Dani Louise shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Dani, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
In my work in music there have been many times that I have been glad that I didn’t act fast. Taking a moment to evaluate whether something is truly in alignment with your vision, goals, and values is something I have found to be very important, especially in this industry where I believe authenticity is crucial. There is great value in trying new things and putting yourself out there, but there is also much to be said for having power over your own energy in making the decision to prioritize what truly aligns with you. I have been grateful that I didn’t jump into collaborations, grateful that I followed my intuition when things have felt off, and grateful that I worked with my mentor, Tom Kelly, for years before ever releasing music. Not acting fast does not mean not taking steps forward every day, but being intentional and present in those steps and that is something I have found to be necessary and rewarding.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an indie rock singer songwriter and artist from Chicago now based in Nashville. I am inspired by honest storytelling and creating music that allows people to feel seen. I admire the work of Sam Fender, Bruce Springsteen, Arctic Monkeys, and Fontaines D.C. and what their music has brought to my own life in this area. My work in music allows me to connect to parts of myself that are sometimes beneath the surface and has also allowed me to connect with others in a way that I am so grateful for. Some of the greatest friendships and experiences in my life have found me through music and art. I am currently working on producing a full EP and bringing a band together to collaborate and back the rock sound that I am inspired by and love creating.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mentor Tom Kelly saw me clearly before I could see myself. When I was writing songs in my dorm room with little musical knowledge outside of a few chords, Tom saw something in me and the music that I was creating. He went above and beyond to encourage me, and his authentic belief in me and what I was doing pushed me to turn something I loved doing into something that I believed in. Tom gave me opportunities to play live with his band, helped me land my first ever gig, and taught me how to produce my own music, empowering me in so many ways. He believed in my purpose behind music and could see why it matters so much to me to connect to the world through it. He is someone I am so grateful to call a friend and he saw me clearly before I could see myself.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me gratitude and choosing my own mindset in a way that success never could. I faced an injury that caused me to lose my musical capability as well as a level of everyday function in the world and it taught me how much I was taking for granted. Something as seemingly small as a conversation with a friend requires a fascinating amount of body synchronicity that when off balance, can show you just how remarkable it is. In losing my ability to speak for a time, I took stock of how much I had to be grateful for. I learned how to be more present, how to sit in silence, and also how to believe in myself and my own personal recovery and strength. The pain from this incident was an extreme challenge, but I learned that the suffering stemming from the pain was something I could take radical responsibility for. I am the person that gets to decide the narrative. As cliche as it is, this incident could be the best thing to ever happen to me. It could be totally neutral. However, I am choosing to write my own narrative about it and to believe that it is something that is serving my highest good. It does not mean ignoring the pain or suppressing it, but rather believing that there is some unseen plan where this will all later make sense, as has been the case many times in my own life in the past and in others lives I have witnessed.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
Outside of my own ideas I rely the most on the ideas of friends and family and from Rick Rubin’s Creative Act. I find that conversation with my friends and family often sparks different ideas or ways to examine a subject. Being able to bounce off of other people in daily life inspires me and my writing and sometimes I will find lines or concepts through these conversations. I will know they are meant to be included in the work if they linger and stay with me when the conversation has passed. Rick Rubin’s Creative Act is a book that I often return to when workshopping these ideas. I return to it any time I sense a block in my freedom of expression, or any other stagnation in my process. The book helps me realign with my creativity and often lifts burdens not serving it when I read it.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I am gone, I hope the story that people tell is that through the alchemy in my own life I was able to help others. I hope that I can put to words feelings that are not easily accessible or confronted by people and allow them to hold space for them as I have done for myself within my music. I have created a safe space for myself in my writing and songs and hope that.I can leave behind a safe space for others through this. I hope that in times when people may feel alone or isolated by their experiences in life, my music can be a friend to them. Some of my favorite records have been that for me and shown me in times of pain the alchemy that can take place. I hope that I am remembered as someone who loved what they did and shared that love with the world. I hope that I am remembered as a good friend and someone who had a true positive impact on the people they cared about.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danilouisemusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@danilouisemusic/shorts
Image Credits
Lily Cruse @Lilyonfilm
