Dani Darling a new jazz artist
Interview conduct on May 1, 2019
by Dan Locke
“Stranger’ was initially the start of a jazzy musical I planned to write with a friend. The idea was to create a modern version of a jazz standard like Cole Porter or Gershwin; something Nat King Cole would sing. It started with exploring the concept of growing apart from someone you were once very close to and ‘Stranger’ was the first (and only) song I wrote for that project; it kind of took on a life of its own.It was the result of a live recording in one take.” – Dani Darling
You grow up in Ann Arbor what was the music scene there like?
In Ann Arbor, a true knowledge of the inner-workings of music is valued because of the University [of Michigan]. I learned to read music from a young age in public school and was really prepared to pursue any avenue of music which is really cool. There was also this underlying grunge, punk alternative thing happening in Ann Arbor where all the rules were thrown out the window. Nowadays I really connect with the Ypsi music scene though. It’s more raw, more diverse, it’s more edgy and exciting than Ann Arbor honestly!
What do you listen to growing up?
I grew up listening to Ella Fitzgerald, Sinatra, old movie musicals because of my grandfather, but then my parents loved Motown and Sade so it was a blend.
How did you become interested in Jazz?
My grandfather would play us these old movies with standards but it wasn’t until I realized that there were all these versions by so many greats. One song could have so much life, so many different versions – I was hooked.
What type of jazz do you enjoy singing?
I love standards. But I also love playing with jazz chords and coming up with my own new songs that I would have loved to throw in the mix with Gershwin and Ellington and imagine what my favs would have done with it.
How did you get the name Soul Galaxie Girl?
Well, I’m really into stars and astrology and those themes are definitely the inspiration for a lot of my songs.
How did you get your band together?
So I did this show by myself – it was right after I changed my name. My bassist and best friend Noor came up and offered to play with me. The rest was history, it was kind of like the Wizard of Oz we just kept going playing shows and along the road Chris my drummer joined, and then Joel my lead guitarist.
Why do you feel that being a lounge singer is a backup plan?
Ha well if I had to sing someone else’s songs instead of my own, it would be old timer classics I’d wanna offer my versions – keep the classics alive since I’m an old soul.
Your song “Stranger” how did you come about writing it? And did you write it on guitar or piano?
I was in talks to write a musical with a friend and the first tune we talked about was the concept of just having a feeling about someone. I actually hummed the melody for days and recorded it on my Google voice and then wrote it with my guitar.
So the album is finally out. How are your fans liking it?
Well, the EP is coming, I am hearing positive feedback about the single, I think the lo-fi approach to jazz really resonates, it’s a wave.
Why do you use the name Ani Darling on your tweeter account?
The lightning emoji is for the D, I recently got a lightning bolt tattoo on my chest and it hurt really bad but I love it so it’s my new thing lol.
You just entered the Tiny Desk Contest. Where was the desk? (Entrant’s performance of a single, original song at a desk (any desk!) (the “Vidtech eo”).
It was over by my drummer, and my daughter Eden makes a quick cameo, we call her the manager she keeps us in line lol.
What was the movie you were in for the A2 Film Festival?
My video 2:22 (video on top of the page) was screened at the festival. It was about how technology affects our lives and creativity and my video was kind of a computer love scenario so it was chosen. Really good work by KaiCy they’re a cinematic powerhouse.
What brand of guitars do you play?
I have a Yamaha strat copy and a Luna acoustic electric. I really want a Danelectro hollow body.
I love the version of Happy Together from Great Gatsby? You should re-record it?
You like that huh? I totally should. 😏
Who are the Davis Triplets?
I’m the oldest of the Davis Triplets by one minute. We are all singers and instrumentalists and that’s a whole other interview altogether lol, but they are my world – it’s a deep love.
Since you are from Ann Arbor. I am going to give you a list of artist from that area. I would like you to say something in a sentence or two about each.
Kenny G – a smooth jazz legend!
Rachael Lampa – beautiful songs!
Pink – an inspiration because she switched gears as an artist and showed that being yourself is always way better.
James Dapogny – a real jazz legend, and he were a Virgo that’s my moon sign!
Iggy Pop – I love the Stooges!
Bob Seger – probably the most iconic musician from Michigan besides Madonna he is unparalleled!
Any plans for any touring soon?
I hope so! I hope to tour in Europe, I love that jazz has thrived there. I also love New Orleans and NYC.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope to do well, touring, collaborating with amazing artists and creating.
Anything in closing for you fans?
I love you all, you keep me going, you give me life Darling.
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