Here is the continuation of my interview with Delaney Urban.
E: What is the story behind one of your favorite songs that you have written?
D: I don’t know that I can pick a favorite song of mine. I think I always get excited when I write a new one and I’ll be like oh, this one is my new favorite, and then I write another one, and think that one is my favorite. It is not my favorite, but there is one song that holds a special place in my heart. I wrote this song “Never Forgotten” specifically to perform at Relay for Life, a walk for cancer. I have had many instances where cancer has made itself part of my life by affecting the people I love and care about. So I wrote a song showing how cancer cannot overcome those people, no matter what, they will always be present somehow in our lives. I performed the song during the Luminaria ceremony, where people light candles for the loved one’s they have lost because of cancer, and it is an experience I will never forget. Getting to share my experience with others through my music and having them come up and thank me, telling me how special I made that ceremony for them was truly humbling.
E: Have you posted any audio/videos of you singing on any social media platforms?
D: Yes, I have a YouTube channel that can be found by searching my name: Delaney Urban. I am also on an app called Smule Sing, as Laneylu96. That is where I spend a lot of my free time, when I’m not at work, at school, or writing music. The app is a karaoke app that allows you to sing with people all over the world. I sing with others, create layered songs, and participate in competitions, which is a great way to practice harmonizing and getting creative with how songs can be performed. I also have an Instagram account: DelaneyUrbanMusic, where I post a lot of videos of me singing and playing guitar.
E: Would you ever release any of your music?
D: Yes! Sharing my music with others is my dream. I love to think about how writing certain songs has helped me through hard times and could also help others who listen to it.
E: Have you performed to a crowd before? If so, what was it like?
D: I have performed in front of a crowd a few times and it is such a rush. I love everything about it!
E: Have you had any major opportunities because of singing (opening for someone, invited to perform at a special event, etc.)?
D: I’ve had a few pretty great opportunities. My first time performing in front of a crowd was when I was in 8th grade, for a benefit for Lupus research. That was a special opportunity for me because my mom suffers from Lupus and I was glad to be able to raise money for research. Like I mentioned earlier, I performed at Relay for Life. This was probably the largest event I’ve performed at with over 2,000 attendees. I played on a stage with professional lights and sound, it one of the most incredible experiences. I performed in a talent competition at my high school my sophomore year and won first place. I also got invited to compete in a singing/songwriting competition this upcoming March in Tennessee, which was pretty exciting and such a great opportunity.
E: Who would you like to tour with?
D: Anyone, if it means being able to share my music with the world! I think being able to tour with Miranda Lambert or the Dixie Chicks would be really cool because both have influenced my music and they seem like a lot of fun.
E: Would you want to be a singer/songwriter for a living?
D: Absolutely! I am hoping to move down to Nashville once I’ve finished college to see what I can do with my music down there.
To hear more from Delaney, follow her on: YouTube – laneylu11, Instagram – DelaneyUrbanMusic, and Smule Sing – Laneylu96
Elizabeth Granato
Senior Features Editor