Will Dailey
Will Dailey | |
|---|---|
 Will Dailey in 2013 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 1976 or 1977 (age 47–48)[1] |
| Origin | Allston, Boston,Massachusetts |
| Genres | Rock,Roots, pop |
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Labels | Universal Republic, CBS Records, JSM, Wheelkick Records (Current) |
| Website | www |
Will Daileyis an American independent recording artist, performer and producer. His sound has been described as having a rich vintage vibe[2]while having a firm appreciation of AM rock, pop and big hooks.[3]
He has released albums with Universal,CBS Records,Wheelkick Records and JS Music Group. Dailey has released six full-length albums since 2004. His latest full-length record,Golden Walkercame out on Wheelkick Records on June 1, 2018 and was called "a new peak."[4]by theBoston Herald.His last full-length album,National Throat,came out on Wheelkick Records, on August 26, 2014. It directly followed Dailey's choice to split with a major label and usePledge Musicto create his album. A 2017 article inThe Simple Dollarhighlighted his work ethic and indie ethos, labeling Dailey a "middle-class musician.[5]
Based out ofBoston,he is notable as being a 7-time winner in theBoston Music Award:Best Male Singer-Songwriter in 2006, again on December 2, 2009 and December 2, 2012 and Album of the Year and Artist of the Year December 14, 2014 and Male Vocalist in 2015 and 2016. The first single, "Sunken Ship", was a finalist in the 2013 International Songwriting Competition,[6]received heavy radio play and received Song of The Year in theNew England Music Awards.The album was released exclusively on vinyl three month prior to official release date.[7]It premiered onBillboardsHeat Seekers chart at #18 and won Album of the Year in theNew England Music AwardsApril 19, 2015 as well. In 2009 and 2010, Dailey releasedTorrent,which involved the artist digitally releasing a burst of new music approximately every three months, and then compiling that material, along with bonus material, as a physical and digital audio package twice a year.
Dailey is also a part of theJohn MellencampandStephen Kingmusical projectGhost Brothers of Darkland County.
Career
[edit]At age 12, Dailey used his own savings to buy a small guitar and amp. By age 16, he had completed his first public performance on stage at a pub.[8]
Will Dailey, with his band The Rivals, has performed at the annualFarm Aidbenefit concert four times: in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2013. Dailey is currently a member of the Farm Aid Development Advisory Board.
His songs have appeared in a variety of venues, including numerous television shows (see a partial list of Will Dailey's songs featured in television programs).
In a 2009 review of one of his live shows in support ofTorrent,Dan Aquilante ofThe New York Postcalled Dailey "the real deal", and compared his musical style to that ofTim BuckleyandJohn Mayer.[9]
Charity work
[edit]Since 2009 Dailey has been closely involved and performing regularly inTheo EpsteinandPeter Gammonscharity eventHot Stove Cool Musicto benefitThe Foundation To Be Named Latersince 2010 in both Chicago and Boston. In addition to performing his material, Dailey performed three times on separate occasions withEddie Vedderat the event and once withLetters To Cleo.[10]
Since 2014, Dailey has been on the Development Advisory Counsel forFarm Aid.[11]
In 2013 Dailey was the artist ambassador to an East Boston-based nonprofit organizationZUMIXdedicated to building of community through music and the arts and continues to remain associated.[12]
In 2020, at the onset of the Covid lockdown and the cancelation of 2020 tours, Dailey began streaming concerts from his shower in support of Boston Venues and independent musicians facing economic distress. By the end of the run, over $20,000 was raised to support those in need.[13]
GoodbyeRedBullet
[edit]In 2004, Dailey sold his car to pay for the release of his first full-length solo album,GoodbyeRedBullet.Although the proceeds of the sale were enough to fund the release of his CD, there was not enough surplus to finance a tour. Dailey instead relied upon his family and friends to generate publicity, a tactic which eventually gained him a mailing list of more than 25,000 worldwide.GoodByeRedBulletwas released April 20, 2004 and eventually sold more than 10,000 copies.
