Largo, FL, 12/8/22

This past week it was officially announced that Daniel Childs' song "Siesta Key" won 1st place in the legendary Will McLean New Florida Song Contest for the year 2023.  The contest was originally founded by the late "Father of Florida Folk" himself, Will McLean, in the year 1992.  Childs now joins the all-time list of winners for the 21st year of the contest.

The song, "Siesta Key" was written by Daniel Childs and initially released as a single in June of 2020.  A remastered version of the recording was released in October of 2021 as part of Daniel's debut album, "Escape".

“I wrote 'Siesta Key' during a time of intense stress," Daniel wrote for the official contest article.  "The job I was working at the time was stressful, and its demanding nature would often leave me unable to feel at ease, even when I went home at night.  My only real escape from stress was to explore the beauty of Florida with my wife (Norma).  When possible, on weekends we would make overnight trips to various places we were interested in.  That’s when we discovered the beach town of Siesta Key, and I fell in love with the vibe of the place. 

“Siesta Key’ was the first song I completed in that time period, and it’s one of my very favorites to sing. My favorite line in the song is in the second chorus.  It says ‘life is crazy, life is short, and life feels wrong… until you find where you belong.’  I think that’s a truth that Siesta Key, Florida helped me realize.”

Childs also placed 8th in this year's contest with his song "Sanibel Day", another anthem written about his weekend getaways.  Both songs appear on the 2021 album "Escape", and have become very popular among listeners.

Daniel will subsequently be playing at the legendary Will McLean Music Festival this spring, along with several of Florida's great folk artists.

Largo, FL, 9/12/22

Recording Artist Daniel Childs released a new single this past Thursday titled "Spot On The Map".  The song is Childs' first follow-up to his 2021 Glory Echo album release, "Escape".

Childs wrote on social media this week, "My new single 'Spot On The Map' is a song about finding a place to call 'home'. For me, that home is the Florida Gulf Coast. I often think about our first summer here, when we were discovering the area for the first time. The beach, the salty air, and the warm bath water of the Gulf of Mexico are staples of the summertime here. 

"This recording is also a new stylistic adventure. While it’s the same kind of song you’d expect to hear after listening to my 2021 album 'Escape', I’m digging deeper into my Country roots and letting the southern side come out a little more. When country meets the beach, you have the Gulf Coast!

"The single features the great Reggie Duncan on pedal steel, and myself on guitars, bass and organ. Big thanks to Reggie for contributing, as well as Daniel Rivera for help on vocal editing!"

With the addition of steel guitar and a southern flare in his sound, it's safe to say that we'll be hearing more indie Country music from Daniel Childs soon.  We can confirm that he intends to eventually include "Spot On The Map" on a sophomore album release, TBA.  Self-produced, Childs' recorded music takes time to release, but the end product is always more than worth the wait.  We wait eagerly!

Hear "Spot On The Map" on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your preferred music streaming service!

Florida-based Recording Artist / Entertainer Daniel Childs has made waves among listeners with his 2021 debut album "Escape", as well as approximately 260 live appearances per year.  Recently, from across the country, SHOUTOUT ARIZONA Magazine took notice of Daniel's work and contacted him for an interview.  In the article, Daniel discusses the importance of risk in his career.  Read the article here.

On the most recent "Island Time" concert at Tampa Bay's Pine Key (also known as Beer Can Island), Daniel Childs was featured on the same show as JuanJamon and Zach Deputy.  Childs played many of his well-known songs from the album "Escape", as well as two not-yet-released songs from a future country project.  In the above video clip, check out Daniel's performance of his song "Island Time" from the matinee concert.

Largo, Florida, 10/15/21

Hello everyone!!  So, I decided to write this press release myself, instead of going the traditional route - which would mean having someone else write it in 3rd person.  Since I produced this record myself and released it myself, why not write the press release myself, too?  I'm not saying that in a boastful way... it's just the kind of reasoning that has gotten "Escape" in the ears of the public.

Hey guys, first and foremost I want to give God glory for helping me make this record happen.  I'm listening to the mixes right now, and I have to say that the charm we captured on songs like "Sanibel Day" and "Siesta Key"... guys, I couldn't have done that on my own.  I had help from Above pulling this off.  The way everything has so beautifully come together could have only happened with God.  And the beautiful sunset on the album cover is completely real, and I feel like He did that just for us.  

