Breaking through in the industry is often said to be at the right place at the right time, and although incredibly cliche and standstill – this became evident for singer songwriter, 21 year old Daphne Willis who’s EP Matter of Time, fell into Kevin Welk, the president of Welk Music Group, on a long American Airlines flight.

After the coincidental listen, Daphne Willis’ EP became a digital only release,  put out by Vangaurd Records in 2008. The Nashville based record label became extremely enthusiastic of the five tracks of the strong vocals and pure Chicago sound. Daphne Willis & Co (the three other band members) were planning on releasing their half recorded, first full length album themselves, but Vanguard would have none of that so the band continued to work on the album, with help of producers Tim Lauer and Gary Pascoza.

The debut album, What to Say, is set to be released February 9th, 2010. The album is rich with fiery guitar riffs, and a remarkable juxtaposition between southern style horns and midwestern soulful vocals with hints of Jason Mraz -esque incorporation of bongos and pop swelling choruses.

What to Say is definitely an album to keep an eye out for, as is artist Daphne Willis.

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