Meet Jacquie Daniels | Outlaw Entertainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacquie Daniels and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacquie, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I chose to pursue an artistic career because I wanted to be a voice for those who feel they can’t speak. Growing up, music was one of my only outlets—one of the few ways I could truly express myself and make people listen. It became my way of processing emotions, telling stories, and connecting with the world around me. Over time, I realized that my words weren’t just for me; they resonated with others who felt unheard or unseen. Winning 2024 Songwriter of the Year at the International Josie Awards in Nashville was a validation of that—proof that my lyrics and storytelling had the power to move people.

I’ve always been artistic. My imagination has run wild for as long as I can remember, and I’ve always been drawn to storytelling in every form—whether through music, writing, or even just daydreaming about the lives of people around me. But beyond the creativity, my mission has always been clear: to be a voice for the voiceless.

There are so many people who feel like they don’t have the words, or that their emotions aren’t valid—whether they’re too scared to speak up, too embarrassed to share their struggles, or too alone to believe anyone would understand. I want my music to reach them. I want my lyrics to be the words they couldn’t say out loud. I want my songs to remind them that they are never alone. That they are always loved. That someone out there understands.

Music is more than just entertainment—it’s connection, healing, and empowerment. It has the power to break barriers, start conversations, and bring people together in ways nothing else can. That’s why I do what I do. That’s why I keep writing, keep singing, and keep sharing my story—because somewhere out there, someone needs to hear it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is my deep love for storytelling and entertainment. Every song I write is crafted like a cinematic narrative—similar to Three Wooden Crosses, a Johnny Cash ballad, or a classic Dolly Parton story. I want my audience to feel like they’re watching a movie unfold through my lyrics. While I sing about universally relatable themes like love and loss, I also dive into topics that are often overlooked—postpartum depression, abusive home situations, or the struggles of being an outsider.

I have written songs that explore different perspectives and raw emotions, like It’s Been a While, which tells the story of divorce from a man’s perspective. It walks listeners through the aftermath of a broken marriage and what I’ve witnessed in real life—starting with a hopeful reflection:

“It’s been a while
Since I sat down
And thought about my hopes, dreams, and life”

Then shifting to a moment of disconnection between husband and wife:

“It’s been a while
Since I sat down
And had a conversation with my wife”

And finally, closing with the weight of regret:

“I’m getting older
The kids are growing up
Just yesterday they were learning to talk
Trade all my money for time
If I could make it stop”

To the heartbreaking final realization:

“It’s been a while
Since I sat down
Now I’m an old man all alone
It’s been a while
A goddamn while
Selling a house that used to be our home
Staring at the photos on the wall
Thinking of the time I could’ve bought”

When I played the Bluebird Café in Nashville, I showcased Memory Lane, a song inspired by my friend Sharon’s grandparents. It tells the story of a man wandering through his home, lost without his wife of over 50 years. The lyrics paint a haunting picture of longing:

“All I have are your pictures hung up on my wall
Hinging on memories of the past
If you could hear me now
Could we relive all these picture-perfect memories?
Could we rewrite the story again?”

The chorus brings the weight of grief full circle:

“And your ghost reminds me who we used to be
I still wear your shirt to bring your arms to me
This goddamn place just ain’t been the same
All I have left now is Memory Lane”

One line—”I still wear your shirt to bring your arms to me”—stood out to a woman in the audience. After my performance, she stopped me and said, “I wasn’t even supposed to come out tonight. My husband is in his ninth open-heart surgery, and I just wanted you to know that when I go home, I’m going to put his shirt on until I get the call that he’s okay.”

That moment changed me as a songwriter. It made me realize that you never know who needs to hear your songs. You never know when a moment like that will happen, when a single lyric will connect so deeply with someone that it shifts their entire night, or maybe even their entire life. That’s what keeps me writing.

But above all else, I see myself as an entertainer. My performances are meticulously planned—not just vocally but visually. I consider how my eyes tell a story, how my body moves on stage, and how every detail enhances the experience for the audience. I don’t just sing songs; I craft moments that make people feel something in their bones.

Winning Songwriter of the Year at the 2024 International Josie Awards was a defining moment in my career. Like many musicians, I’ve struggled with self-doubt, wondering if I was “enough.” To this day, I still can’t fully believe it. But I’m incredibly proud—not just of what I’ve achieved but of the people I’ve shared this journey with.

How I Got Here
Music has always been a part of me. I explored everything—classical, musical theatre, metal, rock, country—each genre shaping a different aspect of my artistry. I also loved acting, and writing poems was second nature. But getting here wasn’t easy.

Like many women in music, I was constantly compared to others. My voice didn’t fit the mold of what people expected. I have a low, melodic, yet powerful voice, but because it didn’t match the traditional female country sound, I was often overlooked. I lost competitions time and time again. But instead of breaking me, it built my work ethic. I practiced relentlessly, pushing my voice beyond what I thought it could do.

