Feature: Daisy Gill Decodes “Dream”
Photo Credit: Kyle May
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind "Dream" and the story it tells?
“Dream” came from a really strange place, literally in my sleep. I’ve always had vivid dreams, but I started experiencing lucid dreams and sleep paralysis, and it was terrifying but fascinating at the same time. The song tells the story of being trapped in that limbo between dreaming and waking, where you feel powerless but your mind’s still racing. I wanted to capture that haunting, surreal feeling but make it into something you could still dance to. It’s that clash between beauty and fear, escape and reality.
How did you approach the arrangement and composition of the music for "Dream?"
I wanted it to feel dreamy but intense—like you’re floating but something’s pulling you under. So I used atmospheric synths, layered vocals, and a hypnotic beat to reflect that push and pull. I’m big on contrast, so it’s got that eerie, otherworldly vibe, but it still hits with energy. I just kept asking, “How can I make this feel like the inside of a dream?”
Can you talk about the recording and production process for this song?
It started in my little bedroom setup, just laying down the ideas as they came. I recorded loads of vocal layers, because I wanted it to feel like voices in your head or echoes from another world. Once I had the core of it, I took it into Logic and started shaping it adding textures, experimenting with effects. I’m very hands-on with production, even if I’m not the most technical. It’s more about feeling for me; does this sound like the inside of my brain at 3AM? If it does, I keep it!
Can you share a bit about your musical background and the journey that led you to where you are today?
I’ve been singing since I could talk, really I grew up surrounded by music, always performing in some way. But my real journey started when I began writing my own songs. I studied music, pushed through a lot of personal stuff, and found my voice through all of it. I’m not from a big flashy background I make music from my bedroom, often with my little dog next to me looking at me very puzzled to why I’m making weird noises into a mic. But I think that’s what makes it special, I write from what feels honest and raw.
How do you channel your emotions and connect with your audience during live performances?
I just let myself feel. I’m not someone who holds back. If the song’s emotional, I go there. If it’s fun, I live in it. I think when you’re genuine, people feel that. I always try to make it feel like I’m telling a story, not just singing a song. And I love connecting with people through that vulnerability it’s the best feeling when someone comes up after a gig and says, “That song felt like you were telling my story.” That’s why I do it.
