The CatchMark Community Local Musician Spotlight shines on Delany Schultz, a talented local musician making her mark in the White Lake area. As a singer, guitarist, and occasional pianist, Delany brings her heartfelt performances to stages big and small, inspiring audiences with her dedication to her craft and love for music.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Delany to discuss her musical journey, influences, and plans for the future.
Finding Her Musical Path
Delany’s musical adventure officially began in 2022 when she started performing at open mic nights. “That was kind of the start of all of my music really taking off,” she shared. From venues like Sawyer’s Brewing Company to monthly performances at The Bunker, Delany has steadily built a presence in the local music scene.
Her passion for music began early, fueled by choir and band participation during middle and high school. “I was in choir and band all throughout school, and it really helped me build confidence as a musician,” Delany said. Performing at school talent shows and participating in events like Showcase left a lasting impression on her as she honed her craft.
Influences and Inspiration
Delany credits her grandmothers for passing down a love for music, though neither her parents nor siblings are musical. Her family’s appreciation for country music played a role in her early influences. “I remember riding in the back of my dad’s truck, listening to country songs, and singing along with the radio,” she said.
Her inspirations range from country artists like Carrie Underwood and Lauren Alaina to more contemporary names like Noah Kahan. This variety is reflected in her performances, where she mixes older crowd favorites like Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” with newer hits and even her original songs.
Overcoming Challenges
As with any creative pursuit, Delany has faced her share of challenges. Finding songs she loves to perform, preparing for gigs, and managing time-consuming tasks like organizing her music binders can sometimes be overwhelming. However, she embraces the process and views each obstacle as part of the journey.
Her advice to aspiring musicians? “Say yes to every opportunity you get, even if it’s scary. You grow so much from those experiences.”
Memorable Moments
Delany cherishes every performance, from her first open mic night at Sawyer’s to singing at weddings. A standout moment in her career was placing third in the Showcase competition—a significant achievement that boosted her confidence.
“I stopped singing for a while after voice lessons growing up, but when I got back into it after 2020, it was like a new beginning for me,” she explained. “I wasn’t as nervous anymore and was just so excited to share my music.”
Balancing Music and Life
In addition to her music, Delany is currently a student at Muskegon Community College, studying special education. She hopes to combine her love for teaching and music in her future career. When not performing, she enjoys being outdoors, working out, and spending time with family and friends.
What’s Next?
Delany plans to continue her monthly performances at The Bunker and participate in open mic nights at Sawyer’s Brewing Company. She also shares her music on her personal social media accounts, where fans can follow her journey.
To stay updated, follow Delany on Facebook and Instagram at Delany Schultz.
CatchMark Technologies is proud to support local talent like Delany and highlight the stories of our community’s musicians. Stay tuned for more features, and as always, support your local music scene!
