I Am Dani
It is really hard to write about yourself. What do you tell someone that is hearing about you or reading about you for the first time? Who you are, Where you are from, How you got started in Music, Why did you choose a career in Music, What have you done in your Music career up to this point and Where are you going with your music? I guess that answering those questions would sum it up. Some people tell you to write up a Clever Description of who you are as an artist that uses Picture Painting adjectives such as "Dani is a Down Home Country Delta artist with a Back Alley Beale Street Blues flavor blended with a Sultry Staxx Soul vibe that has evolved from her Memphis Roots heritage".
Rather than saying all of that I'll just state that I am Dani from Memphis. As a songwriter I try to tell a story so for my Bio I guess I'll do the same and tell my story. I was born and raised in the most historic Music City in the World, Memphis, TN. I started my solo career as a singer/songwriter/performer at age 14 and have been working hard at it ever since. I've had successes and disappointments along the way but I wouldn't change any of it.
I released my first album at age 15, "Outside the Lines", and here is what Mark Jordan from the Commerical Appeal had to say about it. "One might liken Dani to the 70's versions of Tanya Tucker or Lorrie Morgan, country ing'enues who likewise exuded a quality and attitude way beyond their years. Dani and her producers, Jim Allison and Stephanie McKenna, co-wrote all 12 tracks. Dani has fashioned a record that has its sights set squarely on the top of the contemporary country charts. The quality of the material is remarkable for what is essentially an independent release. What is even more impressive is the assuredness with which Dani tackles each track."
I did take that Album to Nashville in 2003 and met with all the Major Labels but they all told me to come back when I was 21. That was pretty hard to hear but it was probably a blessing that nothing happened. It allowed me to step back and dial in on my Memphis Roots and heritage even more and try different things and write songs that just came out and weren't necessarily written for a specific genre. I also put a band together and started traveling and playing a wide variety of venues. That has helped me grow as an artist and a person as much as anything. I've had some incredible band members that have taught me a ton over the past 8 years that I will always be thankful and grateful for.
I've opened for a wide variety of artists ranging from Bo Diddley to Jason Aldean to Sister Hazel and many more. Bo Diddley sent his granddaughter out to invite me to visit with him backstage after his show. He had 3 pieces of advice for me..."Don't Trust just Anybody", "Don't do drugs" & "make sure you get paid." I cherish the 45 minutes I got to spend with him and some of his family. He was an Icon that is missed by the Music World. When I came off the stage at the Pensacola Springfest in 2004 Buddy Guy called me a "Baby Doll" and took a photo with me on his way to the stage, where he opened for Patti LaBelle...And...Delbert McClinton asked me to share his stage and perform "Stormy Monday" with him, which was such an honor and a blast. It has been a crazy and exciting journey and I have loved "almost" every minute of it.
In 2006 American Idol came to Memphis and I decided to get in line with 16,000 others and give it a shot. Long story short...I made it to Hollywood. Simon said he liked the Blues part of my voice and Paula called me an "Old Soul". Randy wasn't crazy about me. In Hollywood I made the first cut along with Melinda DooLittle who was in our group of 6. I was one the final 45 girls left going into the group round where I Blanked on my words and got cut. I panicked and had the "Deer in the Headlights" look and they sent me home. It was a good thing to go through overall but it is very hard on you. I have to admit that I had a few bruises from that experience but I believe that ultimately it made me stronger as a singer, songwriter and a person.
Most of the songs I have written over the last 6-7 years have dealt with relationship issues. When you think of issues you think of problems, pain, heartache, etc...and there is a lot of that in the songs I have written during this time. A couple years ago I wrote a Love Song, unexpectedly, that kind of caught me off guard. That isn't usually what comes from my writing but that is what happened with "Melt Me Like Butter". I also wrote a song at 2:00 in the morning that just came to me while I was sleeping. It was during a tough time emotionally when I was being super critical of myself, which can be destructive. "Break Yourself" came from that song writing experience. Those songs are good therapy for me because it can help you get stuff out of your system and move on.
I released a 4 song EP in 2008 titled "Wasted Rain" that was recorded in both Nashville (Vibe 56 Studios) and Memphis (LeeWay Studios) and was mixed by the incomparable David Leonard (Bare Naked Ladies, Prince, and many, many more). I also shot a music video here in Memphis, which was directed by John Paul Clark (winner of Craig Brewer "Black Snake Moan" trailer contest), around 1 of the songs on the EP which was also the Title Track, "Wasted Rain", which is about Domestic Violence. Proceeds from the EP and Video go to "The Moriah House", which is an orgianization that helps Women and Children Escape and Recover from Domestic Violence situations. Wasted Rain is also one of the songs selected to be included on the "Taste of Memphis" Musicians Cookbook/CD project that was launched late 2010 by the Memphis Music Commission.
I'm currently working with Producer "Paul Ebersold" (3 Doors Down, Landon Pigg, Sister Hazel, etc...) on my next music project It will be totally different than anything I've done before. I had planned on an album containing 10-12 songs that were those "relationship" songs I mentioned previously, but that is not what took root at this time. I still want to cut that record but it is on the shelf for now. The new music is still evolving as I write here in Memphis and in Nashville. I took about 2 years off from song writing while playing with my band and another High Profile Cover Band. I learned a lot during that time period, mostly that I missed song writing and being creative.
I was recently honored to be inducted as a Memphis Emissary of Music member. Below is some of the Commercial Appeal's description of the event:
"This annual event is in it's 3rd year and is a Celebration in recognition of Women’s History Month. The event will salute the career achievements and contributions made to Memphis Music by eight (8) phenomenal female songwriters, musicians, and vocalists.
The 2011 Emissaries are Barbara Blue, Dani, Dawn Hopkins, JoJo Jeffries, Amy LaVere, Valerie June, Sheri Jones-Moffett and Lil Rounds. They join the ranks of previous inductees such as Reba Russell, Nancy Apple, Jackie Johnson, Susan Marshall & Ruby Wilson. The Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission created this event to recognize women from Memphis that have made an impact on Memphis Music." I am humbled and honored to be in the company of such great Memphis Female artists. They inspire me to be better at what I do and to keep growing and creating.
So where am I going with my music in 2011 and beyond? I plan on scheduling some Singer/Songwriter events over the course of the year to try out new Original songs with a live audience. The first "All Original" show will be May 26th here in Memphis. As new songs flow out I'll book some more. So...Stay tuned and sign up for my Newsletter and I will keep you posted on what is up. Hope to see you at a live show in the near future.
xoxo,
Dani
