Daley, born Gareth Daley, is a British singer-songwriter and creative artist recognized for his contributions to alternative R&B and soul music. After catching the attention of Gorillaz co-creator Damon Albarn in 2010, Daley went on to collaborate with the animated band on their 2011 ‘Plastic Beach’ album. He co-wrote and provided lead vocals for the acclaimed single ‘Doncamatic,’ which quickly garnered early support from BBC Radio 1Xtra, propelling him into the spotlight with a BBC Introducing feature and recording sessions at Maida Vale Studios. In 2011, Daley joined the ‘Escape to Plastic Beach World Tour,’ performing globally alongside prominent artists including Little Dragon, De La Soul, Lou Reed, and Snoop Dogg, solidifying his presence within the international music scene.
Following his high-profile Gorillaz collaboration, Daley independently released his mixtape, ‘Those Who Wait,’ in 2011. This project achieved significant traction, garnering 50,000 downloads in its first month and exceeding 150,000 downloads overall, successfully establishing his distinctive alternative R&B sound. His growing independent success led to a major label signing with Universal Music, specifically Polydor Records in the UK and Republic Records in the US, positioning him for broader commercial reach. Under Universal Music, Daley achieved notable Billboard chart success with several singles.
The album’s single ‘Until the Pain Is Gone,’ also featuring Jill Scott, was prominently featured on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart in 2017, underscoring Daley’s consistent presence and impact within the contemporary R&B and soul landscape.