Artist You Oughta Know: Daphne Willis

Daphne performs at The Paste Studios

On "Artist You Oughta Know," we introduce you to artists that you...well, oughta know. Be it for their distinctive style or their sheer talent, these are artists from all over the country who deserve your time, attention and support. Today's artist is Daphne Willis.

Some musicians can make magic with a guitar and nothing else. Sure, they can soar on songs dripping with production, but they don’t need the bells, whistles and frills that those songs entail. Give them a mic, and they’re set. Daphne Willis is one of those artists.

You may have heard her distinctive blend of pop, hip hop and R&B on shows like Empire, or in commercials for brands like Microsoft. For years, the L.A.-based Willis has bended genres and bared her soul across multiple records, tackling topics such as mental health, family dysfunction, addiction and trauma. Her songs, while sonically diverse, all have one thing in common: power. Willis exudes visceral vocal talent on each one of her songs and it’s easy to see how she’s also carved out a niche as a keynote speaker.

The singer-songwriter also isn’t shy about fiercely championing equity, a topic she addresses on her must-hear song “Say Her Name.”

Watch the acoustic video for “Say Her Name” below, and stay tuned for more micro-interviews with artists you oughta know. Follow us on Instagram: @artistuprising

To follow more of Daphne Willis, visit www.daphnewillis.com and follow her on Instagram.