Dayna Malow grew up in Skokie, IL, just 10 miles North of Chicago. She began studying voice at the age of 14 and performed locally throughout her High School years. Upon graduating, she attended the University of Miami to study jazz voice and studio recording.
Living in Florida, being surrounded by some of the country's finest jazz musicians and immersed in the Latin culture, one would think Dayna would have chosen the path of jazz chanteuse or Latin songstress, but she was most enthralled by the music coming from under the door of her Kentucky born roommate. He introduced her to artists such as Alison Krauss, Lucinda Williams, and Lynn Miles. Her newfound passion inspired her to embrace the traditions of Country music as both singer and songwriter.
After graduating college, Dayna returned to Chicago determined to use her hometown advantage to jump-start her career. She took every performance opportunity that came her way; singing with acapella groups, swing bands, wedding bands, rock bands, and country bands, at bars, clubs, festivals, and hotels. All the while she constantly networked with musicians, club owners and agents, knowing that eventually she would need these contacts to get her solo project off the ground.
In late 2001,she did just that with the release of her first album, "Anywhere but here". , The album received much local acclaim, receiving numerous accolades and highly favorable reviews. Acting as artist, manager, booking agent, and bandleader, Dayna began booking shows throughout the Midwest. By the end of 2003 she had secured dates with Country superstars like Blake Shelton, Gary Alan, Mark Wills, and many others, playing some of the areas most popular and prestigious venues and festivals.
In late 2003 Dayna began to plan the recording of her second album. With longtime friend and Nashville based musician, Doug Sisemore (music director for Reba McEntire), acting as producer, she journeyed to Nashville to work with some of Country musics finest. Their efforts were realized with the 2004 release of her second album, Tangled Up In You. The album received critical acclaim and reviews from critics all over the world. By 2006, Daynas performance schedule consisted of 100+ shows in 6 different states and her songs could be heard on Country radio stations throughout the world.
Over the years Dayna has been fortunate enough to collaborate with various talented and notable songwriters. A result of one such pairing was the song "Duermo en las calle", written with Fred Scott, Alberto Gaitan, Ed Williams, and Emilio Estefan. "Duermo en las calle" was released by legendary Cuban artist Albita Rodriguez, and is featured on her Grammy award-winning album "Albita Llega". The song can be heard on Spanish radio stations throughout the world. Dayna has 2 additional songs appearing in the Estefan publishing catalog. In addition she has had songs featured on MTV's "The Real World", The Weather Channels "Storm Stories", on records released by independent aritsts, as well as in indie films. She is also the voice of the "Santastic" experience, playing at malls across America.
Currently, Dayna can be seen performing with her band. as well as with the Illinois based USO troupe, providing entertainment at special events and military installations throughout the Midwest. She owns and operates "Flapjack Music", a Chicago based booking agency, representing some of Chicago's finest bands and artists. This Winter she has again paired with producer, Doug Sisemore, to record her 3rd record, set for release in early 2008.
Chicago's "Country Sky Band" and with Nashville's Mark Lonsway as"Lonsway & Malow"
Discography, Additional Appearances, and Accolades:
- Original composition "Anywhere but here", chosen by Chick Singer Night Productions for their Nationally distributed compilation The Sound of Women's Dreams.
- Original composition "Anywhere but here" was the winner of the Chicago Music Guide Music Madness Competition.; a 6 round, public internet poll.
- Original composition "Comin' Home" featured on USO of Illinois's Chicago artist compilation. CD distributed worldwide to over 20,000 military personnel in 2004.
- Original composition "What Has He Got" recorded by Country Artist Mark Lonsway, featured on his 2005 realease "Not Youre Typical Cowboy"
-Original composition "Duermo en la calle", co-written with Emilio Estefan and writers of Estefan Enterprises, appearing on Albita Rodriguez's album "Albita Llego" winner of 2004 Latin Grammy for Best Tropical Album
- Original compostion "The Wind" featured on the Weather Channel's "Storm Stories" series. June '06 broadcast
Opening appearances for the following National Artists:
Billy Ray Cyrus, John Hiatt, The Doobie Brothers, Alana Davis, Michael McDermott, Blake Shelton, Gary Alan, Dierks Bentley, Billy Currington, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Craig Morgan, Mark Wills, Lee Greenwood, Terry Clark, Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire, Blue County, Amy Daley, Hot Apple Pie, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Jamie ONeal, Emerson Drive, Josh Gracin, Jamie Johnson, John Michael Montgomery, David Allan Coe, Trace Adkins