Rootstime.de called "GoodbyeRedBullet", "Intelligent Songwriting." WhileBilly Zeroof XM Radio Unsigned Radio said of the album, "Songs from the Heart is what you get when you place this order. Simply amazing songwriting and beautiful lyrics."
Following the success of this first album, Dailey began an intensive tour of the West Coast. Stricken withappendicitisand lacking health insurance, he was faced with nearly insurmountable debt. For health and financial reasons, he reluctantly abandoned the tour temporarily, squashing his hopes for a second album and compounding his financial woes. Thereafter, Dailey was able to proceed with his tour for a short while as a means of paying his staggering medical bills.
This situation soon changed when he achieved a record deal from an independent label inLos Angeles,providing him with the financial means to begin recording his second full-length album.
Back Flipping Forward
[edit]Back Flipping Forwardwas released on April 18, 2006.
| External videos | |
|---|---|
 Will Dailey performs rise on CSI:NY |
In late 2006, Will Dailey was among the first artists signed to the newly reformedCBS Records.[14]A large part of the focus for the label will be the promotion of artists who gain notoriety through the media company's own TV programs, whether aired on CBS channels, or made by CBS Paramount Television for broadcast on other networks. TheNew York Postunderscored this agenda, citing appearances of other musicians in CBS programming as a means of promoting upcoming releases and television programs, such as theGrammy Awards.[15]
September 4, 2007 marked the release of a deluxe package of the songRiseexclusively to the Internet music and video download serviceiTunes.The deluxe edition featured the album version of the track, an acoustic version, and a live in-studio video.
Back Flipping Forwardwas remixed and re-released October 2, 2007 through CBS Records. Dailey's cover recording ofTears For Fears'"Everybody Wants To Rule The World"was made available as a bonus track to anyone purchasing the re-release ofBack Flipping ForwardoniTunes.Dailey's version was also used extensively byCBSfor on-air promotion of the series,Kid Nation.Dailey appeared in an episode ofCSI: NYon October 17, 2007. He was seen and heard performing "Rise" in a club, whileGary Sinise'scharacterMac Taylorplayed bass alongside him.
Torrent
[edit]In 2009, Dailey released a new EP every few months as part of his year-long musical project calledTorrent.Torrent, Volume 1: Fashion of Distraction,which was inspired byThe Byrdsand features contributions fromRoger McGuinnwas released digitally on January 20, 2009.[16]
Torrent, Volume 2: By the Blue Hillswas released digitally on March 17, 2009. The album is dedicated to his hometown ofBostonand features guests likeElliot EastonofThe Cars,Tanya DonellyofThrowing MusesandBelly,Kay HanleyofLetters To Cleoand Tim Brennan ofDropkick Murphys.
Dailey's song, "Tomorrow Still Comes" was also featured onNCIS: The Official TV Soundtrack,which was released February 10, 2009 and used prominently in theNCISepisode"South By Southwest"on February 24, 2009. Additionally, "Peace Of Mind" from the firstTorrentvolume was featured in theNCISepisode"Semper Fidelis"on May 12, 2009.Torrent: Volumes 1 & 2was released on June 9, 2009, combining the previous two EPs into a physical package, along with two bonus tracks.
Torrent, Volumes 1 & 2,was released in bothDVDandCDformats. The DVD was released in the then-newΧΟΔΕaudio standard, which is meant to have a much higher fidelity to the original recording.[17]TheTorrentDVD also contains all of the songs in.wav,.aacand.mp3formats. The package also contains a standard CD. The CD, though a double album, was sold at a single-CD price.[16]
In May 2009, Dailey released a promotional video forTorrent,in which he is forced by his managers to make a commercial forTorrentin the style of a famously over-the-top 1976 TV commercial for thePeter LemongelloalbumLove '76.[18]
National Throat
[edit]National Throatwas released worldwide on August 26, 2014. The album was released exclusively on vinyl three months prior to the worldwide release.
