Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your musical journey and background?
My name is Talia Daniels. I am a Contemporary Gospel and Christian song writer and recording artist. I was born in Trinidad, West Indies and grew up in New York, NY. I started singing and writing at a young age and have never lost my love for it. I grew up in church and led choirs as a teen. As a young adult I tried my hand at singing all genres and was busy in the New York jazz and R&B scene, but my true love was singing for The Lord and I returned to it. I have been on staff as a Contemporary Christian Worship leader for over 10 years in South Carolina where I have raised my family. My husband and I love the peace we find in the quiet city of Gaffney.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and style?
Growing up my house was filled with the sounds of Andrae Crouch, The Winans, Michael McDonald and Anita Baker. We loved Aretha and of course as a young adult I tried hard to reach the notes produces by Mariah Carey. I also had a strong love for jazz.
Can you share a specific artist or album that has had a significant impact on your music?
There are two women that have had the strongest impact on my music, CeCe Winans and the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald. CeCe specifically influenced my writing style because her songs are constantly full of encouragement and uplift you. Her songs are ones that carry you through tough time, like Alabaster Box, or welcome you into a place of worship, like Holy Spirit Come and Fill This Place. Elle’s smooth, melodic voice was one that I could sit and listen too every day. I would practice for hours trying to achieve that same mellow vocal that she is famous for in songs like Someone to Watch Over Me.
What’s your creative process like when you’re composing or writing a new song?
My song writing is often birthed through worship. I will either be spending time in bible study or worshiping through song and a tune or lyric will come to me. I have even woken up from sleep several times with lyrics playing in my head and have to jump up and write them down. Recently I have had the pleasure and honor or teaming up with two skilled and important writers that I met in Nashville, TN at a Writing Worship Conference. Allison McHugh and Chris VanDuyn and I have spent many hours over the past year in fellowship and prayer writing several songs and planning others to come.
Among all the songs you’ve created, do you have a personal favorite? If so, what makes it special to you?
To date, my favorite song, that I have written by myself is “In The Meantime”. It was the first one that I had the courage to release and speaks of my personal feelings in the journey to being able to share my music with the world.
Can you share the story or inspiration behind that particular song?
“In The Meantime” is close to my heart because it was the culmination of what I had learned over the years, in moments of frustration and disappointment while waiting to be able to do the things that I love the most; writing, singing and sharing those creations with the world. In my younger days singing was all I dreamed of doing. As I longed to do it, life, finances and motherhood consumed my time and pushed my dream into the backdrop. In those times of yearning I learned to pray, sing and praise. Those particular words came together to be the chorus of the song. In disappointment find yourself at the feet of God and lean on His word! God can change your circumstances if you place them in His hands.
Latest Song
Of the collaborated songs, I am enjoying my newest release, Jesus My Hope Always, which releases March 29th.
Let’s talk about your latest song. What’s the title, and what’s the story or message behind it?
During one Saturday morning writing session, Ali, Chris and I were chatting about who Jesus is to each of us. We spent a lot of time sharing scripture and knew what The Word of God says, but we began to share stories of what The Lord had down for us individually. From those personal testimonies and talking about the works of God in our lives came the lyrics, He is my joy, He is My Strength, JESUS My Hope Always!
Share a memorable or unique experience from one of your live performances.
For over 15 years now I have lead worship for a Woman’s conference called “Sister Chicks For Christ – Annual Woman’s Day Out”. One particular year there were 1,200+ women in attendance and we opened in song. We sang several songs and set the atmosphere for sharing the Word of God. On the last song, which was How Wonder (I Stand Amazed) I was blown away at how the voices of 1,200 Women raised in unison to sing of How Wonderful the Love of Jesus was to them. The Holy Spirit was so strong in that place that the chorus went on and on and we found it hard to come away from the song. It blesses my soul each time I think about it.
Beyond music, do you have any hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about? How do they influence your music?
I absolutely love gem mining. There is beauty in finding hidden treasure in sand and stone. My husband gifted me the tools for polishing and shaping ordinary stones into beautiful gems. It is a time of tranquility for me and meditation. It is also a time when new lyrics run through my head.
Is there a dream collaboration you’d like to pursue in the future?
There are so many dream collaborations that I would love to do, but I would have to say to collaboration with either CeCe Winans or Isreal Houghton would be an absolute dream.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting their journey in the music industry?
I would definitely say, DON’T STOP, DON’T GIVE UP. It may take longer then you imagined but be faithful to your craft and wait on the blessing.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or new music you have in the works? What can your fans and listeners look forward to from you in the near future?
I am currently getting ready to record an EP with three new songs called “Oh Behold”, which is about the scene around the throne in heaven, “At Work in The Waiting” which is an uplifting song of encouragement and “I Know The King” which is a song relating us to the woman at the well. I hope to record those this year for release in 2025.