artist visa as an extraordinary Singer, Entertainer, and Songwriter to work and live legally in America to continue to pursue my professional career goals and dreams.
The 01 visa just happens to be the hardest visa to get. And I am now on my third one thankfully. Even pushing through a pandemic! And let me tell you, It’s been super challenging. An insanely expensive process and journey! But, I can say “I did it”. And, I’m honestly just getting started. I am thankfully creating my best work yet and working with some legends.
All I can say is never stop dreaming!
During the years based in LA, I’ve thankfully gained some incredible contacts and relations, while doing my thing out here performing on the top stages, and in studio with the best of the best in the Industry. Including several projects with Kevin Flournoy recording in the famous ‘Westlake Studios’ where MJ recorded the “Thriller” album with Quincy, alongside Kevin Dorsey vocally arranging us. Who has worked, sang, and toured for decades with Micheal on the majority of his albums. Truly legendary.
I am so grateful to these gents for believing in me, Including me in such great projects including ‘The K Flow show’ that Kevin aka K-flow created in which I sang, co-hosted, and backed several artists as well. It’s been an honor to work with them and the many other legendary musicians and professionals on the team.
I have to say a special thanks many. First off to Grammy Award-winning drummer extraordinaire Stacey Lamont Sydnor, my MD, and bestie who’s done so much to help aid with my visa and in general uplift me and my career since we met in LA. For featuring me, backing me, and Inviting me on many projects, and features over the years in Hollywood. And, for the production of my Ep due soon, that we’re finally completing with my band too. Other greats I have to thank and mention as well are; Wayne Vaughn, Chuckii Booker, William Lee, Darryl Simmons, Narada Micheal Walden, Kevin Dorsey, Fabian Cooke, and Van Alexander. I appreciate all the support tremendously. I wouldn’t be here without their blessings, kindness, and professionalism. I am very thankful! And, excited for more works and Daye collaborations with several of these legends to come. Stay tuned!
Looking back I remember playing my dad’s vinyl record collection on our visits. And Barry White always stood out to me. He just so happened to be the first live concert that my dad took me to see at Ontario place too. When I heard Barry’s voice, I ran ahead to see a revolving stage in amazement and his live orchestra playing. I was in pure awe with my jaw dropped. From that moment, it changed me! I knew in my spirit somehow that I had to continue my musical journey. Music has always been my everything! A driving force, with God leading me in the right direction consistently.
All these years later, and even more incredible. Now I am working with Chuckii Booker whose Godfather was the late great Barry White. He amazingly performed and played on tour with him at that exact concert I was at and inspired by. Like Whoa! Talk about alignment. Never would I have imagined something like that would ever happen. Of course, I was a fan of Chuckii’s albums and hits, and his days working and producing the group ‘Troop’. Musically directing Janet and TLC’s tours too among so many others. But then crazier, I even danced on Much Music back home when his group ‘Troop’ featured in Toronto all those years ago. Mind-blowing!
Now, Chuckii and I have completed a new single we wrote together called “Catch me (If I fall)” that’ll be coming out soon. I’m planning hopefully this summer. With the plan to do three or four more with him soon. Meanwhile, he is juggling producing Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie’s new albums. As well as his new album with The Universiity band from Janet’s Rhythm Nation Tour. Life is a trip! I am humbled and honored. A blessing it is. God always takes care of it! Excited to see what’s next. Expecting only greatness.
When people ask me about my major Influences, I look back to my parent’s awesome record collection. Records like; The BeeGees, Barbara Streisand, Evelyn Champagne King, Stevie, The Four Tops, Phil Collins, Lionel Richie, The Commodores, Pat Benatar, and Sting. We listened to this music on our long road trips to my dad’s house on weekends. These were some of the records and soundtracks to my youth that influence the soul in my sound.
Stay tuned for more from me, as my story continues to unfold. It constantly amazes me daily! New shows in the plans, records to release & I do plan to write my life story and Hollywood ending. It’s DayeTime baby! Let’s goooo. I’m READY!
Please visit and enjoy my site for a variety of my original music, pics from all these Incredible experiences, and more. My videos over the years from local shows, tours overseas, and studios to classrooms teaching.
