Dana Parish, singer/songwriter

I met with Dana on a rainy Monday afternoon, and she arrived for the interview looking impeccable and gorgeous. Since Dana was a little girl, she has been fascinated with music. She grew up outside Philadelphia and as a young girl she listened to the music of Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and Regina Belle. She was 10 years old when she began singing lessons. She studied with the opera singer, Paul Adkins, from whom she received a great eclectic musical experience. She went on to the New England Conservatory of Music and then transferred to the Manhattan School of Music, from where she was graduated.

Dana is an accomplished songwriter and I asked about her inspirations. She explained that she listens to people's conversations and stories and draws from her own life and experiences. Her late night anxieties are layered and infused with her feelings about her personal loves, breakups, and agonies. The result is a message in music about togetherness, pain, and the joy of life. Her songs come from a very personal and private place. Dana explained that she takes time to live with her songs and because they are so personal they take some time to be revealed.

Dana has received a beautiful response from her fans. Her songs have helped them get through some of life's difficulties... and she feels very gratified when she can help listeners with her music. "Helping somebody is a beautiful thing," she feels.
The artists that Dana admires are Danny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Sheryl Crowe, Patty Griffen, and Damien Rice.

Dana's goals are to touch as many people as possible. She hopes to create timely music in songs which evolve from an artistic and organic path to reach a consciousness.

Dana's CD is called "Uncrushed." I adore and am moved by so many of the songs, but a personal favorite is "Let It Go By."
Dana's sound is pure and focused and grounded. And, like the artist... impeccable.

Thank-you, Dana, for sharing a part of the rainy Monday afternoon. Dana Parish on MySpace