Sheila Swift Releases First New Single in Six Years - “DAISY” Inspired By The New Movie “The Great Gatsby”

Photo and information courtesy of Miles High Productions

Following her last release in 2007, Shape of Things, Sheila Swift garnered critical praise. It was an album where Swift wore her heart on her sleeve. A sudden hiatus was due to the fact that in 2008, Swift gave birth to two beautiful twin daughters (Marley and Dylan) so her musical career was then put on hold. Although continually writing for herself and others, as well as lending her voice to other tracks such as her friend, Grammy winner Billy Dorsey, on the title track of his new Def-Jam release MARATHON.

Swift was constantly inspired to take up singing again with a fresh new take and comeback. This is what led to the inspiration and recording of “Daisy.” Coincidentally, a remake of the classic film The Great Gatsby, which was released in the U.S. on May 10, features a pivotal character, Daisy Buchanan, who provides inspiration for the song.

 

“Daisy” is about a character who is tortured and emotionally driven and acts on being selfish and shallow, while somehow maintaining a sympathetic likability. Swift retells this story through the ninety second song that will soon be released to press on a special limited edition 45 rpm vinyl to be released simultaneously with her European EP release set for June 18, 2013 with a US release on August 13, 2013. Inspired by the roaring twenties and nostalgia, Swift will mirror “Daisy,” with a b-side track entitled “The Ballad of Buchanan,” also inspired by The Great Gatsby. “Ballad" also gives a nod to Roger & Hamerstien’s number "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair," a song from the musical South Pacific — a mantra that Swift licenses Daisy, as “Ballad,” is more or less Daisy’s response (or private thoughts) regarding her “predicament” with Gatsby and her denial regarding the chaos she herself had created within her personal life.

 

“Daisy” builds through halfway and quickly becomes a personal ballad that tells the story of heartbreak from all sides. It’s a far cry from where Swift left off with Shape of Things, as her voice and lyrics reveal her maturity and empowerment as a singer-songwriter. With repetitive and pleading lyrics, Swift stresses “you’re not owning up.. another day,” accompanied by a simple acoustic backdrop — perfect to provide focus and attention to the song itself.

 

Citing a wide range of influences from Doris Day to Gwen Stefani, Swift is more than an unapologetic rock star in the making. She aims to lead life with purpose and passion incorporating both her love for music and fine art (including, but not limited to painting, photography, & graphic design), doing all original artwork for her releases. A music video will also accompany the single on May 28th on the newly designed website at www.sheilaswift.com. Swift recently played at the South By Southwest Music Festival, as well as a showcase at House of Blues Houston and will embark on a European tour with guitar player Ben Jarrad starting in late May through July 2013.

Listen to "Daisy" here.