Indiana's Indie Music Source
“It’s about finding out who you are, and who you will become.” ~ Danielle Asman on her new album.
Zack Daggy: When did you begin performing?
Danielle Asman: From the time I could walk my Dad was taking me to the theatre. We would go to any show we could get tickets too; college, high-school, community theatre to shows in Philadelphia. Any weekend we could get to a show we would be there. I fell in love with music and the way people came alive on stage. In fourth grade I auditioned for my first musical and was cast in Johnny Appleseed. Children’s musicals became my forte! I thought the theatre would be my career and so I went to college and studied musical theatre. It was during my junior year of college that I realized it wasn’t the musicals I was in love with. It was singing and being on stage. I came alive on stage. I decided to try my hand at songwriting. I found this to be a miracle for me. I could be on stage and use my voice while singing songs I wrote and had my own connection with. I never looked back after that year in college.
ZD: How would you describe you’re style?
DA: My style would definitely be in the pop/singer/songwriter genre. My songs are very much a self journey about finding out who I am and who I will become. Their kind of like my diary; that I share with the world!
ZD: Where do you find inspiration?
DA: I find my inspiration through other artists as well as loved ones. I am extremely lucky to have amazing people in my life that have supported and inspired me along the way. I also find much of my inspiration when I am alone wandering around New York City. It could be something as simple as sitting in a coffee shop people watching or strolling through Central Park. There’s always something going on that you could really write a cool song about in this city.
ZD: What was the recording process like for your debut EP?
DA: It was the most exciting and amazing experience of my life. I felt like I had such a purpose in the studio. I could do it everyday and I think I would still find something new and interesting while in the studio. While recording my album I learned a lot about myself. I learned that sometimes I get in my own way by over-thinking every note, lyric, or phrase. As soon as I let myself be free and in the moment parts of me came out in my music that I never knew existed.
ZD: What is your favorite song to perform and why?
DA: My favorite song to perform is “Can’t Let You Go,” this song is an extremely powerful and emotional song. I wrote this song during a very vulnerable time in my life that I am sure many people can relate too. That moment when you realize you have lost control and no matter how badly someone is treating you, you keep going back for more pain. This was the first song I ever wrote, so it will always be special too me. It’s my favorite to perform with my band because of the great r&b groove. You can really improvise and have a great time on stage with it.
ZD: Do you have any upcoming gigs?
DA: I have decided not to book any full band shows in preparation for my EP release party at The Bitter End on February 6. I want it too be big and really give my fans an exciting and fresh show.
ZD: Who’s your favorite band/artist?
DA: My favorite artist would have to be Tori Amos. She has been around for a while now and is constantly reinventing her music while still keeping her music new and unique. She was the first musician that made me really listen and understand that songs are stories from beginning to end. Tori Amos is one of those artists where all you have to hear is a couple notes and you know it is a Tori Amos song. She is also one of my favorite pianists as well. Listening to her play that instrument is amazing and astonishing. She comes up with the most complicated melodies. My biggest dream is to play the piano like Tori Amos.
ZD: Who’s your guilty pleasure band/artist?
DA: I would have to say Kelly Clarkson. She has this voice that just makes you want to rock along with her. Her songs are my go to music when I’m tired and need some motivation.
ZD: If you could be the opening act for anyone, who would it be?
DA: Bonnie Raitt, I saw her in concert at Bonaroo in 2007. She has this amazing ability to bring emotion to everyone around her. Looking around at that concert I will always remember the tears in people’s eyes when she sang “I can’t make you love me.” Moments later she had the audience’s confidence lifted and singing along to, “Love Me Like A Man.” It would truly be a dream come true to open for someone who really knows how touch people with their music. I can only imagine how nervous I would be if that day ever came!
ZD: Tell me something that very few people know about you.
DA: I am a total homebody. I am completely content and happy on my couch with a good glass of wine and my television. I love my “brain candy,” which are my television shows that probably make loose brain cells while watching.
Mothpod 165 (Available December 7th, 2009 at Mothpod.com)
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