What is your names?
Dani Felt
What is your genre of music?
Dark Pop
Give us a little bio about you.
Female pop artist currently residing in Nashville. Born outside Philadelphia in the suburbs. Wrote music since I was sixteen years old. Ambassador of love, empowerment and inspiration. Also a coach for independent artists, co-author of In the Spotlight: Over 100 Voices in Music Ebook, Creator of Artist Plugin Program an online course for artists looking to learn about mindset and building relationships.
What made you go into music?
I have had a passion for music since I was two. It started when my parents introduced me to nursery rhymes, disney and musical theatre. I was memorizing songs at two years old doing performances for my parents and that is where my passion started. When they cheered and clapped after I sang , I knew I was meant to do this. It just gave me so much joy and when something brings you joy that is a clear sign to follow that happiness all the way to where it leads. Later, I got voice lessons starting at 10 years old. I learned that there is technique to why people sound so good and professional. Before you knew it, I was involved with musical theatre throughout middle school and fell in love with acting and singing.
When I was sixteen there was this amazing overnight camp called Performance Plus that I attended. There my focus was music. I was thrown into studios, writing sessions and soon learned my passion for being a songwriter and recording artist. When I showed professional songs to people, their reaction was what inspired me to keep pursuing this. I saw my parents have tears from hearing a song which showed me how music can really impact people’s lives and that really lit a fire within me. The fact that I can use music to help people feel sad, happy, empowered, now that is powerful! few years later I attended another overnight camp called Independent Lake Camp. There my focus was rock band and I got to learn and perform songs with a band in front of many people. It was an amazing experience and showed me the love for performing live as well. In college I created a compilation album to raise money for the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation. Linda Creed was a famous songwriter that is a distant cousin of my dads so I thought that was a pretty good place to raise money for. This showed me my passion for using music to make a difference as well as putting multiple artists together to create something impactful. A few years later I got back from a music PR internship studying abroad in London,which I got fired from. Still do not know why I got fired. But because I got fired it ignited a passion in me to “prove myself” and find a way to get into the music industry. So, I started a music blog called Creative Spotlights. I thought to myself, this could be a way to really break in without begging people to hear my music. A few years later I garnered over 300 interviews as well as cowrote a book call In The Spotlight Over 100 Voices in Music. This book features advice from over 100 of those interviews from my blog with different artists and industry professionals. A few years later I started an artist consulting agency and here we are today. Now this year I decided, lets release something new and fun! Lets do something for myself as an artist since majority of my focus has been helping independent artists. Sometimes it is good to go for your own dreams, as I tell all my clients 🙂
Are you a signed?
I am not signed at the moment.
Your set to release your new single ‘Queen’, tell us more about the single.
Oh boy. To be honest, I do not remember why I wrote Queen originally but once I recorded it I decided this is so powerful, I am so excited to have something that totally will throw people out of their seats in shock due to my quite, shy and more serious personality. Queen is the anthem for anyone who wants to step into their power and be their most bold version of themselves. It is a pop driven, powerful, sexual song. When people hear it the first thing they say is too bad there is not another Fifty Shades of Grey movie coming out because this would pair perfectly with it. Recording this song totally threw me out of my comfort zone. I wanted to see how far I could push myself out of comfort zone and help myself grow as an artist and a person. Because when you step out of your comfort zone that is where the most magic awaits for your life! All the opportunities are on the other side of fear.
What is the meaning behind the single?
The meaning behind Queen is very metaphorical and literal. It is quite simply about a woman who demands respect in and out of the bedroom. She is the the heartbreaker. She takes control. She has the power. Metaphorically it is to help anyone step into their power, sexual and in life. I want people to hear this song and feel driven, more confident, more bold, more daring, more passionate and remind people it is safe to be themselves. It is okay to express your sexuality. It is okay to be open about things. Is it okay to be weird or strange. I want it to inspire others to go for their dreams no matter how crazy they may seem. I want it to inspire people to make the bold moves. Whether that is leaving a job that makes them miserable, leaving a partner that they are afraid to leave, asking for a raise, asking that person they have a crush on to go on a date even if its virtual. I want it to just serve as a reminder to people to do what they want. Go for their passion and don`t be afraid to speak your truth. I want Queen to remind people of their worth, how powerful, incredible and amazing they are. When they step into their power they tap into their magic!
Describe the track in two words.
seductive, dramatic
What was the writing process like?
I remember I had written lyrics and a melody when I was back in Philly 2 years ago. I struggled through trying to make the lyrics not too inappropriate due to fear of judgement from my clients, family, friends etc. However, I quickly got over that when I kept showing people the song and they really liked it.
What was the recording process like?
It was really amazing but tiring! I had travelled to Nashville for my birthday two March’s ago to record with Invisible Heroes Productions. I went into the studio and we got to work right away. They already had created the background track for me so now it came to recording the vocals. We had come up with the bridge on the spot in the studio! We had only 2 days to work on it because I was only visiting at the time. So it was a lot of pressure however they really pushed me to have my best vocals and really get out of my comfort zone due to the content I was singing about. They had given me directions in my headphones while I was singing in the basement, in dark lighting to really get in the right mood to sing.
Who did you work with on the single?
Invisible Heroes originally helped me produce and write the track. Jordan Lake from Nashville Hit Machine helped consult on the mix. Gary Earl helped mix it and out came magic! There are so many talented producers in Nashville!
