About Me.
Words & Music
I've never been very good at learning just enough.
Every time I learn something new, the world gets a little bigger. Once something captures my attention, I keep exploring until I understand it. Then I can't wait to share what I've discovered.
I've come to realize that's how I've always moved through life. It's led me into law, education, music, and countless unexpected adventures along the way.
Although I'd written songs throughout high school, college, law school, and beyond, they eventually found their way into a paper folder and quietly stayed there. Then, in 2018, new lyrics and melodies began showing up again.
Around that same time, my daughter casually mentioned that she had no idea I'd ever written songs. I remember thinking, "If I leave them in that folder, she'll never know that side of me."
Not long after, I saw a college friend sharing one of his own songs on social media. Instead of simply admiring what he'd created, I found myself wondering how I could bring my own songs to life. It took one small act of courage to send my lyrics to a production company in New York. That single decision opened the door to an entirely new world I couldn't wait to understand.
Hearing It Come Alive
Writing the songs was only the beginning. At first, they lived as lyrics on a page and melodies I'd sing into my phone. I couldn't stop wondering what they might become.
When the first finished recording arrived, I was staying at my brother-in-law's house in Henderson, Nevada. I remember slipping into a quiet bedroom, closing the door, and staring at the email. I was supposed to listen, take notes, and suggest changes. Instead, I sat there for a minute, almost afraid to press play.
Then I did.
Hearing my own words and melody transformed into a finished song was unlike anything I'd experienced before. It was both familiar and completely new. In that moment, I knew I'd discovered another fascinating world, and I couldn't wait to understand how it all worked.
As my songs evolved, so did the people I worked with. Collaborating with producer Jeff Silverman at Palette Music in Nashville helped me grow as a songwriter and opened the door to an even deeper understanding of the creative process. Together we produced Sunlight Fades (HMMA-nominated in 2019), Etched With Fire (HMMA-nominated in 2020), and A New Story.
Around that same time, I also discovered something I never expected: a community. What began as meeting other songwriters online became genuine friendships with people who continue to inspire, encourage, and collaborate with me. Many of the musicians and vocalists you'll hear on these recordings are friends I've met along the way, and they've enriched both the music and my life.
Sharing My Voice
For years, I felt confident calling myself a songwriter but uncertain about my voice. I wasn’t a trained vocalist, and for a long time I assumed my songs were better served by experienced session singers.
Then something unexpected happened. Through a community of songwriters, I found myself sharing my songs by singing them. What began as a simple challenge to step outside my comfort zone became the first Music Monday. I had fun, so I did it again the next week. More than 330 Mondays later, I’m still showing up.
Over time, I began to notice something. As much as I appreciated hearing talented vocalists bring my songs to life, a small part of me always felt disconnected from the finished recording. The stories were mine. The emotions were mine. Eventually, I realized I wanted my lived experience to be part of the recording too.
Today, I’ve released three songs in my own voice, and there are many more on the way. If you’d like to follow along, you can find my music on Spotify and all the usual streaming platforms.
Thanks for listening. I’m so glad you’re here.
xoxo,
Dana
Affiliations & Recognition.
