Madison-based folk artist Dana Perry has been making music passionately for over 25 years, with over 13 years of focus on playing guitar and songwriting. A unique and semi-percussive guitar style, combined with poignant lyrics and powerhouse vocals; her music resonates with anyone who recognizes that we are all on our own Journey.
Dana has had several nominations for multiple Madison Area Music Association (MAMA) Awards, including Guitarist of the Year and Best Female Vocalist. In addition to being featured at many a songwriter showcase over the last 6 years, her songs have rang out through 2 MAMA Award-winning bands (SHESHE, Imaginary Watermelon); and two of her original works have won for Alternative Song of the Year and Unique Song of the Year.
Dana’s live shows are where it’s at. Whether playing with a group or just her guitar, on a festival stage or in the corner of a coffee shop; there’s a passion for musical storytelling that can captivate a room. She shares songs of life’s Journey, its trials and triumphs, with a deep self-inquiry, and an invitation for self-evolution. And for when show-goers want to take the songs home, she has self-released 4 solo albums – 3 of them she recorded herself under Folk U Productions, a DIY mobile studio she runs with her partner.
When she’s not on the road, Dana teaches songwriting and guitar workshops, private guitar and voice lessons, and is a guitar instructor/band coach for Girls Rock Camp Madison.
by Dana Perry
“Play Your Song” is a song I had written about my experiences with Girls/Ladies Rock Camp… or so I thought… It’s rare when I write about something other than my own self-evolution. Funny thing tho: even when you think you’re talking to someone else, you’re truly just talking to yourself. Everyone and everything in your “reality” is a fucking carnival fun-house mirror.