Danielle Johnson
Interview conducted on September 28, 2022
By Dan Locke
Danielle Johnson is an 22 year old singer and songwriter with her sights set on the country music world delivering her music with a wide range of influences with pop appeal and rootsy authenticity. With her debut single and video, “Let It Be You,” Danielle is creating quite a buzz in “Music City.” Getting ready for primetime over the course of the past 4 years Danielle has been collaborating with Nashville hit-making songwriters, including among others, Dave Brainard, Phil Galdston, Jennifer Denmark, and Mike Dekle. During this time Danielle has also performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” for many events including NASCAR races at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, and the Coca Cola 600 in front of over 200,000 people.
What was your up bring like?
To me, my upbringing would be any kids dream. I’ve been so blessed to be surrounded by an incredible support system. My childhood consisted of going to church, family trips, voice lessons, and being guided by a faithful, Christian household. My parents are amazing in every way and have driven me endless miles to take me to guitar, voice, acting, and dance lessons. My twin brother is my best friend and biggest supporter. He’s the most patient person I know. My grandparents played a huge part in my growing up. The love that was constantly around me has definitely made me the person I am today.
How did you discover music?
Growing up, music was everywhere. I remember singing in the car with my parents in the car all the time. I grew up on the legends, Dolly, Reba, Shania, the Beatles, Eagles, and so many more. Music was constantly around me and I never knew how impactful that would soon turn out to be when I discovered I could sing.
How was it to be discovered at the age of 8?
It was a blessing. I’ve been so fortunate to know at such a young age what I’ve wanted to do for the rest of my life. My music teacher discovered my God-given talent in third grade. I remember the first time singing on stage I thought to myself, “This is who I am. This is home. This is my passion, and nothing could ever compare to this feeling.”
How did you start to write music?
I started writing music at the age of fifteen traveling to GA, New York City, and Nashville. I was going to Nashville every month writing and recording demos. From the moment I started writing, I knew that the craft of songwriting was so special and such a singular and therapeutic gift. Writing down your emotions, your stories, your life into a song and having your words resonate with others is an incredible feeling.
What was your first guitar? Do you still have it?
My first guitar was gifted to me at Christmas by my uncle. It was a 1975 D35 Martin. It was in the family for years and it was so, so special. That will always be one of my most cherished possessions. That was the first guitar I ever wrote a song on.
What is your guitar of choice now? Year, make and model?
I love playing different guitars. It’s so fun to explore different timbres and tones. I love Martins, Taylor’s and Gibson’s. I have a Gibson J-45 Rosewood which I absolutely love. The sound is amazing. My Taylor 614-CE is another one that I always play. Guitars are different in their own way! They hold sentimental meaning and songs that have been created on each of them is incredibly special.
Tell me about your time at North Carolina Theatre Conservatory?
I absolutely loved time at the Conservatory. I was in Junior company, Acting Company, and Live on Stage classes. I learned so much from the instructors and will always cherish my time there. That place holds some of my favorite memories.
What was your first performance at like?
I was eight years old singing “Castle On A Cloud” from Les Miserables. I was a shy kid growing up, but when I stepped on that stage something changed…instantly. It was a surreal moment.
Describe your music.
My music is country with some pop in there. Country has always been the root of me. I’ve knew at the age of eight was going to be a country artist. I love how country is known for storytelling. I’ve always resonated with those songs. So I always want my songs to resemble that and have a good message and story. I never write songs that aren’t me. Honestly is such a huge part of writing. I write songs that are up-best fun songs that make you want to blast the radio up, but also reminiscent, lyrically driven ballads.
Royalties never appear like magic. Royalties are only sent to you through work undertaken by a PRO to ensure that their members are getting paid. If you’re not yet signed up to a Performing Right Organization like ASCAP, BMI or SESAC, you may not be receiving all the royalties you deserve.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP ?
Yes, always! I belong to ASCAP, and I am also member of NSAI.
What makes a good songwriter?
I believe what makes a good songwriter is one writes honest, raw, lyrically driven songs. The songwriters that instantly grab your attention in just the first two lines of a song. If it catches your attention right there, you’re hooked. Melodically and sonically it’s just as important to have a great hook, and one that people can’t get out of their heads. That’s always the goal.
