SIMPLY SIX: Danika

1.  Danika is a singer/songwriter from Iowa.

     1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

Actually, there was no defining moment at all.  It was more of a metamorphosis.  Originally, I just wanted to write songs and hope for other artists to cut them.  I slowly realized that if I wanted anyone to pay any attention to the songs, I was going to have to learn to perform them myself.  So, I learned how to play the guitar (my first instrument was piano) and got on stage!  From there I realized that once the nervous jitters went away I really loved performing for people!  There’s a contagious energy a live crowd gives you that a songwriter can’t experience when they’re cooped up inside with all their ideas swimming around in their head! 

 

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

Most recently, I’m listening to all things Beatles!  Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson are two of my favorite singer/songwriters.  I have adored Sheryl Crow since I was a kid and Duffy’s voice just knocks me over with its unique qualities and throwback style! 

 

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

It was an internal moment.  Before I became a musician full time, I had a completely different career as a teacher.  I quit my job at the end of the school year, moved, and didn’t even turn in an application for a new teaching job.  I realized that I HAD to do something with my life that I loved.  The moment I said out loud to myself, “I can do this!” was my greatest moment as an artist.  Believing in yourself is the first step, but if you don’t have that you’ll never get anywhere. 

 

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

Music has the ability to draw out our emotions.  A happy song makes a good day better and a sad song at the right moment can cause us to cry in our cars as we’re driving down the road (well, me at least!).  Yes, music can cause change in people.  Some of the most amazing philanthropic events are centered around music.  The right song can create a magical moment that just may inspire others to do good or to give a little extra.

 

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Technology has put artists’ careers in their own hands.  Social networking sites have the ability for you to communicate and reach fans directly.  There is no middle man for the indie artist which is amazing!  You don’t have to sit around and wait for a major label to knock on your door.  If you’re dedicated to your art and a hard working anything is possible and technology is a tool that has tremendous empowering effects! And then there’s bloggers, podcasters and internet radio programmers...  There’s an entire group of music lovers out there who make it their mission to seek out the newest and best tunes and then share them with everyone they know!  Take this website, Voices to Hear for instance… isn’t it cool that you’re exposed to new cool songs you’ve never heard of before?!  Music listeners don’t have to be “passive” anymore.  You can create your own internet radio stations now that are catered to your specific tastes.  It’s amazing!  I wonder where we will be in 10 years?!

 

 

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

 

I’m from Iowa so I’d need my winter and summer shoes!  In the winter I’d be a pair of knee high brown boots, fashionable on the outside, but warm and fuzzy on the inside.  In the summer, I’d be a strappy flat sandal that’s comfortable to walk in but still looks good with a dress!