Dreams do come true.
For as long as she can remember, being a singer and making music was always the dream. After attending her first concert, Dani knew that her dreams could come true. We sat down with Dani to learn about her journey and how she got to where she is today. Check it out.
How did this all start? Did you grow up loving music and singing? Was this always a dream for you?
I started writing music when I was 11 years old, and I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. Becoming an artist was always a big dream for me, but I never took it seriously until I went to my first concert and knew thats what I wanted to do.
Who are your music inspirations/ people you look up to?
Taylor Swift, I think she’s incredibly inspiring and a relatable person for young girls to look up to which started my interest in music. I love Lorde. As a Kiwi girl, it was huge to see another New Zealander become so successful in music, which is a huge inspiration for me. Paramore, Greenday, Avril Lavigne, Christina Aguilera and Brittney Spears are the styles and influences I think have shaped how I write music. My mum, of course, is my biggest inspiration. She’s my number 1 supporter, and she’s taught me how to believe in myself and have goals.
What keeps you motivated?
My passion for music, performing, and art in general keeps me motivated. It’s easy to doubt yourself, especially in this industry. Looking at others who are further ahead of you can be challenging, but then I think it really comes back down to the art and your passion for creating, which will strive above anything else.
What’s your favourite part of the song-making process?
I would say the start and the finish. The beginning of writing a song and creating is so exciting, and there are so many ideas that could come to life. Then, at the end, when you finally have the song mastered and ready for release, it's so rewarding to really see the final masterpiece.
Let’s talk about your newest release, Lovebomber. Tell us more about this, how it came to be, the process, and the inspiration.
Lovebomber came out of a very chaotic 3 a.m. voice memo situation, which, honestly, is when all the best ideas happen. I wanted to write a song about a concept that was very real to me at the time: getting attached and addicted to people who aren’t good for you. It’s kind of my version of "Toxic" by Britney Spears. I wanted it to feel like a glittery tantrum wrapped in a pop-punk anthem. The process involved oversharing with my amazing producer and friend Devin Abrams.
What’s your process regarding music videos? Do you have an idea when writing the song, or do you go with the flow?
It’s definitely a chaotic mix of both! Sometimes, we’ll have this super vivid vision of what a song will look like or colours that make sense, and other times, the video concept doesn’t hit until we’re halfway through a coffee and staring at a blank Word doc. But I love making music videos either way. I love creating a visual that feels extremely high-energy and uplifting or really brings out the message and emotion in a song.
What do you having coming up that you can share with us.
I am so excited to share with you my next single, ‘Suckerpunch’. It’s very upbeat and pop-punk, interesting, and the message behind it is my favourite part of the song. I’m currently working on a music video and hope to release it in the next month.
What burger do you think ‘Lovebomber’ would be if it were on the BF menu?
Probably ‘the Bastard’ because it’s about a bastard, hahaha. Hopefully, he doesn’t see this.
What would your ideal BF burger contain?
Ooo, okay, definitely pineapple. I love pineapple and avocado in a burger, with BBQ sauce and beef, I would say. That would slap.
To round out an epic interview, we had to put Dani Josie through our quick-fire round.
What is your go to song to Jam out to in the car? Genie in a Bottle by Christina Aguilera
Who is your favourite artist at the moment? Honestly, I’ve been listening to a lot of 5 Seconds of Summer lately.
One thing you can’t perform without? A wireless microphone! I move around the stage a lot, and that’s hard to do with a wire.
One artist or band you would love to co-lab with? Avril Lavigne
Go to BurgerFuel order? The Roadster with no bacon and avocado
Fire or Backfire?
Pickles in burgers - Fire
Crocs - Backfire – practical but not fashionable
Karaoke - Fire
BurgerFuel Aioli - Fire
Acoustic Performances - Fire
NZ Music Month - Fire
Festivals - Fire – only I’m playing them!
Singing in the shower - Fire
Pineapple on pizza - Fire – but my Italian nona would disagree
Supermarket in bare feet - Backfire
Check out Dani Josie's newest single, Lovebomer ,Out now!