How did you start to work with some of the people you co-write with?
I was so thankful he working with incredible songwriters starting at the age of fifteen. Actually, Mike Dekle was the first writer I ever wrote with. Now, I’m in writing sessions every day and am SO excited about what we’re writing and creating.
I am sorry to hear that you just lost Mike Dekle (you called him Uncle Mike). Would you care to same a few words about him?
Mike Dekle taught me everything about the art of songwriting. He was a true mentor, collaborator and role model. I was so blessed to be lucky to enough to be taught by him, and to be guided by his honesty and light. He was one of the most talent lyricists that I’ve ever known. His gift was magnetic, and anyone could feel that in his songs.
What was the title of your first original song?
Did you record it? One of the first song I ever wrote by myself was called Hero. It was about my twin brother who was bot with a very serious heart condition. He was in the hospital, and I poured all of my emotions, fears, truths, in that song. That was truly the first time I remember thinking how powerful songwriting is and the peace it gives you. It was recorded but has never been released. That song at the time in my life was so needed for me personally, but you never know it may be released one day!
What is the process of writing your music?
It changes. That’s what I love about writing. There’s no form or logic to it. It’s organic and real. I could write at 2 AM or any time of day. Sometimes I have lyrics that I put in my phone, or a melody then base it off of that, or I can go to the piano and grab my guitar and create from scratch there. I always come into writers’ sessions with at least 5 solid songs ideas whether that’s verse and chorus, or just a chorus.
How was it to sing the Star-Spangled Banner in front of 200,000 people?
I’m so thankful for the opportunities to perform the National Anthem at many NASCAR races including Coca Cola 600, Bank of America 500, and many more. I absolutely love singing in front of 200,000 people. The more the merrier for me! There’s no feeling like performing. It’s such a special song to sing.
Any new music coming out?
Yes, I can’t wait for everyone to hear what I’ve been working on. I’ve never been so excited to release new music than I am right now. Sonically, melodically and lyrically is so reflective of where I am right now and who I am.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
Like so many things in life, music is constantly evolving and growing. Social media plays a huge part, and streaming is just another aspect of that. I do miss how artists used to sell records and CD’s and the physical part of that, but nothing stays the same and that’s part of life. Streaming is the now and as a creator, my primary goal is to release music that people resonate with and find themselves in. I’m just so thankful to be given the first to create and share my passion with others.
The symbol # is known as the number sign, hash, pound sign and a sharp sign in music. The symbol has historically been used for a wide range of purposes Since 2007, widespread usage of the symbol to introduce metadata tags on social media platforms has led to such tags being known as “hashtags”, and from that, the symbol itself is sometimes called a hashtag.
Are people forgetting that the # is a part of music?
I think so! Hashtags were such a huge part of social media a few years ago, and now it’s not as common. For example, when you use a hashtag on Instagram, so many different people see it rather than just your followers. It expands your following and exposes you to new pages.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I love the sound of vinyl and the rawness of it, but there is something comforting digitally. You always have music on your phone. You don’t have to worry about having a record player. Music is so necessary in life. I couldn’t imagine not having music and digitally allows us to have music anywhere and everywhere we go. Silver linings always there!
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
I’ve loved “More Hearts Than Mine” by Ingrid Andress ever since it came out. The message is so honest, real, and impactful. The lyrics really resonate with me. That’s what songwriting is all about. I always find myself coming back to that song. I also love “Better Man” by Little Big Town. It too is so well crafted and special.
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
COVID-19 changed everyone’s lives and in so many different professions. Not only did it change the live music scene, but so many people lost their jobs during that time. Music is an incredible force. It brings people together and it definitely did during those two years. I don’t think people knew how important and vital live music was until the pandemic happened. It made us truly appreciate it when we got to be back performing and listening and supporting other artists.
Do you think that Covid-19 has been a plus to an artist career?
I wouldn’t say a plus, but a plus in regard to truly learning to be thankful and appreciating not only our craft, but the time we have with our loved ones, the little moments, and not being promised tomorrow. I gained perspective It taught me a lot. I was very lucky enough to create music on zoom every week during those two years. I wrote over 150 songs during her pandemic.
How do you stay healthy during the lockdown?