Thanks in advance for the support. Sincerely, Lady Daye. www.SarahDaye.com
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?
It hasn’t been smooth all the time that’s for sure, but I have learned early that life is full of obstacles, peaks, and valleys and you just gotta be patient, see what works and what doesn’t, stay consistent, work hard but also smart. And make sure to make great relationships along the way. The struggles are sadly that this business is male-dominated and with that comes a lot of obstacles being a woman in this business which is why I agreed to do the project called “Sheet Music The Diary of a Songwriter’ which is a book I was featured in, with a four-page spread sharing my story in the Industry as a professional singer-songwriter in Hollywood. It also became a Grammy-nominated soundtrack we got recognized for and recorded at the famous Henson studios. I was happy to be a part of it and featured by some incredibly talented fellow female singer-songwriters who were also hand-picked by a multi-Grammy award-winning producer to the stars that produced artists; Rihanna, Pharrell, Lady Gaga to name a few. The project was all about us sharing the struggles of our journey’s in the business as women. And the abuse we all experienced and have overcome while maintaining our sanity pursuing our careers in the music biz. It was before the Me-too movement and I spent many a month’s daily in studio even helping with a business plan, doing sessions, background vocals, leads, and choral parts, etc. The crazy thing is after all that the producer of that project who claimed to support us women got arrested and went to jail for fraud stealing thousands of dollars from a major female artist he was working with who took him to court and won. Not really a shock sadly.
This business is full of snakes that look like your friend. They will say all the right things and stab you or turn on you first chance. Quite insane. Thankfully I was raised right and have a great head on my shoulders. I hold my head high knowing who I am confidently, keeping my integrity while I do my thing in this crazy industry. But the great thing is many women are stepping up and filing roles now which is so inspiring and wonderful to see.
I have most definitely taken the long road around in many many ways. Trying to avoid situations I felt were just based on sex, drugs, and or manipulation which I avoided. I have said no sooo many times when I wanted to work with certain producers, but I knew they didn’t really want me there for the music.. It’s been difficult to trust and always discern, but I have gotten better at it and I’m thankfully surrounded now by some of the best who I believe have had my best interest and shown respect. I ultimately got myself here with my hard work, talent, and tenacity. I always say the only one who can stop me is me. That’s a quote from my friend Jovan Rosenberg’s book. And, of course. I trust that God’s got me. I have a very strong faith.
I have been in a few awful situations that I came close to me being raped. So, I say to young women and young artists, don’t go anywhere alone! The first thing to remember. If they don’t want you coming with anyone, that’s a red flag period. Don’t do it! It’s a trap. Not worth it!
It’s important to be as self-sufficient as possible and I honestly have done all you’ll see online myself. From my styling, make up, hair, design, promo, graphics, songwriting, some co-production, arranging shows, and managed myself all this time Internationally. I’ve also booked myself, written almost all my contracts with help from few lawyers and pros I have overlook my stuff. I’ve written my grants and resumes, bios, and you name it! Mostly because I’ve had to.
Now I’m working with Industry professionals who have proven to have my back and don’t have to talk or be Hollywood. I keep my circle very small, and I keep smart. I always go to my dad for advice as well. He always lets me know his opinion quickly. He’s made million dollar deals on the golf courses and comes from the streets of Toronto, humble beginnings as a sales man, who worked hard and did more then ok, I’m so very grateful to have him to bounce things off of and go to when I can. We all need a support system and those few. I’m still open of course to collaborate and meet new people. And I’m growing my team as I speak.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
First of all, I am true professional. I take pride in my work ethic and I only surround myself with the best to elevate always.
I bring worldclass quality and musicianship to my shows, my clasroom and to my music. I have great integrity, I am loyal and I love to give back. My years of hard work, sweat and tears got me where I am today, which is why I’m here. I’ve basically been a one woman show predominantly. And I am all about quality! Though I am focused and continuing to build the best team.
