Daya – Don’t Call [Single + Video]

Daya’s latest single “Don’t Call” is a pulsing and poignant track, produced by Sebastian Furer. Daya, who was born Grace Martine Tandon and honors her Indian roots through her stage name, pinpoints the bittersweet reality that to move forward sometimes you need to cut ties.

Opening with a spectral intro, Daya‘s soft voice floats over wispy synth lines. The pre-chorus teases the full power of the track with a high-pass filtered drum break. By the chorus, we’re enveloped in thick, squelchy synth bass and punchy lo-fi snares, with Daya’s voice soaring above. This vivid contrast echoes the turmoil of drawing boundaries after a split.

In the opening lines, “Staring at the ceiling, think if I look long enough, I’ll get back everything I lost,” Daya reflects on the futile hope of reclaiming what’s gone. Blending vulnerability and defiance, this number maps out the heartache tied to wanting to let go but being constantly pulled back. “Don’t call me when the party’s over, supposed to leave alone, been tryna let you go,” she sings in the chorus, underscoring the need for space to heal and the painful necessity of setting boundaries.  

In the video directed by Peter Donaghy, Daya roams neon-lit LA streets at night, mixing a sense of urgency with moments of reflection. We see her walking uphill at dusk towards a bright glowing and towering cross; the symbolism suggests she’s looking for a bit of peace under those bright city lights. And scenes of her lying on pavement under a red glow and dancing with friends throughout the city highlight the chaos and calm she’s balancing. 

With its infectious energy and heartfelt lyrics, “Don’t Call” is a dancefloor gem that hits deeply. Daya channels the poignancy of The xx, mixed with the adrenaline rush energy of electro pop. It’s a tune that’s as easy to vibe with on a night out as it is to relate to on a deeper level.

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