The album was inspired by a failing business relationship, wherein Dailey felt like he was a "passenger on a sinking ship." Dailey willingly walked away from one of the largest labels in the world, took charge and involved his fans in a communal creative process throughPledgeMusicto makeNational Throat.[19]
National Throatdebuted in the top 20 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.[19]JournalistJon Karrsaid ofNational Throat,"Dailey's latest album makes it clear that good songwriting isn't a matter of hiding behind shiny production or an over-stylized persona. His music doesn't contain a note of pretense. If anything, it is committed to the beauty of simplicity. National Throat is a statement about the value of creativity and the survival of art. Dailey believes the truth will find its way out, that what is real and beautiful will rise to the top."[20]
| External videos | |
|---|---|
| Will Dailey's "Sunken Ship" music video |
Just before the global release ofNational Throat,Dailey released his first music video "Sunken Ship." Directed by Joe Carter, Dailey's physical and mental limitations take shape by way of a bathtub inDuxbury, Massachusettsand a beachfront inNewburyport, Massachusetts.[21]Dailey followed with a lyric music video for "Higher Education" in late September 2014.[22]The song and video were inspired by Dailey's experience atZumix,a Boston-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and building communities through music and the arts. The music video is dedicated to Zumix and includes several of the children Dailey mentored.[23]
Dailey andNational Throatwon Album of the Year and Artist of the year in the 2014Boston Music Awards.[24]The Improper Bostonian Magazinealso awarded National Throat Album of The Year in June 2015. It also won Album of The Year and Song of the Year (Sunken Ship) in theNew England Music Awardsin February 2015.
Golden Walker
[edit]| External videos | |
|---|---|
| Will Dailey's animated video for "Bad Behavior" directed by Justin Nixon |
Golden Walker,Dailey's 6th full-length album, was released June 1, 2018. The first single "It Already Would Have Not Worked Out By Now" was released March 2018 and the second single "Bad Behavior" April 20. The album debuted #1 on the Northeast Heat Seekers chart onBillboard.TheBoston Heraldcalled the album[6]"a new peak" for Dailey and calledGolden Walkera top album of 2018[7]alongsideLake Street Dive,Janelle Monae,Brandi CarlileandNeko Case.
Equipment
[edit]Dailey plays a custom built Novo andFanoelectric guitar model JM6[25]through aSwartSpace tone andGoodsellSuper 17 and various acoustic guitars including Scott Baxendale Customs[26]and aD'Angelicoacoustic.
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]- GoodbyeRedBullet2004
- Back Flipping Forward2006
- Torrent, Volume 1: Fashion of Distraction2009
- Torrent, Volume 2: By The Blue Hills2009
- Torrent, Volumes 1 & 22009
- Will Dailey & The Rivals2011
- National Throat2014
- Golden Walker2018
Compilations and other recordings
[edit]- "NCIS Soundtrack Vol. 1"2009
- "90210 Soundtrack" 2009
- "Music Hits Home" 2010
- "Subterranean Homesick Blues" 2010
- "The Right Track: Tunes to target Cancer" 2010
- "Cover of Nirvana's Territorial P***ings" 2011
- "WERS Music For The Independent Mind Volume 7" 2012
- "Ghost Brothers of Darkland County" 2013
- "Esperanza: Songs from Jack Kerouac's Tristessa" 2013
- "Boston Does Boston Compilation" 2013
- "20 Essential Will Dailey Songs" 2014
- "Live From The Record Parlour" 2015
- "Abrazo - The Havana Sessions" 2016
- "I Would Die 4 U" 2016
