An indie pop artist from the Gold Coast (Yugambeh Country), Dani Teveluwe's brand of music deals in love, joy and positive energy, creating soundscapes that promote a positive mindset.
After debuting in 2021 releasing three singles ('Weight Off', 'Let Go' and 'Movin' On'), Dani's first release of 2022 is 'Double Shot' – a song that canvasses the power of forgiveness and the role empathy can play in society."At the time of writing this song, I had noticed people in my life who were habitually mean, crass or unkind," begins Dani.
"However, when I truly understood the phrase 'hurt people, hurt people', I could step back and see more clearly, through the eyes of compassion.
"I hope this track can connect with those who have been hurt, or who have done the hurting, and create space for forgiveness, and hopefully more joy."
Who is Dani Teveluwe... I'm a indie pop artist and eternal optimist who lives on Yugambah Country (Gold Coast).
I sound like... Amy Winehouse, Norah Jones and Corinne Bailey Rae.
My first gig was... At an open mic night in Budapest, Hungary, on the 50th anniversary of Woodstock.
In 2019, I spent three months travelling Europe and got to jump up on stage at an open mic night in a Ruins Bar in Budapest. It was quite surreal. I walked into this room and was mesmerised by the chick performing.
I actually thought it was a gig. Then the host jumped up and played some tunes. I had never played a solo gig by myself at that stage, and decided right there and then that I would do it. I played 'Love Song' by The Cure, and that song always brings me back to that moment.
When did you settle on your artistic name, and was it a unanimous decision... I was actually torn between a few different stage names to release under. I wasn't sure my own name was 'stage friendly' or easy to pronounce (it's tee-va-loo.) But I kept coming back to the fact that I really just wanted to be myself.
In the studio I always... Enjoy every moment. I'm always so stoked every time I get to record. First rule and maybe the only rule: honour the song.
If I could tour with anyone... Sahara Beck – if you haven't heard of her, stop what you're doing and put on her music now. Also Emily Wurramara, Thelma Plum, JOY, Wharves, Missy Higgins, Lime Cordiale, Norah Jones, John Mayer, Alicia Keys, H.E.R, Dolly Parton.
Social media is... Necessary and so addictive. I schedule breaks/ time off to be more creative and productive.
My favourite app at the moment is... Insight Timer – I use it to meditate every day. I seriously love meditation.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... I sat on a coffee spill in white shorts while in the middle of teaching my class and walked around with a massive coffee stain on my shorts for most the day.
Life on the road can be... Something I get to experience in the near future. Bring on the tour road trips.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that my rider contains... A shrine in the green room worshipping the gloriousness of golden retrievers, and luxury puppy palaces for my two boys Huey and George.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... I got to go to Egypt in 2019 and snorkelled on the Red Sea.
It was pretty rough on the water that day and when I jumped into the water I had a panic attack and I couldn't breathe, and I was in rough water. I was seriously freaking out, then I decided to embrace the epic-ness of the moment. . . I was in EGYPT! EGYPT!! And just go with the flow. My panic attack disappeared and I had the most incredible time. This moment inspired my single 'Let Go', which I released last year.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... I'd be so stoked if Wim Hof got behind my music brand or Chris Hemsworth, he's a real champion of Aussie artists.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Somewhere in Europe, probably in the Netherlands.
I'm Dutch/ Aboriginal and would love to spend more time in my father's country, learn the language, embrace the culture there and experience another way of living. Also, you can go on weekends away in any country in Europe.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Joe Dispenza, Alicia Keys and Tony Robbins – these people have inspired me so much over the years and I've read their books and learned so much from all of them.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us... Burrito bowls with all the bells and whistles.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? LOVE. Huey and George, my two gorgeous Goldens have my heart. Strands of dog hair and actually strands of love.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Grenache, D'Arenburg, McLaren Vale.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... I'm about to leave to teach pilates now, so most days. But I'll stick to pilates and yoga over heavy lifting for now.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Cleaning the toilet.
Do you have any phobias... Cane toads. To be brief. Afternoon swimming. Me having a shower after. My siblings throwing toads over the door into the shower. . . ughhhh, they give me the jeebies.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? 'Survivor' would be pretty cool, and that was the one reality TV show I was allowed to watch growing up. I really love how it challenges you in every way.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? This is a bit of a throwback if a prank passed, but after watching 'Home Alone' as a ten year old I got obsessed with setting booby traps around the house for my siblings.
We're talking trip lines, books falling off doors, but my greatest prank. . . peppercorns in the Just Right.
My poor baby sister was digging into a bowl of tampered cereal for breakfast and complaining it was really hot. My mum trying to keep us all organised told her to quit whinging and keep eating. She couldn't. I was found out. My punishment? To eat all the peppercorns from my prank.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Love Govindas, vegetarian deliciousness. My boyfriend and I love getting take out and sitting on Burleigh Hill.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Nala from 'The Lion King' because I'm kind, morally driven and an absolute Queen! Also I totally did an internet quiz to figure this out haha, the character had to be a cartoon because I'm often told I have quite a cartoonish voice.
Last show you binge-watched? Absolutely loving 'Parks And Recreation' atm, also I'm a huge OA fan. When I make it big time, I'm investing in the last three seasons to be filmed, it's so good.
