Hunter Daily Is Set To Break Fans’ Hearts, But Not In The Way You Might Think

photo by Ron Dadon

Emerging singer-songwriter Hunter Daily’s newest single “Claw Marks” has left me in awe of how beautifully she can tell a tale as old as time. Through a dreamy, yet confessional pop sound, Daily delivers a story that feels like an entry ripped straight out of her own diary.

“Claw Marks” tells a story about the pains of letting go. The song centers itself on the vulnerable experience of being abandoned by someone you once loved, and the inevitable wound that comes from wanting to hate them but not being able to. The song itself is a great introduction to the rest of the EP, and sets the stage for the story arc to come.

All throughout the track, Daily delivers soft and intimate vocals accompanied by raw lyricism. The emotional authenticity of the project shines through, and takes listeners through a gut wrenching journey. “Claw Marks" as a single gives a very cinematic vibe, and the rest of Daily’s releases so far feel like a coming-of-age film, with nostalgic tones of facing one’s fears and finally deciding to choose one’s self. 

The cover photo of “Claw Marks” also feels strongly tied to the story arc, with her reflecting on who she once was. Even with the imprints of her experiences, she can still admire the girl who stands before her in the mirror. 

Hunter Daily has created a collection of songs made for lover girls who’ve had to learn about love the hard way. The story arc of the EP feels intentional, with every song building onto the story presented in the last, and by the end, she’s chosen herself. The sound is cohesive all throughout, with only, “Cowboy’s Gonna Ride,” straying from it to deliver a more hopeful and upbeat feeling. 

Overall, the EP promises to be a raw and authentic introduction to Hunter Daily as an artist. She doesn’t hold back in her lyricism, and her vulnerability allows listeners to connect with her and her music on a deeper level.

Set to release September 12, Claw Marks has left me wanting to see what happens next, and I'm interested to see what kind of experience Daily will give fans. I also would like to see how she might incorporate different sounds to make her storytelling even more impactful, and how those choices might translate through her visuals that accompany the album.