Today we’d like to introduce you to Revel Day.
Revel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve known I wanted to sing ever since my 4th-grade nemesis unplugged my karaoke track for the school play, forcing me to sing acapella in front of the whole school. In moments like that you have two choices: pee your pants and stay inside forever, or seize your moment and allow a star to be born (maybe I did both, who knows). I came from a ridiculously talented, musical family. My brother is a world class pianist and music director while both parents are amazing vocalists. Thus, my options were either sing or not be loved by the family.
As I fell in love with music, I sang wherever I could, in church, at school, and even local theaters. I aggressively chased down every opportunity. As I continued my pursuits, amazing things came my way. I was featuring on albums and working with amazing artists such as Kirk Franklin, Pharrell, and Stevie Wonder, appearing on shows like Glee and working on others like X-Factor and American Idol. Before I knew it, I was graduating high school and already a working musician.
Still, the glamour of success just wasn’t enough to survive. I suddenly found myself dealing with bouts of homelessness (for a little bit over a year), floating between sleeping in my car and couch surfing. It was interesting juxtaposing the glitz of Hollywood, treating stars and constellations as your night lights, with the utter reality of wondering where your next meal would come from. However, it was at that time that my artist’s heart was forged.
I fell in love with writing and performing original music. Being able to create something that could allow my audience to feel understood became an irreplaceable high. Fast-forward a year after my debut Album “Church Boy” is released and I’m ecstatic to be releasing new singles. After sharing the stage with artists like Xavier Omar, Avalon Young, and Andy Mineo last year, I can’t even imagine what this new year will bring!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Homelessness, a bunch of no’s, and growing up in “conservative town” have the made my journey in music quite colorful. I had to learn very early on that this is not a career you do because you want to be rich or famous, or sometimes even well liked. You do it because there is nothing else for you. Because when you love it like that, every hardship is worth it.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I’m an Artist, which I’ve learned sometimes mean you do a bit of everything. But what I do primarily is tell stories through the vehicle of music. Which ironically is what I’m most proud of, that I’m songwriter/artist that’s still interested in telling a story.
What sets me apart is how eclectic my sound can be. I’m a soul vocalist through and through (with strong gospel roots), but I also love musical theater, alt music, and acoustic driven melodies. So instead of only subscribing to one, I’ve set out to create an ever-evolving sound that encompasses all that inspires me.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
As a musician, the moment I’m proudest of is sharing the stage with Stevie Wonder and Singing for Barack Obama before his second term in office. Stevie has always been one of my biggest influences, and as an African American man, being able to be a part of such a history defining moment is something that I treasure.
As an artist, probably a show that I did in collaboration with Soulection at the Regent Theater. Singing to a full house, and hearing them sing back to me was a career-defining moment. It gave me tasted of what I’m going after, and it’s been hunger that keeps me going.
Contact Info:
- Website: reveldaymusic.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: revel_day
- Twitter: revel_day
Image Credit:
Ace Barro (Humantraits) Kenzie Kate
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