Q&A: Get Up Close and Personal with Dance Diva INAYA DAY
The dancefloor would most certainly not be the same without Inaya Day. HUGE fan of hers, so thrilled about this! Diva took the time to talk up with my boy Mikey about what tracks she’s workin’ on now, the Biz, her new label, ‘circus music,’ forthcoming collabo with Crystal Waters and much more:
*****GET A FREE DOWNLOAD AT INAYA’s NEW OFFICIAL SITE****
M: Inaya, thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me! You are an icon! Our dance floors would not be the same without “Movin Up,” “Can’t Stop Dancin,” “Keep Pushin On,” and of course, “Nasty Girl.” How do you manage to choose tracks that become such instant classics?
ID: Well, I figure if the music moves me, it’ll probably move others. If I believe in it, just maybe, I can make others believe it, too. Other than that, it’s left to luck and blessings.
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M: You have a very recognizable sound, “very big room, hands in the air anthem.” How do you think the world of dance music has changed in terms of sound?
ID: Well, it seems music is now more made up of a collection of random sounds rather than ANY instruments. The musicality is most times lost and not many classics are being made. A lot of the music sounds alike. Creativity is lacking. I call it ‘circus music.’There’s no depth, and it leaves me with nothing to dance to or FEEL. Good music gets you by. GREAT music makes you FEEL something for the rest of your life.
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M: You also have worked with one of Muzo’s favorite (and featured) DJ’s, Eddie Kay, who actually directed the video for “Say You Will.” What is it like working with him?
ID: Eddie Kay is AWESOME! He’s done a FEW projects for me and there is no end to his talents. He’s always helpful and insightful. He’s much valued in my camp.
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M: You’ve worked with some other big name DJs in the industry: Mike Cruz & Harry “Choo Choo” Romero to name a few. Who else is on your “wish list” of DJ’s to work with?
ID: My WISH list? Hmn. I’d love to work with my buddy, Dennis Ferrer, but he usually steers clear of established artists…BUT, ya never know. In the meantime, I’ll continue to dance to his music as if no one’s watchin’ :-)I’d also love to collab with another buddy; Frankie Knuckles. He’s standing by for me to send him some vocals, so my wish may come true.
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M: From “Nasty Girl” to “Glamorous Life,” you took some ’80s tracks and gave them the “Inaya” treatment! Any other classic tracks you may want to update and put your own spin on them?
ID: Yes indeed… I’ve laid vocals for two more Prince tunes… love him, and I have a remake of a Sub-Sub song in the works.
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M: The world of marketable dance music (and music in general) has changed dramatically. You recently started your own record label. Is this as a result of the changes in dance music marketability?
ID: It’s actually a result of labels no longer doing their part to promote. If the only thing a label will do is release a song, I figure I can do THAT myself….. so, I AM. I figure no one will believe in my music more than I, so, I’ve cut out the middle man. If I’m gonna heighten the profile of a label, why not have it be my own…. giving it a shot. :-)
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M: We hear that you have a track coming up with the iconic Crystal Waters!? How did that powerhouse partnership come about?
ID: AH! Crystal’s a friend of mine, and I asked if she’d write a song for us to sing for my upcoming full project. It’s a fun song and almost done with production. Can’t wait!
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M: The boys always give you so much love from the dance floors! Got a message for your fans that you’d like to relay?
ID: Yes. Thanks to everyone who supports the arts, especially my music! (wink) I hope I can continue to keep you dancing!
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