The Songs Behind: Hunter Daily
Discover the songs that inspired and influenced pop singer-songwriter Hunter Daily, who has just released her newest single 'Claw Marks'
Last week saw rising pop singer-songwriter Hunter Daily unveil her stunning new single ‘Claw Marks’, the title track from her upcoming EP set for release on September 12th. Honest and delicately cathartic, ‘Claw Marks’ captures the gut-wrenching pain of heartbreak with divine vocals and poignant lyricism, blending shimmering pop with organic folk-inspired instrumentation. It is yet another stellar release from an artist who is paving a route to the very top of the pop-music scene.
To celebrate the release of 'Claw Mark's caught up with Hunter Daily to hear more about the story behind ‘Claw Marks’, her growth as an artist, and what’s next for this captivating popstar. All before discovering the songs that shaped and influenced Hunter through my 'Songs Behind' feature.
Your incredible new single ‘Claw Marks’ is a raw and emotional track that comes from such a personal space. Do you find it almost therapeutic to be able to write about these difficult times?
“Absolutely. Writing Claw Marks was like pulling a splinter out of my chest. It hurt, but there was so much relief in finally saying the things I had been holding in. Music has always been therapy for me-it’s where I go when I can’t make sense of my emotions any other way. Being able to turn pain into something beautiful and honest is the most healing part of what I do."
How does it feel as a songwriter that such personal lyrics have been able to resonate and be relatable to listeners, helping them through struggles they are facing in life?
“It means the world. There’s something really sacred about writing from a personal place and then realizing you’re not alone in how you feel. When people tell me a song helped them through something, I feel incredibly honored, and also connected. Like we’re all just trying to figure life out together, one lyric at a time."
It feels like you are growing with every release, particularly in these last few months. How would you describe the evolution of your sound between your early releases and where you’re at now?
"I feel like I’ve gotten braver—with both my sound and my storytelling. My early releases were just me beginning to share pieces of myself. Now, I feel much more grounded in who I am as an artist. The production has become more intentional, and the lyrics more raw. I’m not afraid to dig deeper."
What can listeners expect from yourself for the remainder of this year?
"More music, for sure. My new EP is on the way. And hopefully… a tour! That’s something I’ve been manifesting and working on behind the scenes."
Favourite Song to Play Live:
'Cowboys Gonna Ride' by Hunter Daily
“There’s this emotional release when I perform it that just hits different. But I’m also so excited to play 'Claw Marks' live—it has a bit more energy than some of my other songs, and I think it’s going to feel really powerful in the room. It’s super cathartic and intense in the best way."
Song That Reminds You of Your Childhood:
'No Air' by Jordan Sparks & 'Tearing Down the Walls' by E.G. Daily
“LOL. I remember being a little girl, singing that in my bedroom and pretending I was in a music video. My friends and I still blast it in the car sometimes. Also, I listened to my mom’s album Tearing Down the Walls all the time. She’s a singer-songwriter herself, and I remember her playing her music before bed. It’s a core memory."
First Album You Brought:
'Britney' by Britney Spears
“For sure! I remember going to the record store and buying it. I was obsessed with Slave 4 U—ahhh!"
Song That Made You Want to Be a Musician:
“It’s hard to pinpoint just one. As a young person, Frank Ocean made me want to be a songwriter. Miley Cyrus made me want to be a performer. And Joni Mitchell made me want to be a musician."
Song That Gets You Through Hard Times:
'The Climb' by Miley Cyrus
“Always."
A Song You Would Have Loved to Write:
'Slow Burn' by Kacey Musgraves
“It’s poetic and grounding and just hits that perfect emotional sweet spot."
Song You'd Put On at a Party:
'Yukon' by Justin Bieber
Favourite Song of All Time:
'Dreams' by Fleetwood Mac
“That’s such a hard one… but probably Dreams by Fleetwood Mac. It’s timeless, haunting, and never gets old."
Song You are Most Proud Of:
'Claw Marks' by Hunter Daily
“Without a doubt. It’s the most honest I’ve ever been in a song. It came from a place of deep heartbreak, and I’m proud of myself for going there—emotionally and artistically."
