Danielle Blakey

Danielle Blakey

Danielle Blakey is a Sydney based singer songwriter - her style is a blend of LA pop with a pure organic acoustic sound, together with a catchy commercial sensibility.

Danielle is the winner of the POP award at the 2011 NA2R (New Artists to Radio) with the track Fearless - NA2R is one of the most prestigious Radio competitions in Australia (previous winners include Thirsty Merc, Delta Goodrem, Faker, Emma Louise). Danielle was previously a finalist in the 2011 APRA PDA (Professional Development Awards).

Danielle has already started to make a name for herself in the music industry with a celebrated #1 and #9 top ten ranking on OurStage.com with her songs "Weight Of Our World", "Closer" and " Fearless".

While working on writing and recording for her own project, Danielle has also been concentrating on writing for major label artists and recently scored a track on the new Stan Walker album, (released in November 2011 through Sony) together with tracks on the debut album by Annabel Fay.

Danielle recently returned from Nashville where she co-wrote with The McClymonts for their upcoming album, to be released in 2012.

Danielle regularly travels to LA, Nashville and New York to work with some of the world's best songwriters for major label artists as well as her own artist project.

Interview with Danielle Blakey

Question: How did it feel to hear your song played all over the airwaves?

Danielle Blakey: When I first heard Fearless being played on radio, it was a really exciting and crazy moment. At the time, I was like, is this really happening!? I was honestly shaking with excitement! My friends and fans would also always let me know when Fearless was being played which was great to have them so involved.


Question: How does it feel to have won the POP award at 2011 NA2R?

Danielle Blakey: It feels great! This award has launched the careers of some of Australias finest singers and musicians so I am very honoured to be a part of that team.


Question: Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Danielle Blakey: Yes, I do write my own songs, it's something I take great pride in. Songwriting is something that I really love doing and co-writing is such a rewarding experience. I have many different inspirations, I am always listening to music, all different types and I read a lot. But I can also be flicking through a fashion magazine and feel inspired through photography and fashion.


Question: How would you describe Fearless?

Danielle Blakey: Fearless is a song that is all about having the walls, that we all put up around our hearts, broken down and letting love in. Its a song about not being afraid to love and being vunerable. Fearless is also a really special song for me as it came at a time when I was experiencing the exact same feelings.


Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Danielle Blakey: My iPod has such a random collection! As I mentioned before I listen to all types of music, so singers like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Shania Twain and Jewel to The Beatles and Led Zepplin to Bach and Ray LaMontagne!


Question: What's next? Tour/Album/Single?

Danielle Blakey: My 2nd single CLOSER is about to be released to radio 19th March, which is really exciting! It will be on itunes in April.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Danielle Blakey: This is the toughest question so far as I love both!! They both have such different dynamics, but if I had to choose one, it would be recording. The recording studio is like my second home.

Question: What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Danielle Blakey: When I was about 8 or 9 I was given a Leanne Rimes album. I learnt every song, every lick, phrase and melody on that record. I would have to say that she was the biggest influence on me to become a singer.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Danielle Blakey: The biggest challange as a singer/artist so far is being heard. That might sound strange but to have my songs listened by a lot of people is actually a really hard thing to do! I know a lot of artists that have written and sang some amazing songs but to have those songs break through is difficult and most of the time, no-one will ever hear them. There is so much music out there, which is great, but it makes it that much harder to be noticed. You really have to keep making the music you love, keep believing in yourself and stay positive!


Question: What's a typical day like?

Danielle Blakey: Depends what day... lol. My days are always so different, but generally I will be in my studio writing, recording and rehearsing. I am always eating so there is always food around and always music playing.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Danielle Blakey: My favourite part so far has been having the opportunity to travel to some amazing places and share and write my music with some great people.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?
Danielle Blakey: I have always loved Maroon 5, right from the start of their careers. I really like their writing style and songs. I would love to work with Adam Levine as I think we would do a great duet! ;)


Question: Can you talk about the experience of performing for the Australian troops?

Danielle Blakey: Heading to Solomon Islands was an adventure thats for sure! The troops over there are an amazing group of people and were very welcoming. We also got to perform to some local villagers which was a very humbling experience.


Question: Do you have a website fans can visit?

Danielle Blakey: I sure do: www.Danielleblakey.com and I am on Twitter and Facebook.


Question: Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?

Danielle Blakey: 1. Balance would be my number one thing. Balancing between work and play is really important.
2. Good, healthy food
3. I would say animals/pets
4. Would have to be a place where you can be yourself and be calm. Like a place you go to recharge. A garden or beach, and
5. Love


Interview by Brooke Hunter