Yes, I wrote a few sarcastic lyrics for this project, but my hope is that despite my many imperfections, God can use this album to help people escape their stress and find that there is more to life than the daily grind.

I'm just floored, and feeling kind of emotional as this has come together.  I checked early this morning, and saw the album on iTunes and Apple Music.  By the time I got up later in the morning, it was on Spotify, Napster, YouTube and more.  I just can't believe this.  I have always dreamed of having my own album released everywhere, but it absolutely never came together until now.  35, to me, seems like an advanced age to be launching a career as an artist, but the truth is that I was never ready until now.  And even still, I'm going through the process of becoming who I need to be.

All that to say, guys, please check out my new album "Escape".  I have a page on my website that lists some of the places you can stream or buy it.  Physical copies are coming, and pre-order is available for those.  I'll also have them with me at shows once we have them in stock.

"Escape" is designed to help you put on your headphones and escape to your own private island!  It's an album about getting away from your stress and remembering what really matters.  To me, that kind of freedom is what the Florida life is all about, and you can hear that echoed in songs like "Sanibel Day", "Siesta Key" and "Island Time".  "Sanibel" and "Siesta" were both written during a stressful time period, and are about real experiences getting away from my troubles in some of America's most beautiful places.

"My Every Dream" is a song I wrote for my wife, and it's one of my very favorite songs on the album.  "Quit My Job" and "Day Off" are further reminders that there's a lot more to life than work!

I plan to soon release content that will go more in depth about this album, the meanings behind the songs, and what went in to the production process.  But a few facts I'll go on and give you are that the album is entirely self-produced.  I played all the guitars, bass and mandolin... programmed drums and synths.  I also did all the vocals and mastered.  Daniel Rivera created the string section for "Sanibel Day".  Though I recorded 9 or 10 songs for this project, only 7 made the cut... and they're the perfect 7 tunes to complete "Escape".  Norma is co-writer on a couple of the songs, and designed the album cover with me.  Though this album took a year and a half to make, I'm really happy with how beautifully it has all come together.

Thank you for reading this, and for listening to this record!  More content is on the way, and I believe that the "Escape" journey is far from over!  I sincerely hope that you enjoy this music that I poured my heart and time into!

God bless,

Daniel Childs

Daniel Childs has announced an official digital release date for his long-anticipated debut album, "Escape".

Childs first indicated plans for an album in June of 2020 with the release of his single "Siesta Key".  The following September, an official announcement was posted on Childs' official website.

Daniel writes of the release, "This album is designed to help listeners 'escape' from the harder things in life... whether that be a job, taxes, or circumstances they're uneasy about.  'Escape', as an album, is a reminder that there's so much more to live for than the things that try to weigh us down.  I hope that this album helps listeners feel like they're at the beach.  I hope it helps listeners relieve stress.  And I hope it reminds listeners what's really important."

"Escape" consists of seven of Childs' original songs, including the already well-known singles "Siesta Key" and "Here We Are", as well as the heart-felt "Sanibel Day".

Download or stream this album everywhere this coming Friday, October 15th.  Our team will also be announcing pre-order information for physical copies, which are still in production.  

Tampa Bay Singer-Songwriter-Entertainer Daniel Childs put listeners at ease this past June with the release of his first single, "Siesta Key", a song that he says is about "getting away from it all".  The single, written about the picturesque Gulf Coast beach town of Siesta Key, Florida has been reported by listeners to lend a moment's escape to the Florida coast when listening.  Childs has now announced that a full album of similar material is in the works to follow the single.

Daniel announced in a Facebook live stream in August that production for the album is underway, and candidly performed some of the songs that are projected to make the cut. "Siesta Key", the first single, will make the list.

"Everyone needs an escape," Daniel told us with regards to the project.  "A big part of the Florida lifestyle is having the ability to get away to the beach at the drop of a hat.  This music will be a great soundtrack to your escape, but much more so, I hope that it will provide that escape for people who can't get away."

