Daya, born Grace Martine Tandon on October 24, 1998, in Pittsburgh, rose to fame with her 2015 hit "Hide Away" and debut album Sit Still, Look Pretty (2016). She won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording with The Chainsmokers' "Don't Let Me Down" (2017). Recent works include The Difference (2021), In Between Dreams (2022), and Hide Away (2024), showcasing her evolving pop sound.
Grace Martine Tandon, known professionally as Daya, was born on October 24, 1998, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Raised in the suburb of Mount Lebanon, she began her musical journey at an early age, taking piano lessons at three and voice lessons at ten. Her stage name "Daya" means "grace" in Hindi, reflecting her heritage from her Indian grandfather.
Daya's career took off when she was just 16 years old. After signing with the label Z Entertainment in 2014, she released her debut single "Hide Away" in 2015. The song quickly gained traction, propelled by endorsements from popular bloggers and influencers such as Tyler Oakley and Perez Hilton. It peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, establishing her as a rising star.
Her self-titled debut EP, released in September 2015, featured "Hide Away" and other tracks that showcased her pop sensibilities. Following this, Daya released her debut studio album, "Sit Still, Look Pretty," in 2016. The album included hits like the title track and "Words," and it reached number 36 on the Billboard 200.
Daya's collaboration with The Chainsmokers on the track "Don't Let Me Down" marked a significant milestone in her career. The song was a commercial success, winning a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2017. This collaboration not only broadened her audience but also solidified her presence in the music industry.
She continued to collaborate with other artists, featuring on tracks like Gryffin and Illenium's "Feel Good" and RL Grime's "I Wanna Know." These collaborations highlighted her versatility and ability to blend her voice with various musical styles.
Daya's sound has evolved over the years, incorporating more electronic elements while maintaining her pop roots. In 2020, she released "First Time," a single that hinted at a new direction in her music. This was followed by her EP "The Difference" in 2021, which included the singles "Montana" and "Bad Girl."
Her latest EP, "In Between Dreams," released in 2022, continues to explore themes of personal growth and self-discovery. Tracks like "Her" delve into emotional and introspective narratives, showcasing her growth as an artist.
On June 14, 2024, Daya released the EP "Hide Away," which features new versions of her earlier hits. The EP includes four tracks:
Daya publicly came out as bisexual in 2018 during National Coming Out Day. She has been open about her relationship with Clyde Munroe, which she confirmed in 2021 after releasing a song inspired by Munroe titled "Bad Girl."