DANII Out Of My Mind Interview

Brisbane's singer/songwriter, producer, dancer and visual artist, DANII, is a unique and fearless musician laying her raw emotions out on the table with her new single "Out of My Mind", which is set to be released June 25th.

Performing around Brisbane for over 15 years, DANII has navigated her way sonically, into being an alternative pop and RnB artist. "Out of My Mind" was written 15 years ago when DANII first started. Since then, the track has flourished into a polished and emotional Electronic-Pop ballad. "I first wrote the melody for this song when I was 15! I felt so much emotion in the melody but I could never find the right words to match the emotion so I sat on it for about 10 years. And last year not long before my first single was due for release, I was struggling between wanting to pursue a career in music, but I was also doubting myself thinking 'I'm too old. It's too late. My music isn't good enough. No one will listen to my music.' I revisited this melody and tried to channel those emotions into my words." DANII expresses.

Recorded and produced by Kiosk Records in Brisbane, DANII channeled her emotions into her performance on the piano and in her sultry, moody vocal melody. DANII says, "Working with Kiosk was great because they really understood the sounds I wanted to develop."

With the release of her new track "Out of My Mind", DANII wishes for her listeners to gain an experience of knowing that they are not alone in their feelings. "If you are struggling with self-doubt and an inner saboteur, I hope that when you hear this song it helps you realise that they know you are not alone and not let those thoughts consume you."

Interview with Danii

Question: How would you describe your music?

Danii : Heavy basslines with deep and meaningful lyrics that sounds like electronic, dark pop/R&B.


Question: Can you tell us about Out Of My Mind?

Danii : I am a confident person. But every now and then I catch myself thinking "No one will like my music. Is it really worth it? A confident person wouldn't doubt themselves like this so maybe I shouldn't do this anymore." I wrote 'OOMM' to take back control of my anxiety and self-doubt to reassure myself that I am exactly where I am meant to be no matter how often the self-doubt seeps in.


Question: What made you wait so long before releasing the music for this single?

Danii : I actually quit music and tried to find a normal 9-5 because I was in a relationship and I thought that is what I needed to make me happy. But I was made redundant eight times and the relationship was toxic. I needed to experience life so that I could write something meaningful like Out of My Mind.


Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Danii : I know I'm not alone in the struggles you feel when you've chased a dream for so long that you start questioning everything. I hope that this makes people feel less alone so they can gain back control.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Danii : This is a difficult one because I enjoy both! Probably performing live because there is no feeling better than the adrenalin rush you feel on the day of a performance. It's a full circle moment to come from the start of the recording process, to then performing it.


Question: Can we expect a tour once all restrictions are lifted?

Danii : Maybe? I want to, but the perfectionist in me wants to have it planned out. And the creative in me wants to have this full experience and include visuals and dance as well as having a band on stage.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Danii : I'm motivated from my own life experiences, but I find inspiration in some of the weirdest places. Sometimes I am inspired by another song with an interesting hook or bassline, or a quote that I've heard. I once found inspiration from a TV show I was watching, which I developed into a chord progression, and wrote a song from there. The beautiful thing about music for me is that you can take any experience and create the story that you want.

Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Danii : My musical taste is all over the place. I listen to a lot of genres. But right now I am currently enjoying H.E.R., Saro, 36 Crazyfists, Goldlink and SG Lewis.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Danii : I've loved music from a very young age but I wasn't interested in typical kids music like The Wiggles or Hi-5. I was mesmerised by songs like Red Hot Chili Peppers Under the Bridge, The Carpenters Close To You and Shakespeare's Sister Stay - music that was beyond my years. Listening to music turned into singing and dancing, turned into performing on stage, turned into writing my own music, and now here we are.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Danii : I would never say no to writing a song with or for Banks or The Weeknd. I would also love to collab with Kaytranada or SG Lewis.


Question: Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Danii : Not anymore. I've quit once before and I don't ever want to do that again. I'm in too deep now!


Question: What's a typical day like?
Danii : A typical day usually consists of some kind of physical activity either a nature walk, workout or dancing; followed by a full day of work; then I'll cook something delicious and finish off with some writing or listening to some music and a cheeky wine. But depending on the day will dictate the order in which I do that! You've also made me realise that I am pretty boring haha


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Danii : It's the one place where I can 100% be myself, sing and say whatever I want, make music that I love. I have also made some solid friendships with people that have the same love as I do!


Question: What's next, for you?

Danii : I want to release more music and more music videos before the end of the year and now that restrictions have lifted I can finalise songs that are so so close to ready. Then I can begin working on an EP. But I promise it won't take me another 15 years!


Question: Can you share your socials? (links please)

Danii : www.iamdanii.com
Facebook     
Instagram
Spotify


Interview by Gwen van Montfort