I was constantly inside…writing songs. Wow, I’m so thankful to be able to say that. I was blessed because I got to still create whereas others’ lives were changed. I was able to take all of those emotions and uncertainties and turn them into art during a time that was so unknown for everyone.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Traveling the world has always been in my blood. It’s one of my favorite things to do with my family and friends.
Jet skiing is also another one of my hobbies I enjoy.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
One of the great parts of social media is the ability to go live on many platforms. You can interact with your fans on there in love time and perform songs. Releasing covers and originals is another added bonus. An interview like this is so important for artists because it helps audiences really learn about the person they’re listening to.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
I’m for it! Technology is ever changing and it’s incredible what we can do now. Of course, nothing can compare to being in front of a live audience. There never will be anything that could match that kind of energy.
How was it doing a Pre-Game Acoustic Performance for KEB MO?
It was a blast! Anytime I can perform is always the best time.
How was it to open up for Jimmy Webb with Ashley Campbell?
That was such a fun experience! Playing in New York City in Times Square was fun for me and the band. It was so interesting to listen to Jimmy Webb’s stories when he played his set.
In the past if a musician stops doing music, they find a new career. For example, David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants.. If you can’t do music, what would you like to be doing?
I’ve always answered this way. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else other than music. It’s not what I do, it’s who I am. There is no “Plan B” because then that would assume that I won’t make it. I don’t think that because I am always going to be doing this. That won’t change.
What is your happy place?
My happy place is performing, truly. When im on stage connecting with all ages is the most incredible gift you could give me. Hearing people sing back your lyrics is what’s it’s all about.
Red Hot Chili Peppers are about to sell their entire song catalog for $140 Million. In the past year a lot of musicians such as Stevie Nicks ($100 Million) , Bob Dylan (over $400 Million), Taylor Swift, Journey, Def Leppard, K.T. Tunstall, and Shakira have sold their catalog rights within the last year. Bob Dylan sold his entire catalog for a reported $300 million. Neil Young song 50 percent of his worldwide copyright and income interest in his 1,180-song catalogue to Hipnosis Songs Fund limited. Once you get to the age of about 70. Publishing is far more lucrative than the mechanical royalties paid to artist based on sales, airplay and streams. A good example of this is Michael Jackson brought the rights to the Beatles catalog in 1985. And in the late 80’s the Beatles Revolution appeared in a Nike commercial.
IT should be noted, that there is a huge differences between royalties for songwriting and performance. So if you made a deal to sell off your back catalog you can setup it so you can still perform your own songs. And that anything thing new you create you would still be yours.
The lump sums being offered by publishing firms are more tax friendly concerning estate planning.
Do you think you would be willing to sale your back catalog if someone like Universal is will to buy everything, such as all the rights to all your songs?
I would trust my label and team around to make that decision with me. There’s a ton of money and commitment involved in signing a artist and it’s all very collaborative. There are expectations and decisions made that you know about going into the deal and are appreciative for it. I would be very grateful and thankful for the opportunity to impact others through my music with a label’s support and believe in me and my music. I can’t give a firm answer to that now because it would just depend on many different things. Music is such a personal thing and universal at the same time. Artist’s songs are like their babies and at the end of the day you just have to decide what is best for you at the season of life.
What is your feeling about TikTok? With Sony Music and Warner Music strucking an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
TikTok is a huge part of the music industry right now. Yes for sure, it’s definitely another part of the business now that’s important for audience interaction.
Also, TikTok has launching TikTok Radio (ch. 4), a full-time SiriusXM music channel. The station will be available is vehicles and as a streaming channel on the SiriusXM App, desktop, and all connected devices.
The station will be part of a new TikTok collaboration with SiriusXM and its subsidiary, Pandora, to jointly promote emerging talent. Do you think this platform could became a force in the future of streaming music?
Yes, I do! Any radio play time is so vital in any genre, and for sure country.
They say create content content content. How does pre-save help with content
Pre-save ensures that you’re added to people’s library on release day. Stats matter because then it may be added to several big playlists!
Anything you would like to say in closing.
New music is coming soon! My website is daniellejohnsonsinger.com where you can find all show info, merch, performance videos, and upcoming music. Thank you for supporting my music. It means so much to me.