Will we see a music video for the track?
Yes! We are currently working on creating an animated music video which should be out by the end of August or first week of September at the latest.
Will we see an EP or Album and if so, what can we expect?/
I am currently working on writing and recording more music so I do plan on releasing an EP in the near future.
Do you have any online shows coming up?
I have not done a ton of online shows due to not playing instruments at the moment but that could change!
What else can we expect in 2020?
As far as music I will probably be releasing my next single Gone in November/December.
As far as the business side goes: I am currently in the process of creating a music competition reality show that we are looking to build the right team for. I am also launching a virtual marketplace for the music industry called Tribe DIY with my business partner Bryan Glick in the next month or two.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any upcoming artists?
Yes! I co wrote a song with Kevin Chrisman and Audrey Callahan called The Light. Audrey is singing on it. It should be coming out next year!
I also co wrote and sang Gone with Zac Lavender. This song should be coming out in November/December of 2020
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Yes absolutely! I am always open to collaborating with other artists. They can email me directly at dani@danifelt.com
Do you play any instruments?
I do not. I just sing at the moment.
Who are your influences?’
Biggest influences are definitely anything musical theatre or disney to start off. Aside from that Sia, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Imagine Dragons, Sara Bareilles , Rihanna, Elton John, so many people it is hard to name them all!
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Oh it just comes to me when I am feeling sparks of emotion! Especially bad dates, they create the BEST songs. Bad relationships are the same thing! I have definitely had a history of going on dates that were not the best matches for me. However, they have inspired me hard core to pour out pages of lyrics of what I would say to them. I will also totally dramatize a situation or story. For example a guy could be not the nicest on a date. So then I will create an entire story around that and makeup many details to help make it more dramatic. Or I will write about people in my life and use more real facts. It can also be a combination.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
5 years from now I have won several Grammys. I am writing for top recording artists in writing camps. I have had my music placed in many big feature films, indie films, commercials, tv shows etc. I am running a music consulting agency which also has a whole creative suite including recording studios, places to film music videos, photoshoot spaces, a closet full of styles for the shoots. I do speaking around the world inspiring people to go for their dreams as well as doing live shows. I have an acoustic guitar player with me or a band or a backing track. Tribe DIY is hugely popular. I am a multimillionaire. I am helping artist all over the world with my team. I have released multiple albums/eps. People write to me and tell me my music has changed their life and inspired them or empowered them in some way. I am also writing music for tv and film. I have an amazing personal healthy gluten free dairy free chef, a personal masseuse, and more. I am happy, I am joyful, I am grateful. I have amazing friends in and out of the music industry. I am surrounded by people who are successful or aiming to be successful. I have hugely high standards for the people I surround myself with. My stage fright has disappeared and I love performing! Also my musical is on Broadway and is as popular as Hamilton! I collaborated with the most amazing top producers and songwriters and people I just click with so well. Also my reality show got picked up on a major network. I also have a whole brand clothing line of empowerment clothing.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Run a music consulting agency. Work on creating a tv show. Work on a marketplace. Besides business? Reading books, watching webinars. Watching Netflix, meditating, creating vision boards, learning about healthy food, going out to restaurants, going on dates, meeting new people, dancing.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more into the music scene?
Some of my favourite songs ever are: Out Tonight from Rent, Before He Cheats from Carrie Underwood, My Favorite Things from Sound of Music.Also any songs from my childhood: Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, Mandy Moore, BackStreet Boys etc. 🙂 I can not name one specific one, there are too many!
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Do not take anything too seriously. Just try your best. Always stand your ground. Love and respect yourself. Surround yourself with people who want you to succeed. Pay attention to your thoughts.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Just do it! Go for your dreams. No matter the odds, if it calls you, take the chance. You want no regrets in your life
Do not live your life based on what other people say is good for you. You know deep down what feels good and bad. Listen to your intuition. Try to sit in quiet often so you can hear your own thoughts and inner voice.
Do not take yourself too seriously that it affects your mental health. I understand you want the song to be perfect, but there is no such thing and you can easily drive yourself crazy and self sabotage. At the same time never settle and expect the best!
It is never too late to start! Take one step at a time, you got this.
I understand there is a lot of competition but understand also that your fans will love YOUR music for YOU. So do not worry so much about so much competition. Focus on YOU and YOUR BRAND, YOUR MESSAGE and what makes you different. Also get really clear on what you stand for, what you’re about and the impact you can make with your music.
Also please be kind to yourself. Be loving to yourself. Understand you will make mistakes and it will be okay. You are not perfect, you never will be and its about you doing the best you can. Do not put so much pressure on yourself that it affects your physical or mental sanity. Do what you can handle and do not be afraid to ask for help.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Just go for it! Try and if you fall try again.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
Blue Sage is an amazing vegetarian restaurant outside Philadelphia. In Nashville, Amerigo Italian restaurant.
Your coming off tour;
I have not toured but if I did:/
1/ Where do you go first? Lee’s Hoagies restaurant in Philly! or Blue Sage vegetarian restaurant
2/ Who do you see first? I would see my family outside Philly.
3/What do you eat first? Chicken Steak Sandwich or a hoagie both outside Philly. Nick’s Pizza or Lee’s Hoagies.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Water, lyrics, mic stand, makeup, confidence
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes!
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Youtube
