Today is a momentous day for Brisbane's DANII who releases her new single 'Out Of My Mind' – a song she first wrote 15 years ago.
The singer-songwriter, producer, dancer and visual artist whose music flows between pop, EDM and R&B, even metal thought a career in music had passed her by, even quitting the profession.But after a succession of "real" jobs failed to give her the same outlet music did, DANII returned to her love for music and released her debut single 'Don't Touch My Heart' last year.
With 'Out Of My Mind' her first release of 2020, DANII hopes to release more singles later this year with the plan to release an EP or album next year.
Can you give a snapshot of your musical style, influences you bring to your music?
I am influenced by heavy basslines and deep meaningful lyrics, but I'm drawn to dark pop/ electronic/ R&B. My music can sway depending on the artist or genre I'm listening to at the time, which can range from pop, EDM, dubstep, metal and R&B. Some of my favourite artists include Banks, Saro, Karnivool, H.E.R., Daft Punk, George Maple and Disturbed.
So tell us a bit more about yourself; who is the artist behind the DANII moniker?
I am a multi-layered human who loves the beauty and the ugliness of life. My friends know I'm an over-thinker, so the persona of 'DANII' is how I simplify my thoughts. She is intrinsically who I am but where I fail to express myself, DANII sums it up perfectly.
I also love dancing, food, Aunty Donna, wine/ beers, animals and Ru Paul's Drag Race. MISS VANGIE!
Your new single is titled 'Out Of My Mind'; you mention you wrote the melody for this track when you were only 15, but didn't create the song till last year; why the long gestation period?
I actually quit music and tried finding a 'real job' because I thought that would make me happy. It was a terrible idea because I was made redundant about eight times and never found a job that fulfilled me like music did. In a way, I guess that inspired this song!
What sort of themes, subjects do you explore on this song, and what do you wish to convey to listeners with 'Out Of My Mind'?
'OOMM' explores those feelings of self-doubt and anxiety when you've been chasing something or someone for so long.
Even the strongest of us can feel a moment of weakness where you think, 'Damn I am not where I thought I would be by now. Is it really worth it?' Even though I'm fairly confident, I'm not immune from my own inner saboteur. I hope that people hear this song and realise they are not alone in their self-doubt, but it is all in your head.
How does this single highlight the evolvement of your sound overall?
I really had to pare things back musically for 'OOMM', which is the opposite of what I normally do. I always want to add a heavier bass, more beats and clever melodies. So it was challenging, but I learned a lot from that process and really cemented the musical direction I want to take.
You worked with Kiosk Records for this single; what was that experience like?
Sam and Harry are the best. This was the first song that we fully worked on together. They really understood my terrible explanations for the sound I wanted to achieve.
When can we expect more new material from you; is a longer-form release in the works?
I am really hoping to release more singles before the end of the year. I would love to write and release an EP next year.
You're also a dancer; how does that creative outlet shape your on-stage performances?
Dancing is a unique perspective on how differently people can interpret music. The choreographer will teach a dance move on a beat or a sound that I haven't noticed before! That helps visualise my creativity and bring out a new element to performing on-stage. I am just as inspired by visuals as I am music.
While you've been in lockdown, have you picked up any new hobbies or learnt a new skill?
The only hobby I've learned is how to be a lazy sh.t and watch too much TikTok hahaha! I've been working from home for a few years, so I am pretty conditioned for life indoors.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be your spokesperson?
Celebrities get enough exposure. Can I be my own spokesperson? Lol. Unless it's Harry Styles. . . what a talented and beautiful human.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us?
I cook decent boujee packet ramen! Add bulk Asian veggies and, soy sauce, a egg, et voila. Either that or my mum's Filipino adobo recipe. As long as you bring the drinks.
What's the one chore you dislike the most?
Cooking for myself. It's never fun cooking for one when I can have it delivered instead and not have to clean up.
Do you have any phobias... please explain?
I am deathly afraid of heights. I went hang gliding years ago to overcome it. But for a long time I had an irrational fear of balconies and looking out windows of high-rise buildings. It makes no sense because I am only 5ft so the body: fence/ window ratio means the chances of me accidentally tumbling over the fence are highly unlikely. . . but never zero. . .
Anything else you'd like to add?
I want to dedicate this song to my dear Nana who we lost last year to brain cancer. She was an amazing woman and she believed in me and my music. I love you and I miss you Lola Francing!
