HOW A CHANCE ENCOUNTER LED THIS SONGWRITING DUO TO AN EMMY NOM
Ranking close to the top of things that a successful music producer may not want to hear from his new wife:
“Sooo…..A friend of mine invited us over tonight so we can hear his daughter sing and give them some advice. I told him we’d be there…!”
That’s exactly the situation that producer/songwriter Bobby Hartry found himself in 5 years ago, as he sat down to listen to a shy and reluctant artist play a couple of songs she’d written. With her back to Bobby, Daena Jay sat at her keyboard, facing the wall, and began to play. By the time she hit the first chorus, Bobby glanced over to his wife with an affirming twinkle in his eye…a twinkle that said “ok…wow…this girl is really freaking talented…!”
That night began what would turn into a solid friendship and songwriting partnership. Immediately they started writing songs together that would fit into one of three categories –
1. Songs to be sold for commercial assignment,
2. Songs that would go into a co-owned catalog to be used for licensing opportunities, and
3. Songs written for the sheer act of creative expression (many which have been released through CatBeach Music, a boutique indie label).
Featuring Daena’s power vocals, these songs quickly started to see action as they became the backdrop for commercials, brand sponsorships, and multiple shows across various TV networks, while also serving to fuel Daena’s growing fanbase.
One day in early 2015, RC Cates – the music supervisor for CBS’s Young & The Restless, called Bobby looking for a special song that would convey both passion and tension…and that would become a sort of theme song for a beloved couple affectionately called “Chadam.’
Bobby and Daena had just finished a song called ‘The Gray,’ a dark scenic ballad, that conveys a passionate longing and is layered with undertones of angst and tension. The song, perfect for the spot. premiered on Y&R on April 16, 2015, was subsequently released globally to an enthusiastic audience, and in turn, was nominated for an Emmy – Outstanding Original Song in Daytime Drama. This is the first nomination for this songwriting pair, who will be attending the Daytime Emmys – Creative Arts Gala on April 29, 2016 at the Bonaventure Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.
Congratulations to Bobby and Daena on their Emmy Nom, and best of luck! We can’t wait to hear from these two in the future!
Listen to ‘The Gray’:
Spotify
Apple Music
www.bobbyhartry.com
www.daenajaymusic.com