When I picked up a guitar and started putting my poems to music, something clicked. I first joined a folk band, then jumped into rock, where I found an outlet for my untapped energy and anger. That era of my life taught me how to be fearless with my voice—to growl, to control my rasp, and to own my unique sound rather than suppress it. It made me a powerhouse singer, not because I had the most polished voice, but because I had the most conviction behind it.

Nothing in life worth having comes easy. I’ve faced countless challenges—from losing band members to losing myself, from self-doubt to finding my voice again. I’ve been elated, I’ve toured, I’ve achieved dreams, and I’ve had them slip away. But I believe that the right amount of sadness creates great music, and the right amount of hardship builds unstoppable drive.

Lessons I’ve Learned
Lean in—hard. Be so unapologetically yourself that people have no choice but to notice.
Find your craft and fall in love with it. What you do is different from everyone else, and that’s your power.
Have faith in yourself. No one else can define you—don’t let them try.
What I Want the World to Know
I am a strong Métis woman who stands up for what’s right and sings about things others would rather ignore. I am an outlaw through and through—always an outsider, and I’ve made peace with that. I want youth to know they are never alone. It’s okay to feel anger, frustration, or pain—as long as you turn it into something beautiful.

I want people to see my work ethic and know that every detail, every note, every clothing choice is intentional—because I am an entertainer, and I want my audience to feel incredibly special when they come to my shows. I want them to leave inspired, heard, and reassured that they are not alone in their feelings.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Ultimate Nashville Itinerary – A Week of Honky-Tonks, Music, and Southern Eats
Montel’s – Their slogan says it all: Come as strangers, leave as friends. This place is family-style dining at its best—big plates, shared tables, and that true Southern hospitality. If you’re looking for a meal that feels like home, this is it.

Roberts Western World – Classic honky-tonk, cold beer, and the best fried bologna sandwich in town.

Peg Leg Porker – Legendary BBQ. Get the dry-rub ribs and mac ‘n’ cheese—you won’t regret it.

Debbie Champion’s Songwriter Showcase at The Commodore – A must for songwriter lovers. Some of Nashville’s best undiscovered talent plays here.

Johnny Cash Museum – A deep dive into the life and music of the Man in Black.

Ernest Tubb’s Bus at the Vintage Store – A hidden gem for country music history buffs.

Country Music Hall of Fame – Where country legends are honored.

Marathon Motors & H Bar C – Vintage shopping and old-school Western wear in a historic building.

Carter Vintage Guitars – If you love guitars, this is a dream stop.

The Underdog – Best photo booth in town and great live music.

The Legion for Honky-Tonk Tuesday – One of the best spots for real country music.

Fanny’s Music Shop – A funky, music-filled space that’s part store, part experience.

Broadway Honky-Tonks – A full crawl through Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, The Stage, Whiskey Bent Saloon, and Layla’s.

Bobby’s Idle Hour – A no-frills, legendary songwriter bar.

The Giant Flea Market – Perfect for finding vintage treasures.

Bluebird Café – A songwriter’s haven, where some of the best original songs are played.

Grand Ole Opry & Gaylord Opryland – Two must-see spots. The Opry for live country music history, Opryland for a one-of-a-kind experience.

The Ryman Auditorium – The Mother Church of Country Music.

Buc-ee’s – A road trip essential. They got the best banana pie in town.

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – Go for medium unless you wanna cry.

Nashville is all about good food, good music, and good people—and this itinerary hits all the best spots. 🤠🔥

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Huge shoutout to the Canada Council for the Arts, my mentor Laurie Brown of Porch Swing Entertainment through the Music Manager Forum, Global Country and Country Music Alberta—each of them has ignited a fire in me to keep pushing forward in my career. Their belief in my artistry has provided me with opportunities, guidance, and the confidence to carve out my own space in the industry.

Beyond the industry support, my biggest gratitude goes to my mom, who has been my number one supporter from the very beginning, always pushing me to achieve more and believe in myself. To my husband, who has been in every band I’ve ever had, standing beside me through every high and low, and to my band, The Blank Slates, for creating a space where I can evolve musically, receive guidance, and be heard even when I struggle to find my own voice.

A special shoutout to my musical yin to my yang, Sharon Purdy—one of the most loving and honest humans I know. When we get together to write, we create something truly special: heartfelt, raw, and undeniably real music.

I wouldn’t be where I am without the unwavering support of these incredible people. Their belief in me has given me the strength to keep moving forward, and I’m forever grateful.

Website: https://www.jacquiedanielsmmuzic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquiedanielsherself/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacquiedanielsherself/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacquiedaniels

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5jlKfoegiNkkfKeJk337KM

https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/jacquie-daniels/1664572872

Image Credits
Bill Borgwardt