- "Human Ammunition Vol. 1" 2016
- "Pattern of Deconstruction" EP 2020
- "Easy To Be Around" Single 2022
- "Christmas, Of Course" Single 2022
- "More Love Than Myth (Tell the Children) Single 2023
Produced
[edit]- "Goodbye Red Bullet" - Album - Will Dailey (2004)
- "Dear Grace" - Track From "Back Flipping Forward" - Will Dailey (2008)
- "We've Got To Find An Easier Way" - Album – Brian Bergeron (2009)
- "Hands" - Track from "Torrent Vol. 1 & 2" - Will Dailey (2009)
- "Gone Before You Know" - EP – Old Jack (2010)
- "I Hate New York" - EP - Brendan Boogie (2011)
- "Territorial Pissings" - Track from "Come As You Are" - Will Dailey (2011)
- "The Things You Keep" - EP - Jon Gorey (2011)
- "Autumn Hollow" - Album - Autumn Hollow (2013)
- "Broke My Calm" - Track From "Esperanza" Compilation - Will Dailey (2013)
- "Bright" - Track From "Boston Does Boston Vol. 1 & 2" - Will Dailey (2013)
- "National Throat" - Album - Will Dailey (2014)
- "Soft Exile" - EP - Soft Exile (2014)
- "Oh, The Ego" - Album - Audrey Ryan (2014)
- "Die Pretty" & "Unusual Grace" - Single/B Side - Ruby Rose Fox (2014)
- "Braid (Live)" - Live Video Production & Mix - Gem Club (2014)
- "Lay My Body Down For You" - Single - When Particles Collide (2017)
- "Golden Walker" - Album - Will Dailey (2018)
- "No Matter What" - Single - Cliff Notez (2019)
- "Butterfly 503" - Single - Samantha Farrell (2019)
- "At the Edge of the World" - Single - Samantha Farrell (2020)
- "Too Tired To Fly" - Single - Samantha Farrell (2022)
- "Christmas, Of Course" - Single - Will Dailey (2022)
- "Could Be Normal" - Single - Cliff Notez (2023)
- "More Love Than Myth (Tell The Children)" - Single - Will Dailey (2023)
- "Beast" - Single - Cliff Notez (2024)
Partial list of Will Dailey's songs featured in television programs, film and digital media
[edit] | This section of abiography of a living persondoes notincludeanyreferences or sources.(December 2017) |
| Song Title | Show | Episode Title | Original U.S. Airdate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Once In A Century Storm" | Detours | "Antiques Road Show Podcast" | 2020 | |
| "Up To Your Heart" | Greek God Of Hops | "Kevin Youkilis Podcast" | 2020 | |
| "Hands" | BOSE | "S1 PRO Commercial" | 2018 | |
| "Don't Take Your Eyes Off Of Me" | Banshee | "Episode 407" | 2016 | |
| "$300 Man" | BOSE | "F1 Promotion Videos" | 2016 | |
| "Why Do I" | Harpoon Beer | "Take 5 Promotion Commercial" | 2015 | |
| "Big Bright Sun" | NCIS | "Tell-All" | March 29, 2011 | |
| "How Can I Make You Happy" | The Green Room with Paul Provenza | "Showtime Promo Trailer" | May 14, 2010 | Multi-week promotional campaign |
| "Tomorrow Still Comes" | Numb3rs | "Devil Girl" | January 29, 2010 | |
| "Eliza" | Numb3rs | "7 Men out" | October 9, 2009 | |
| "How Can I Make You Happy" | NCIS Los Angeles | "Predator" | October 6, 2009 | |
| "Never Be Your Baby" | Ghost Whisperer | "See No Evil" | October 2, 2009 | |
| "Down The Drain" | The Good Wife | Premiere Episode | September 22, 2009 | |
| "Love Is on the Way" | Accidentally on Purpose | Fall 2009 | Multi-week promotional campaign | |
| "Hallelujah" | The Cleaner | "The Things We Didn't Plan" | July 28, 2009 | |
| "How Can I Make You Happy" | The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson | July 14, 2009 | Live performance | |
| "Undone" | Middle of Nowhere | 2008 | Film | |
| "How Can I Make You Happy" | The Early Show | June 16, 2009 | Live performance | |
| "Peace Of Mind" | NCIS | "Semper Fidelis" | May 12, 2009 | |
| "Keep You A Mystery" | 90210 | "The Party's Over" | May 5, 2009 | |
