In this virtual chat, we spend a few minutes with Nashville-based singer/songwriter DANAE.
You can check out her newest single, Prove, by clicking play on the embed below.
We’ve featured you before but let’s dive a little deeper into the artist and the music. What attracted you to this genre or style of music?
I grew up listening to a lot of acoustic music, but over the past few years, I’ve fallen in love with the textures and tones of electronic music. The versatility of synths and the dynamics you can create with simple beats is inspiring to me. The electro-indie-pop-rock fusion my producers and I have created is so tasty to me; it’s music I want to listen to. And I’m a firm believer that if you create it, you should love it. At least for a while. 😉
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I started writing and recording music in high school actually. Though, those records are not available anywhere!
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
I love listening to a diverse array of music. Yesterday, I listened to Snarky Puppy on a run and am an avid consumer of Top 40 pop. European pop artists are some of my favorite to discover like Christine and the Queens as well as hip-hop pop artist like Jon Bellion. His album, The Human Condition, has been on repeat.
Motivation . . . that comes on the daily from my family, friends and faith. They are my anchor in an ever changing sea of dreams, victories, failures and joys.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
Though I’ve been creating and performing music for years, this Direction record is my first step into pop music. So creatively, I was simply trying to find my authentic voice. To say something true about the courage it takes to go in a new direction, to commit to a cause, to believe that you’ve been given what it takes to create something beautiful in the world.
What was the last song you listened to?
Based on my Google Chrome search history: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NxBvBC9fKU
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
CDs
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Spotify. I don’t think I’ve ever search for something that it didn’t have … well, other than Taylor Swift’s 1989.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
Creating music that is so catchy, authentic and beautiful that it can not be ignored.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you perform?
Sharing my music live is what it’s all about. That’s where the magic happens. I’m currently in the process of booking a New Direction tour starting this fall. So if Middle Tennessee is loving the music, let’s book a show at your college! Then music lovers can just walk out of their dorm room.
I also live stream for sure — it’s an awesome tool.
*Editors Note: Although flattered by continuously being connected to MTSU and despite being an alum, this website is in no way connected to, affiliated with, or sponsored by Middle Tennessee State University. Our name is simply related to a region which spawned from our beginnings when we focused only on music and events in Middle Tennessee. With that said, if you have connections or happen to be the current director of student programming I encourage you to contact DANAE’s people and make something happen! End Note.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
My website, www.danae.co, has everything like Facebook, Twitter and such. But my favorite place to connect is Instagram and another great place for people to follow me is actually my Spotify Artist Profile.
Also, if people want to hear the Direction record, here are a few spots:
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Huge shout out to my team! Sarin Kuruvilla, is my creative director and executive producer. He directed my music video for Direction and co-wrote the song with me. Also, my friend Phil Danyew co-wrote and produced both “Prove” and “Actualized” with me. His friendship and creative-soul-giving have been at the center of this project.
Words of wisdom? Creating and releasing music like this takes love and support from all angles. So if you are trying to bring something new into the world, I encourage you to lean into your community. And if they aren’t supporting you, go out and look for the right collaborators who share your vision and drive. Then be sure to share your creation with me.
