Los Angeles based singer-songwriter and “Edgy Norah Jones” (H.E.R), Dana Williams, releases her new EP “Happy Holidaze (Bonus Version)” which features a new hauntingly beautiful rendition of “California Dreamin,”the iconic The Mamas and the Papas track about missing the warmth and safety of California during a cold winter. 

Produced by Phinisey, the song is centered around Dana’s incredible guitar and filled out with walking bass and heavier drums, to put a more modern R&B spin on the song while keeping the lyrics as the focus of the track.

With the release of “Happy Holidaze (Bonus Version)” comes a visual for “California Dreamin.” Filmed on Martha’s Vineyard, the video represents a nostalgic sentimentality for Dana, as she spent much of her time there as a child. 

“For this holiday season, I wanted to cover an iconic wintery song rather than a traditional song,” Dana shares. “I’ve always loved “California Dreamin'” and the feeling the lyrics evoke. I have been spending a lot of time on the East Coast and while I love it, there is nothing like the familiarity of my hometown of LA. I think a lot of people can relate to wanting to be somewhere else after the past two years we’ve had.”

The new EP features Dana’s 2020 single “Happy Holidaze,” which was co-written with frequent collaborators Jordan Ware (Brent Faiyaz) and L.3.G.I.O.N. (Pop Smoke).Originally written as a pandemic holiday song, the track has over 175k streams to date and was featured on Spotify’s New Music Holiday Playlist. Additionally, Dana worked with guitarist Rohan Arora on a stunning rendition of the holiday classic, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” to round out the project. 

Recently, Dana recorded an exclusive track, “Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland,” a cover of one of the most beloved songs of the 20th century, for Aveda’s new Holiday collection campaign. Garnering vocal comparisons to iconic artists like Lianne La Havas and Billie Holiday, Dana’s shimmering voice is a perfect complement to a product line dedicated to bringing botanical beauty to life.