I’m known for my strength as a live performer, a powerhouse vocalist with great range, flexibilty, and a unique soulful sound. Both in-studio recording on a variety of projects of all styles Interntionally, to stage working with greats. My band who I call “The Daye Dream team” is comprised of the best of the best musicians that back the stars. Many of my boys and gals who have become my family in LA. We always bring an incredible show and It’s Important to always satify my clients. We go above and beyond which is why we get called back a lot and feature at the top spots in LA. I provide my own sound equiptment when needed as well, and have been running my own business since based in LA.
I have been booking from LA, all throughout the South Bay to Vegas basically.
With a musical theatre background, I do plan to do Broadway too one day. But I also sing pop, soul, r&b, funk, and jazz, Including my original soulful selections of course. I have done some off broadway so far where I got to use my acting skills and dance background. And I am open and looking forward to doing more of that too in this new year as well.
I am excited to open up with my band for many more major acts, continue to headline a variety of local and International festivals, and music venues as I continue recording.
I love hosting and performing with local and International DJ’s singing house music, acid jazz too. I have a few Edm numbers which can be found on my site and Soundcloud as well which I toured with. I had the honor thus far to work and sang overseas featuring with Dj Bert Bevans, Dj Ravin “Buddah Bar”, Jose Padilla “Cafe Del Mar” and several other local names Internationally.
I am proud overall of my body of work. And I’m excited to share the new singles that are my best work yet with Chuckii Booker, my bro William Lee and Narada Micheal walden too. Coming soon! Please stay tuned. I truly can’t wait to share them and to go tour the rest of the states, Canada and over seas yet again Internationally too. All apart of the plan. I’ve got non stop inspiration.
This year is about finishing as much writing as I can with some new incredible collaborations. Getting more placements for my music in tv, commercials, film, and video games etc. Work, work, work, like Rihanna sang. I’m READY!
I am always excited to book new shows, take on a few new clients to work with and mentor musically. And, I’m open for both vocal and writing sessions regularly. Let’s GO! Get at me.
Visit my site SarahDaye.com to reach me. Or DM my Ig.
We’d love to hear about what you think about risk-taking.
I’ve taken risks my whole life. Always going for what I want and fighting the good fight with everything in me. I come by it honestly. My mothers personality and my fathers hustle, and ‘Just do it” mentality. I stay ready!!!
The three visa processes I’ve gone through to be here in the US legally to work as an extraordinary singer have been the hardest challenges of my life in the industry. Spending thousands of dollars to apply and not even knowing if you’re going to be rewarded the opportunity or not. A major risk is that you could lose all the money from your hard work. It’s harder than anyone gets! It takes loads of work for months preparing a thousand-page case and application to prove your extraordinary. I tell people it’s almost like writing a masters or something. But I am so thankful my hard work so far has paid off. You sacrifice being away from your loved ones, your family and your life as you know it back home, to take the leap of faith for your dreams. It’s not at all easy! But, if you don’t take the leap of faith and go for it and believe in the risk. You’ll never achieve. I am happily up for the challenge and working hard constantly growing and gaining amazing opportunities. And that’s why I am still here doing this damn thang!
Thankfully, I got through all three cases successfully and the last one my lawyer even told me that a two-time Emmy winner got turned down. One never knows why things happen. But I know my faith every time gets me through. God is simply amazing! And I have defied many odds just from trusting and believing. I do the work, focus with my every being. And then I let go and let God work. I wouldn’t be here without my faith. Period! I thank my parents for teaching me to have a relationship with God. And my Babcia for teaching me to pray as a little girl. It saves me everyday.
Thanks for taking the time to come along on this ride with me dreamers. The journey of the Daye is truly just getting started. I’ve come this far. And I have a lifetime of fruitfulness and creativity to share. It’s #DayeTime baby!
Time to put it all out now. New videos up next! Let’s GO.
I hope you will all enjoy, share, comment and pay it forward somehow.
Blessings!
Sarah, Lady Daye ![]()
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.SarahDaye.com
- Instagram: @SarahDaye
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SarahDayeMusic
- Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/SarahDaye
- Youtube: https://www.Youtube.com/SarahDaye
- SoundCloud: https://www.Soundcloud.com/SarahDaye
- Other: https://www.Tiktok.com/SarahLadyDaye

Image Credits
Maz Fotos
WTME Photography
Sarah Daye
