THEAUSSIEWORD.COM special interview with Danielle Todd.
Give us an introduction. How did it all begin? What had you first interested in music?
Musical talent constantly surrounded me when I was a kid. It wasn’t unusual for me to go to bars to see my dad perform matinees with his country band in the early 90s, or go and see my cousin perform when I was a teenager. Throughout high school I started to book my own shows and made all my family and friends come out to see me. By the time I graduated high school I was a full-time touring musician. It wasn’t a question of whether or not I’d be a musician; it’s just what I made happen. It’s what I was born into.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
Is it cheesy to say “my heart”? Because that’s what it feels like! I absolutely love performing, and creating, so it doesn’t feel like I ever need “motivation”. It’s just what I love to do. Also, my fans are a big influence on me. I really feel like I owe them the world, and all I have to give back to them is my music. I really am lucky to have such amazing supporters.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
This is a loaded question! I have so many aspirations when it comes to my music. Ultimately, I want to make music that people love and connect with, and I want to perform that music all over the world. I would love to be successful enough in my music to open up a mental health organization as well. Mental health awareness is a topic I hold so dear to my heart; it would be amazing to have a voice powerful enough that I could use it to make some positive changes.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
The next few months are going to be insane for me! The next few weeks alone I will be travelling across Canada on a two and a half week radio tour, followed by a couple theatre shows. There are plans for an acoustic tour in the southern States, country music week in Alberta in September, and a trip to Australia with a tour planned for early 2020. I can’t wait to come back overseas.
Tell us a bit about your latest single and how would you best describe your music?
“Crazy” is an upbeat country tune about all the erratic emotions involved with falling in love. The song has a strong acoustic element, mixing banjo and acoustic guitar with a modern pop flare. I would call it “revived country”. It is a fresh take, on a classic country sound.
Success, what is the secret to it?
Patience and belief.
What has been your biggest career highlight?
There have been a lot of milestones that I’ve reached. Moving to Nashville has been a big highlight for me. It was drastic, but when I look back I’m really proud I took that leap. I’ve performed on stage with many major artists since then, Kid Rock, Terri Clark, Joe Diffie, and had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with many more superstars. Also, I sang the national anthem for Canada’s only football game we host every year for 51 000 people. That was wild!
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
This one is SO hard! I listen to so much music, it’ll be difficult to only name a few. To be completely honest, I am really into a lot of female country artists right now. Because I am a writer, I listen to a lot of singer-songwriters as well. To name a few, Caitlyn Smith, Ashley McBryde, Ashley Monroe, Cam, Holly Williams, Carly Pearce, Lucie Silvas … I could go on! The chicks are really killing it in country music right now! As for the guys, I am a huge fan of Canadian singer-songwriter Donovan woods. Also, my favourite male performers to see live is Keith Urban, Brothers Osborne and Aerosmith. (Who doesn’t LOVE Steven Tyler?)
Any new projects in the pipeline?
There are always new projects on the go! Song writing is constant. I am always writing and recording demos and figuring out the next project! As for right now, I’m trying to focus on “Crazy” and this radio tour coming up!
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
Opening for Keith Urban. A girl can dream!
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.
Natalie Pearson, The Wolfe Brothers, Brook Chivell and The McClymonts, Phil Barton, Seaforth, Casey Barnes.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
I love how there are so many platforms for me to reach fans on now a days. The only problem is that I am not a huge social media queen. I’m the girl at the concert that never takes her phone out one single time because I am enjoying the experience. That is a struggle for me, because I know my fans want to be involved in what I’m doing, and I’m still not used to pulling my phone out to capture cool moments. I guess I’d just rather live in the moment than post about it later! The good thing is that I am 100% in contact with my fans, and they can reach me so easily. For example, I do a monthly Facebook Live called “Wandering Wednesday’s” where I go to different venues and locations all over the world (I’ve filmed a few from Australia, Nashville, Arizona, California and of course, Canada) and I play music and chat with my fans. For example, I visited the Steinway Piano Gallery in Nashville and got to play a bunch of tunes on incredible grand pianos, while learning about the history of the store. The whole time I get to interact with my fans from all over the world and keep them feeling personally connected to me. I really like that part of social media.
Thanks for the interview! What final message do you have for us today?
Check out my new single on iTunes, Spotify and all other streaming services. I can’t wait to visit Australia soon and perform for all my Aussie fans!
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