It’s midnight in LA, and Hunter Daily can’t shake off the excitement from being only one day away from the release of her new single ‘Claw Marks,’ with the heart wrenching chorus of “how can you just up and leave me like it’s not hard,” is a prompt proof of Daily’s impeccable, compelling songwriting.
There are never too many heartbreak songs, but there are only a few that truly capture the unmistakable ache of ‘no-contact,’ the lingering longing for attachment. Hunter Daily’s take on the beginning stage of a breakup makes for an unbeatable introduction to what is a promising career of a standout songwriter. In the company of Lizzy McAlpine, Gracie Abrams, and Taylor Swift, Hunter Daily is paving her way for the intricately vulnerable lyricism that will touch souls around the world.
Along with the release of ‘Claw Marks,’ Hunter Daily announces her second EP with the same title, scheduled for release on September 12th. Following up previous singles, ‘Dead End,’ ‘Hope For The Best,’ and ‘Cowboy’s Gonna Ride,’ this new project will share Daily’s more inward-looking songwriting compared to her debut EP ‘Die In LA.’
Not being able to help myself and relate to the agony of ‘Claw Marks,’ Hutner Daily has done an incredible job of what artists are experts at: eloquently describing the invisible wounds of life, love, and grief. In the case of ‘Claw Marks,’ she depicts the invigorating sore sensation of holding too tightly for too long.
In our conversation, Hunter Daily shares more about how she found herself in the music industry, the career-making effect of touring around Europe, and her hopes for her future. ‘Claw Marks’ is out now, and you can pre-save Hunter Daily’s upcoming EP here.
How does LA Summer feel like?
Summer is definitely summering! It’s hot, but not unbearable. I’ve had so many adventures this summer—I was in Europe for a bit, so it’s been nice to be back home and easing into my routine again.
What is your song of the summer this year?
My song of the summer was “Nice to Each Other” by Olivia Dean. But it might actually be “Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter… or maybe one of sombr’s songs!
Congratulations on the release of your new single ‘Claw Marks.’ The line, “how can you just up and leave me like it’s not hard” pieces through the already broken heart for anyone who went through a breakup in their life. Could you explain in more detail what stage of a breakup does ‘Claw Marks’ refer to?
It captures the very beginning of a breakup—the start of no contact. It’s about the haunting grip of attachment, the fear of what your ex is doing now, and the invisible wounds that come from holding on too tightly for too long.
“Claw Marks” came from the pain of watching someone I loved walk away like it was nothing—while I was still holding on for dear life. After a 4.5-year relationship, letting go wasn’t clean. It was messy, desperate, and it left marks.
In your opinion, what is the hardest thing about letting go?
I’ve just never been good with goodbyes.
The whole “strangers to lovers to strangers” thing has always felt impossible to make sense of. Breakups can really feel like a kind of death.
Have you visualised the video clip for ‘Claw Marks’, if yes, how does it look like?
Yes—and the music video is amazing. But you’ll just have to wait and see…
What are your go-to crashing out songs?
Honestly, Lizzy McAlpine’s songs make me crash hard. Her writing absolutely wrecks me—in the best way.
In June you shared your previous single ‘Dead End.’ What is the current theme that inspires your creativity the most?
It really depends, but lately heartbreak has been fuelling a lot of my writing.
It’s been a couple of years since you dropped your debut EP ‘Die In LA.’ How do you reflect at the 2023 version of yourself?
Hunter in 2023 was so new to the music industry. She was just beginning to share pieces of herself with the world. I feel much more open and vulnerable in my music now.
When did you first start dabbling with the idea of being a singer/songwriter?
I started dabbling in high school, but I didn’t feel like I could do it professionally until the pandemic, when I started a band with my sister for a while.
Could you list the pivotal moments of your journey so far that shaped you into the artist you are today?
One was a writing trip I took to Jenna Andrews’ during the pandemic when I wrote my first single “Die in LA” with Doug Schadt. From that point on, I knew I had something to share with the world. That moment gave me the confidence to start a solo project, and it ended up shaping my entire first EP.
Another huge moment was touring in Europe as the opening act for Leah Kate! Which was just an incredible experience. I made a new best friend and was introduced to some of the most loving new fans.
Who is your songwriting role model?
There are so many incredible songwriters out there. A few of my biggest influences are Kacey Musgraves, Lizzy McAlpine, Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift.
What hopes and dreams do you have for your career?
I just want to put out great music, keep growing into the best artist I can be.
Right now, I’m really focused on locking in a new tour—which I’m super excited about.
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Words: Karolina Kramplova