| "Never Be Your Baby" | Harper's Island | "Bang" | May 2, 2009 | |
| "The Right One" | Numb3rs | "Animal Rites" | April 10, 2009 | |
| "Keep You A Mystery" | NCIS | "Toxic" | April 7, 2009 | |
| "Tomorrow Still Comes" | NCIS | "South By Southwest" | February 24, 2009 | |
| "Never Be Your Baby" | 90210 | "Games People Play" | November 11, 2008 | |
| "Peace Of Mind" | 90210 | "Games People Play" | November 11, 2008 | |
| "Rise" | CSI | October 2008 | Promotional campaign | |
| "Boom Boom" | As the World Turns | October 3, 2008 | On-camera performance | |
| "Rise" | As the World Turns | October 3, 2008 | On-camera performance | |
| "Rise" | Numb3rs | "End Game" | April 25, 2008 | |
| "Rise" | Eli Stone | "Patience" | April 10, 2008 | |
| "Grand Opening" | Life Is Wild | "The Code" | December 9, 2007 | |
| "Grand Opening" | Gossip Girl | "Blair Waldorf Must Pie!" | November 28, 2007 | |
| "Grand Opening" | Life Is Wild | "The Heart Wants What It Wants" | November 18, 2007 | |
| "Grand Opening" | Cane | "One Man Is An Island" | November 6, 2007 | |
| "Good To Me" | Viva Laughlin | October 21, 2007 | ||
| "Rise" | The Early Show | October 17, 2007 | Live performance | |
| "Rise" | CSI: NY | "Time's Up" | October 17, 2007 | On-camera performance |
| "Undone" | NCIS | "Ex-File" | October 9, 2007 | |
| "Hollywood Hills" | The Hills | "They Meet Again" | September 17, 2007 | |
| "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" | Kid Nation | August 2007 | Multi-week promotional campaign | |
| "Undone" | Army Wives | "Who We Are" | July 8, 2007 | |
| "Eliza" | CSI: Miami | "Born To Kill" | May 14, 2007 | |
| "Rise" | NCIS | "Cover Story" | April 10, 2007 | |
| "Hollywood Hills" | What About Brian | "What About Finding Your Place…" | February 12, 2007 | |
| "Bi-Polar Baby" | Ghost Whisperer | "Cat's Claw" | December 15, 2006 | |
| "Grand Opening" | Jericho[8] | "Vox Populi" | November 29, 2006 |
References
[edit]- ^Laban, Linda (January 23, 2008)."His pop songs provide the drama for TV".The Boston Globe.RetrievedMarch 10,2015.
- ^Magazine, Guitar (May 22, 2009)."Acoustic Guitar".NotLame.com.RetrievedJune 15,2009.
- ^Current, Direct (September 22, 2011)."Direct Current".Directcurrentmusic.com.RetrievedSeptember 22,2011.
- ^"The Boston Herald".June 15, 2018.
- ^"The Simple Dollar".
- ^Dailey, William."Pledge Music Album".
- ^"The Vinyl District".May 30, 2014.
- ^WillDailey.com - Biography
- ^Aquilante, Dan (May 22, 2009)."Much Better Than A Pop Idol".New York Post.RetrievedJune 15,2009.
- ^"Vedder helps make Hot Stove Cool Music a winning night - the Boston Globe".
- ^"Farm Aid Board and Staff".
- ^"Will Dailey, ZUMIX Artist Amabassador, Wins Boston Music Award | ZUMIX".
- ^"Will Dailey's virtual bar tour raises money for staff of local music venues".Vanyaland.March 19, 2020.RetrievedMay 20,2021.
- ^James, Meg (December 15, 2006)."CBS Plans To Restart Namesake Music Label".Los Angeles Times.Archived fromthe originalon October 21, 2012.RetrievedJune 15,2009.
- ^"Grammy Nominees Help CBS Get Hip".February 11, 2007.
- ^abBillboard Magazine, May 29, 2009
- ^Torrent, Volumes 1 & 2– Liner Notes: June 9, 2009
- ^Will DaileyLove '76parodyonYouTube
- ^ab[1],Guitar World
- ^[2]New York Minute Magazine
- ^[3]Vanyaland: Video Premiere
- ^Archived atGhostarchiveand theWayback Machine:Will Dailey - "Higher Education" (Lyric Video).YouTube.
- ^[4]PopMatters Video Premiere
- ^[5]The Boston Globe
- ^"Fano Guitars - Artists".
- ^"Baxendale Guitar".
External links
[edit]- willdailey.comThe Official Will Dailey Website
- [9]Will Dailey Blog in Huffington Post
