Kat Harlton
After moving to Toronto to pursue her musical dreams, JUNO Award nominated Canadian Pop artist Delaney Jane spent her early career as a featured vocalist and topline writer. She caught the attention of some of the biggest names in the dance music industry leading to collaborations with artists such as DVBBS, Oliver Heldens, REZZ, Adventure Club, and Grandtheft followed by tours with The Chainsmokers, Tiesto, and Shaun Frank.
Delaney released her solo album Dirty Pretty Things in 2019 featuring the Platinum-selling track “Bad Habits” which hit Top 10 on the Canadian Top 40 and AC, marking her fourth Gold-certified record. Following the album release, Delaney was named one of the top rising artists to watch by Apple Music and was made the cover of the Spotify playlist “Hot New Pop Sounds” and has reached over 100 million overall career streams.
Delaney recently released new single “Just Sex” at the end of August, and we had the chance to chat with her about new music, letting go of inhibitions, and what’s next.
Kat: How would you describe your sound? And for those just being introduced to your sound, is there anything you think they should know about your music before getting into it?
Delaney: I would say my sound is always changing and evolving depending on what’s going on in my life, in the world around me and the kind of music I’m inspired by at the time. Since I first made my come up in the electronic dance music scene, I would say no matter what direction I go sonically, my music always has electronic influences and elements. I love the combination of real instruments (piano, guitar, drums, strings, etc.) with the limitless opportunities that come with using electronic sounds and synths. I feel like it really gives me a chance to create my own world, and then welcome everyone else to step inside it.
Kat: You recently released your single “Just Sex”. Can you share with us your thought process and inspiration behind the track? And why you felt it was the single you wanted release?
Delaney: Ever since I can remember, I always did the things I was told not to do. If my mom told me not to touch something, I would grab it. I’m not sure if I was just always a rebellious little shit or if there was something deeper going on – like a child deprived of certain things – maybe it was just a cry for attention. How the hell does THAT relate to “Just Sex”? Well, it’s kind of the same old story. The habitual desire to do that which I know is “wrong” or “bad”. Finding even greater pleasure in something simply BECAUSE it is considerably wrong or bad… Just Sex is about that one person you shouldn’t be in the same room with because you know it’ll end with both of you naked and intertwined. It’s about letting go of all inhibitions and just being in the moment, even though you know it’s probably gonna hurt a lot more when it’s all said and done. But for that one moment, you want what you want, and you take it. We’re human. We want the pleasure and the pain and everything in between. We crave the push and pull, and sometimes that’s just the way it is… It’s exciting when it’s wrong and it’s thrilling when it’s bad. It’s probably gonna hurt more when it’s done.
Kat: You’ve been named one of the top rising artists to watch by Apple Music and were made the cover of the Spotify playlist “Hot New Pop Sounds” and have reached over 100 million overall career streams. What has been a career highlight for you so far? What have you learned along the way?
Delaney: The streaming numbers are cool and pretty surreal, but to be honest, the greatest moments are when I’m standing on stage, face-to-face with my fans, watching them sing every single word of my songs back to me. I’ll never forget my first ever solo show in Toronto when we sold out two nights back-to-back in my hometown hood… Having the entire crowd sing every word of my songs – watching them dance, cry, headbang – was truly one of the most memorable experiences of my career (and life) so far. For me, the most fulfilling moments will always be when I witness first-hand how my music has impacted other people and how deeply they connect with it. When I was growing up and going through some rough stuff, music saved me, time and time again. It’s pretty crazy to think that other people now look up to me in that same way… that my music has the power to bring them out of whatever internal darkness they may be facing.
Kat: Do you have any advice for emerging artists? or have you been given any advice that really made an impact?
Delaney: Be. Yourself. Write from your heart. Write as real and as honestly as you can, because at this point in time (let’s face it) it’s easy for music to sound recycled and manufactured. Aspire to create something new and fresh, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Also, don’t waste your time comparing yourself to others. It’s easy to get lost in the abyss of social media and feel like everyone is getting farther than you faster than you, but trust your own journey. As long as you work hard and put in the time and effort, you’ll be right where you’re meant to be.
Kat: How have you been staying connected during Covid-19? What’s next?
Delaney: I’ve certainly tried. At the same time, I’ve also conscientiously tried to DISconnect. I think, as sad and as messed up as the time we’re living through is, we always have to try and find the silver lining. For many of us, that means taking some time to look inward and practice self-reflection. It’s been a bit of a challenge trying to grow internally/spiritually while also trying to stay connected to my fans and to the overall music world, but I think I’ve been balancing it pretty well. Again, I try not to compare myself to anyone else and just trust my own path and pace. I know I’m putting out good music and I will continue to do so, so as long as people are listening, I’ll keep delivering the gold ;)