Origins and Inspirations
Music has always been an integral part of Danny D'Aprile's life. From a young age, he displayed a passion for performance, putting on shows for his family with self-made songs and renditions of popular tunes. "Even as a kid, my dream was to be a singer," he says. This early connection with music laid the foundation for his musical journey.
Reflecting on his path to becoming an artist, Danny recalls several key moments. "Performing in musicals, discovering GarageBand, beginning my journey as an artist in the seventh grade, debuting my music in 2020, and graduating college have helped solidify my dream," he shares. Each of these experiences acted as a step in clearing the fog from the window, allowing him to see himself as an artist.
Musical Diversity and Creative Process
Danny's music defies strict genre boundaries, and his creative process mirrors this diversity. "I'm not going to lie, I kind of just make the music that makes me happy!" he exclaims. His approach is not about emulating specific genres but rather selecting sounds that best convey the song's message. This flexibility leads to records that might emphasize soft rock in one release and lean more towards pop in the next.
Influences from pop's golden era heavily inspire his music. "Pretty much any major pop artist from the early 2000s to 2010s has heavily inspired my music," he notes. Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake are among his main influences, artists whose music transports him to a fantasy world beyond reality. MARINA and Gwen Stefani have also profoundly shaped his singing, composing, and songwriting style.
The Art of Creation
Danny's creative process is a dynamic and evolving journey. It starts with a burst of lyrical inspiration, often written in solitude. These lyrics gradually unfold into the foundation of a song. Melodies are tinkered with on the piano, matching the lyrical content. As the song progresses, it is recorded and refined. Layers of synths, drum beats, harmonies, and ad libs are meticulously added, transforming the initial piano demo into a concrete musical vision. Finally, the mixing and mastering process commences, a stage that Danny admits takes time, given his limited training in music production.
Dream Collaborations and Visual Aesthetics
When pondering dream collaborations, Danny's immediate choices include Britney Spears and MARINA, his two favorite artists. However, he also harbors a deep admiration for legends like Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson, artists whose voices and stage presence remain unparalleled.
Visual elements play an essential role in Danny's music. While they may not always take center stage, he ensures that cover art aligns with a song's vibe or content, enhancing the project's meaning. Danny takes a hands-on approach to all visual aspects of his music, an integral part of his artistic identity.
Evolution and Future Explorations
Danny D'Aprile's music has evolved significantly since his debut, "Utopian World." Over the years, he has become more personal, professional, and experimental. He's unafraid to explore diverse musical genres and create content that may not align entirely with popular music today. The concept of building a character and their world through music intrigues him, hinting at potential concept albums in the future. Danny also expresses a desire to fuse 2020 pop music with other genres and sounds to create a unique, futuristic musical experience.
A Glimpse of What's to Come
Fans can expect a blend of pop music, alternative-rock, pop-rock, ballads, and indie music in Danny's future releases. His next two records are poised to be digital, with compositions flirting with EDM-ish sounds, perfectly complementing the songs' "in your face" vibes. These forthcoming releases hold a special place in Danny's heart, and he hopes they resonate with his audience as much as they do with him.
