We recently had the chance to connect with Dani Ivory and have shared our conversation below.
Dani, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Yoga, Pilates, and D’Lagree
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Dani Ivory…a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist originally from Pittsburgh and now based in Nashville. I’ve spent much of my career performing and touring as keyboardist and backing vocalist with artists like Beyoncé, Cee Lo Green, Imagine Dragons, and Vance Joy, while also carving out my own creative path as a solo artist.
My music blends soul, pop, country, americana, and folk-cinematic textures. I like to call it emotional empowerment music because it’s all about transformation, healing, and faith. I recently released my new single “Hope” on October 17th, which is the first song from my upcoming EP No Other Way, set to release in early 2026.
This EP has been three years in the making and showcases a journey of growth, resilience, and finding light through some dark times. Each song represents a step in that process. My goal as an artist is to connect people and to create music that not only sounds good but feels good and helps people feel less alone.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I was asked to cantor (lead the congregation in song) at the funeral of a 17-year-old who had tragically passed away in a car accident. It was one of the saddest and most real moments of my young life as I was only 15 myself…standing in front of thousands of grieving people, knowing that every note and word mattered.
In that moment, I truly understood the power of music and how it can hold space for pain, bring comfort, and offer even a small sliver of hope and faith when words alone fall short. It was humbling and transformative. That experience showed me that music isn’t just something we do but something that can heal.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Unfortunately…Absolutely! Many times! That’s the nature of being an independent artist: it’s 99% “no’s,” a lot of uncertainty, and often feels like you’re just spinning your wheels in the mud.
My closest moment to giving up was back in 2015, right after finishing the Mrs. Carter World Tour with Beyoncé. I had just completed a body of work and met with an A&R at Interscope Records. But when I tried to renegotiate an unfair contract with my manager at the time, he reacted by slandering my name and sending nasty messages to the A&R we had met with and several other music industry executives. It was devastating.
That experience broke my spirit for a while, and I decided to step away from music and start my jewelry company, Trust Me Jewels. It was my way of healing and reconnecting with creativity on my own terms. That time away helped me rebuild my confidence and reminded me why I make music in the first place: not for validation, but for truth and connection.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Family is the cultural value I protect at all costs. My family has always been my anchor. They keep me grounded, humble, and connected to what truly matters. In this industry, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing success or validation, but my family reminds me that love, integrity, and connection come first.
They’ve supported me through every high and low, and that sense of belonging and unconditional love shapes the way I approach my music. I try to carry that same energy into every project I create and every space I enter.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I’d stop playing low-paying gigs! For a long time, I said yes to everything, out of love for performing, but also out of fear of missing out or not being seen. However, life is too short to pour your energy into things that don’t value you back.
I’d focus my time on creating meaningful art, playing shows that light me up, and spending more moments with the people I love. Every “yes” should feel aligned, not just another hustle.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.daniivory.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniivory
- Twitter: https://x.com/daniivory
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniivoryartist/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/daniivorymusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/daniivory
Image Credits
Libby Danforth
Brad Cauchy
Kelsey Page Photo
