An up and coming R&B singer/songwriter who was the victim of an unprovoked attack has released her debut single with proceeds going to a charity which helps women and children who have experienced sexual and/or domestic violence.
Former Dane Court student Daisy Foster moved to Birmingham when she was 18 to pursue a degree in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre with Performers College.
During her time there Daisy, now 21, was attacked while she was walking home from college and says that experience has inspired her to speak out about violence against women and promote women’s safety.
She said: “I was in a group with three other friends and we walked past a group of men. Suddenly one paced past us and grabbed one of my friends, in their defence I pulled them off which then caused the group to turn on me.
“I was pushed to the floor and it was only when another friend said something to deter them that they fled the scene.
“ I was left with injuries that needed to be treated in hospital and the police were contacted.”
After graduating Daisy moved back to Broadstairs and is working as a medical administrator and also an usher at the Granville Theatre in Ramsgate while auditioning for roles in musical theatre.
She was awarded a first class honours in her musical theatre degree and hopes to break into that industry but is now also experimenting with her own songwriting.
The debut single, co-written with university friend Sinade Gilbert and produced by Jamie McGregor, is called SWaN.
Daisy said: “Whilst in Birmingham, I experienced some unfortunate situations including an unprovoked attack whilst walking home from college. This attack inspired me to start a journey of speaking out against violence against women and promoting women’s safety in which I have carried out through my songwriting.
“SWaN is a soulful song which dives into the experience of being a woman, specifically the experience of walking alone at night.
“Violence against women is a national epidemic; the 2022 Personal Safety Release from the Office for National Statistics revealed that 4 out of 5 women felt unsafe walking in an open space after dark on their own. The feeling of being at risk when walking alone at night is a universal experience for women and girls.
“SWaN is inspired by the lectures women receive daily – ‘Call someone when you’re walking alone’ ‘Walk on lit paths’ ‘Have your keys in between your knuckles’ ‘Text me when you get home safe.’
“The sad reality is, a lot of women never get home safe.”
Daisy said the song first came into being after she and Sinade were approached by Jamie with a request.
She said: “Jamie is a producer but he usually works with rappers but wanted to get singers to add to his work.
“He approached myself and Sinade and when it came to writing the song we wanted to write about something really important to us and, for us, that was women’s safety.
“In Birmingham I was caught in that violent assault so that is part of why it is close to my heart and also it is such a prominent issue and key topic.”
Proceeds from the single will go to the nia project which runs both outreach programmes and refuges to support women and children affected by male violence.
Daisy said: “We want to raise awareness and put the message out there about the safety of women and how more needs to be done politically because it is still such a big issue. It has been tackled in some ways but a lot more could be done.
“The proceeds made from the song through streams and people buying it will go the the nia project, which is a British charity supporting women who have been through sexual abuse/domestic violence. They have lots of different services they offer and they also campaign to government.”
Daisy says writing SWaN has encouraged her to get more involved with songwriting.
She said: “Until Jamie approached us it wasn’t something I had considered but I really enjoyed it so hope to release more songs in the future.”
She is also looking forward to being involved in musical theatre, particularly in comedy roles.
She said: “The more fun I can have in a role the better.”
SWaN is now available on all streaming platforms.
Find out more about nia at https://niaendingviolence.org.uk/
For Kent-based support go to Oasis Domestic Abuse Service:
Oasis’s helpline 0800 917 9948 (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9am – 4.30pm) or or the 24/7 national helpline on 0808 2000 247
Online at: https://www.oasisdaservice.org/
She’s no Gloria Gaynor.
Very impressive young lady, who clearly has motivation and a clear career path. Plus, A can do attitude. I wish Daisy well in the future and I hope her aspirations come to fruition.
Yet another wannabee celeb (not in the making) using anything to get noticed or a bit more publicity.
It used to be genuine talent that sold records. now it’s sell your bleeding heart to the media and ride the sympathy wave.