The album, thoughtfully titled "Escape", is currently being recorded with intentions for a fall release.  The project is being self-produced by Childs, but features guest musicians from both Florida and Nashville.  Joining the list with "Siesta Key" are other anthems Childs has penned such as "Sanibel Day", "Troubles Behind" and "My Every Dream".

"Not every song will be about the beach," Childs went on to say, "but the Gulf Coast lifestyle will be reflected by the album.  It is a lifestyle of year-round summertime.  It is a lifestyle of salty water and sandy flip-flops.  It is a lifestyle of taking frequent breaks from working to enjoy a cold one outdoors with some friends.  And it is a lifestyle of staying as far away from stress as possible."

"Escape" is expected to be available on music platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, Napster, Amazon at www.danielchilds.com.

Daniel Childs' refreshing new single, "Siesta Key", is now available for download on iTunes and for streaming on most music streaming platforms.  

The song is a thoughtful piece, in which Childs describes the simple yet impactful charm of getting away to Siesta Key, Florida to, as he puts it, "forget your cares".

"Man, I just hope this song refreshes people", Daniel Childs said on Monday.  "I want it to take you to another place when you listen to it.  Wherever you are, just for a moment, escape to the beach.  Get refreshed!"

Childs hopes to follow the single release with a music video and, later, a full-length album showcasing this song and a handful of others containing similar emotions and concepts.  The project is expected to be a very enjoyable listen.

Download the new single on iTunes, listen free on YouTube or stream using your favorite online music platform!

- Integrity Entertainment Local

Friends, 

I am very excited to announce that on June 20th, my new single "Siesta Key" releases to all digital music platforms!!  In 15 years of working professionally in music, this is actually the first time I've ever released a single.  Norma and I both are very excited for you to hear and download this song!!

"Siesta Key" is an original song that was inspired by a couple weekend getaways to the picturesque beach town a few years ago.  In the midst of stress, I found it therapeutic to get away for a weekend with my wife, and equally therapeutic to write songs about it.  My hope is that "Siesta Key" is a song you can put your headphones on and listen to wherever you are, and escape to the beach for a moment.  I also hope that this song is an encouragement to people dealing with stress.  Hang in there, better times are on the way.  And if all else fails, you can always just move to the beach.

Lord willing, I planning to follow this single release with a full album or EP.  I'm not sure yet how many songs, but "Siesta Key" will be one of them.  Be looking for a full project from me later this year, full of songs that I pray will be a breath of fresh air to you, and also a lot of fun to listen to on relaxing nights.

God bless you all, and thanks so much for supporting my music.

Daniel Childs

Wow!!  Where did the past... year go?!  One day I write that I'm gearing up for winter, and the next day I get the computer out to write that it's July.  Not sure where those seven or eight months went!

Norma and I have been so blessed to have now lived on the Florida Gulf Coast for just about five years.  Four and a half of those years, I have been playing solo gigs all over the central gulf coast, and I have to say that it's been a blessing.  Last time I wrote, my schedule was filling up for the winter months.  And sometime of the course of the winter, things really took off!  I've been playing live as frequently as ever, and it's a great time.

We are now in the midst of a hot summer here in central Florida.  The fourth of July has passed, and life has settled into a steadily busy remainder of the month.  I just now drove home in 94 degree heat to get ready for a late show tonight in Madeira Beach.

Whereas most of 2018 was spent playing private parties, most of 2019 so far has been spent in the local venues.  Angry Pepper Taphouse, Mad Pub, Seabreeze Island Grill, and Jimmy Guana's, just to name a few.  I've even played for private events as far north as Atlanta, Georgia this year!  Wherever there's a need for quality acoustic entertainment, I go if I'm available.  And it has been a lot of fun.

In Florida,  the live music calendar usually slows down for the summer, but it looks like I'll still be appearing at at least three venues regularly over the hot summer months.  I'm also available for booking as far ahead as January, so who knows how the fall might shape up.  I'm just grateful to be alive, serving God, loving my wife, enjoying life, and playing music.

Though I haven't done as many private parties this year, I'm still absolutely available.  If you need entertainment for a private event, shoot me an email via our contact page, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

I really hope to have more news for you all soon!  Until then, God bless you, and thanks for reading this blog!

- Daniel