A Daddy Daughter Debut: with Pierce Freelon

On July 31, Durham based Hip Hop artist and community activist Pierce Freelon is releasing his first family music album D.a.D., a dynamic and genuine blend of Hip-hop, jazz and electronic music inspired by his journey as a Black millennial dad living in the South. Ahead of that date, we asked Pierce some questions on the inspiration for his featured single “Daddy Daughter Day”.

What inspired you to write and share this song?

Daddy Daughter Day was inspired by my daughter Stella. We wrote the song together at Blackspace one day, when my wife was taking our son to basketball practice. She helped compose the drums while I laid down the synths. The lyrics came very naturally; I simply described the things Stella likes to do. 

We couldn't be sharing Daddy Daughter Day at a more important time. In recent months we have been inundated with viral videos of Black people being violently killed. I have been feeling overwhelmed from post traumatic stress, and for me, music has been a balm, which has soothed me through the aches of these turbulent times. Working on Daddy Daughter Day has been an important part of my self-care practice and sharing it now feels like and act of resistance. 

What messages are important for young women today?

Daddy Daughter Day is about celebrating joy and leaning into unapologetic self-care, and embracing the sacred bond between father and daughter - all important messages for fathers and daughters. 

Art is open to interpretation: what do you hope people receive from this song?

I hope people receive: joy, a smile, a memory, inspiration, a tear, a new dance move or two. 

What unique perspective has this collaboration between you and J. Gunn brought to your artistic world?

J. Gunn is an excellent storyteller and a consummate professional in the studio. I have admired his creative work for years but this was my first time getting the chance to collaborate on a song. I feel very close to Gunn. We share a lot in common. We’re both Durham natives, husbands and fathers of two. We’re both musicians who ran for political office in Durham. We’ve both lost our fathers in the past year. Gunn is my brother, and I love him. Our love for our daughters, commitment to the culture of Hip Hop and respect for one another is on full display on this track, and I think that’s a gift to the world.