Jaida Dreyer recently released a cover of “Under Pressure,” which was an excellent way to convey how a lot of people are feeling during this time of uncertainty. From government leaders to business owners, to those that serve on the front lines, everyone is feeling pressure and stress in one way or another.
Dreyer recorded her version of the song before COVID-19 swept the country, but kept it tabled for a later date. After the pandemic began, she drove home after a writing session that didn’t produce what she’d hoped for. “The weight of the room was just so heavy, we didn’t get anything.” A rough mix of the song popped up on her playlist and she knew what her next step would be. “If there was ever a time to put that song out into the world, it was now.”
Not only was the song fitting because of the world we’re living in, but also because of the pressure to preserve and remake such an iconic song. “It was very intimidating. That song- I wish I’d written it, because it’s a piece of art. When you start dissecting it, it’s a process.” Dreyer’s goal was to make it her own while staying true to the original version.
A Songwriting Maven
Dreyer is a gifted songwriter and she’s written for countless stars such as Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Eric Church, and many more. She described the sublimity of that feeling. “It’s still very surreal, to hear somebody like Reba McEntire or Tim McGraw– I grew up singing their songs and now they’re singing my actual stories. It’s a pretty full circle.”
Dreyer said that one of her favorites she’s co-written is a recent release called “Party Girl,” which was recorded by Nicolette Hayford for her latest EP. Hayford, another Nashville writer, make the song her own. Dreyer said. “I’m proud of how we wrote that one.” “I wish that I would’ve had that song when I was a party girl”
Songs for “Nashville”
In addition to writing for other artists, Dreyer also had the opportunity to write for fictional characters on ABC’s Nashville. “That show was an incredible springboard for me as a female songwriter in this town,” she stated.
Dreyer explained how she was able to get nine songs placed in the show. She was at a point in her career where she found it hard to find people to write with her. Her friend Cory Mayo, who was also going through a rough patch, stepped up and they wrote together several times per week until they had enough to pitch to the network. She remembered going to her publisher’s office and asking her to contact the music director at Nashville and they received a response before Dreyer even left the office.
Frankie Pine responded, saying, “I want 3 out of the five of these songs. Who the hell is this Jaida Dreyer girl and what else has she got?” The first song was “This Town” and it came from frustration and being depressed, ultimately about the ups and downs of Nashville. Later on, she wrote for particular characters and scenes. The first few just happened to fit with the show.
Upcoming Music for Jaida Dreyer
Later this year, Dreyer will release an EP that she’s been working on. It’s been over seven years since her last album’s release and she ‘s grown a lot since then. She stated that she wrote the songs from her first album almost ten years ago and she’s learned a lot about herself, songwriting, and the direction she wants her music to go in, which she’s very proud of.
It’s a different version of me,” she explained. It takes a strong person to decide to forge her own path and Dreyer is headed down that road. “It’s scary, but once you do that, it feels good.”
In addition to her upcoming EP, Dreyer also has a duet that will be released on June 26. For more information, visit her website at https://www.jaidadreyer.com/.
