Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Cosby
Hi Danielle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well… the year was 1993. Baby Danielle entered the world antsy and eager to use her voice! I was born into an overwhelmingly musical family full of pianists, horn players, band teachers, singers, accompanists and the like. Every day was embedded with music; whether it be in the forefront or the background, I’ve never known anything different.
When I was in high school I started performing professionally, and my career in music and entertainment management started ebbing and flowing immediately. I found myself quickly climbing the ladder in both a professional and creative manner in my hometown early on, and by my mid 20s I felt like I was at the top of the ladder, pounding on the glass ceiling above me. So, amidst a world-wide pandemic, I packed up my life and moved to Nashville… the most unhinged thing I could do. BUT, thankfully for me it all worked out and it didn’t take long for me to find my footing here in Nash. I fell into an amazing musical community and every day my life just gets better and more fulfilling. I sincerely recommend everyone remove the rose colored glasses your hometown places upon you. If you are able, please do yourself a favor and expand your horizons!
Today, I wear many hats. I am Operations Specialist for Downtown Band Entertainment; managing client communication and band logistics. I am also a performer; you’ll catch me singing and traveling with one of our talented groups every weekend! Additionally, I work part-time as a personal assistant and studio manager for lead guitarist of All American Rejects; Nick Wheeler. And in my spare time, I’m creating as much original music as I can; collaborating with other artists as well as pursuing solo projects. On rare days off, you can bet that I’m lounging with my dog Chief, my cat Roger, and my partner Armin; the three best things in my life. Life is wild and busy and chaotic and beautiful and boy am I ever so grateful!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Show me a smooth road in existence… I’m not convinced they exist! Of course I have had obstacles, struggles, and mountains to climb. The road has been curvy, bumpy, and at times a round-about with no exit in sight.
I have always struggled with being a young, female leader in a predominately patriarchal society, especially in the music industry. The first time I was sexually abused I was 14, and I’ve since lost count of the times I’ve been let down, abused, assaulted, forgotten, overlooked, or left behind by (small) men. It’s only made me all the wiser and I wouldn’t trade a single experience I’ve had. I truly mean that.
I was in a toxic, mentally abusive relationship with a drug and alcohol dependent narcissist for just shy of 10 years. It took packing up my entire life and moving to Nashville in 2020 to finally break free of the manipulative choke hold I was trapped under. Through therapy and music, I’ve come to reflect on, accept, forgive and grow from some traumatic moments in my life. Life is SO damn messy, which is why I need music to ground me, and bring me back to myself. It’s a life line, it’s my religion.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I cringe calling myself a “singer/songwriter”, or an “artist” – which much too general of a term to truly get to the pit of who I am. Instead I like to refer to myself as a “songstress”. I make music, I feel music, I write, play, sing, dance, make art, but most of all, I cultivate an inclusive space and energy where my peers and I can connect on a deep, soul level through art & song. Nothing in life fulfills me more than sharing that space with others who are like “I get it, and I’m here, in this with you”. It transcends all else.
I released my first album in 2019, shortly before the world shut down. It was a really vulnerable project full of songs that helped me cope and process the abusive relationship I was in (while I was still in it, might I add!). It’s called “Detour” and I’m really proud of just “doing it”. I think it created a domino effect that eventually gave me confidence and courage to get away from an unsafe space. It’s still triggering at times for me to listen back to or perform certain songs on that album. But it also serves as a milestone that I’m incredibly grateful for and proud of.
In 2021, shortly after moving to Nashville, I released 3 singles that were extremely raw and vulnerable about my own path of growth post break up. I created the art and the vision and let my heart lead the way; completely exposed on my sleeve. Once again, music proved itself to be therapeutic and healing. I went through EMDR therapy during this time as well. I for real put that WERK in y’all!
I took a hiatus from my original music for a couple of years while I was building back my professional career after covid, in a new city, from scratch. Along the way, I met and bonded with the most amazing music community here in Nashville, and I’ve never felt more at home than I do here. And then as fate would have it, in 2023, I was approached by my (now) producer Nick Bullock about my original music, and alas, the creative process bloomed again. I dusted off the ol’ lyric book and put pen to paper, paper to song, and song to life. In April, I released a single called “Chameleon” that totally embodies everything I am now. Nick and I and the band have finished a handful of other tunes, and will be going off-the-grid this summer to finish up a full album! It feels so good to be back in an original music creative space, with musicians that I truly respect and who bring me immense joy. I’m incredibly excited to continue to share new music with the world, and hopefully my music makes others feel something. I don’t always have the right words to say, so I’ll continue to let my music speak for me.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
For me, networking has to feel authentic and natural. I’m all for the groups, events, outings etc. that you can find all over this city. However, take note of your own communication and connection style. Sometimes it can feel exhausting if it doesn’t feel natural. I find that the best connections made are one on one in unexpected places, at unexpected times. Hold on to those moments and those people, because they’ll be the ones to remember you for a lifetime. If it feels forced, it won’t last. Be yourself, and be continually open-hearted, and I promise the right connections will manifest.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.daniellecosby.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle.songstress
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielle.songstress
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmJl0rqHpaK5nwj872R-dpQ
Image Credits
Alaina Broyles
Lucas Story
H.N. James
Garrett Richardson
