Its a lonely road. Many turns ahead and no map. You will be without family, although they are never far away but they won't be there in the ways you so desperately need. You will lose friends, you will be broke. It will bring you to tears. It will be the biggest challenge of your life. You will be the only one passionate at times and many people will come and most will leave. You will feel crazy. You will be tired. You will have to juggle a lot. Ego's, opinions and motives get used to them. Only you hold the light, only you hold within the secrets you have always known. You will have to try over. You will be let down. You will continue to cry. Get used to struggle because within it there is a beautiful lesson, it hides like the dark of the night and then one day you will finally understand. Its there to make you richer and no one can take this away from you. No one.
I write this today for you as a summary of my last 2 years and things I have learned and am still learning. One may wonder what the point of all this is. It is the most alive I have ever felt. It allows me to have a choice. Not be put into a cookie cutter and told what I should expect out of life, or not living at all. Its created from within, all the things I have wanted I have made for myself. The true lesson in life is figuring out how this works in your own. Its not a secret. Its as simple as being aware of the thoughts you think. The feelings you have about the world. What you want is always an inner thing, lets not confuse this. We are told what to wear and what we should eat. We are told how to make money and that lots of it will make you happy. That doesn't work for everyone. One lesson I have gained is that I had to learn how to be happy now. I had to be happy when I had zero in my bank account and the truth is that I had no money. Not a penny to my name. I had to look at the world and define beauty for myself. What made me happy wasn't checking a number in an account that had my name on it (thats not who I am) what made me happy was sitting on a park bench watching a child try to fly a kite. Life is very simple. When I leave this world I will not care about the money I have, I will remember the inner joy I created from nothing when I didn't have societies value of everything. It is a very hard lesson to learn. I panicked at first and it got me down. I cried. Alone. A lot. You will have it and then you won't, money is fluid. But the way you think about it changes how you feel about it.
That day I watched a child play in the sun wanting so badly to get a kite off the ground. I saw how golden the sun made earth that day. I sat under a tree that was about to turn colors and on that day I could of had nothing or a million dollars and would have still felt the same way, happy.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Saturday, September 7, 2013
When Its Beautiful.
Perhaps its not what it seems, at first. Just a glimmering light amidst all the darkness. You can only think it, and never in your wildest will you fully see it's potential. Only you know what it took to get here. Only you felt all the emotions of choosing a different path. A path without a plan, a path without a map. It is then you have found the secret, that you are responsible for your own life.
Its been such a journey. From leaving the love I thought would have lasted. Broke, down, without things. It was then I picked a mic up to feel, something. But I didn't have an instrument, no musicians in sight but I began in that moment to sing. Solo. From time to time I still listen to those recordings, I find simple joy in knowing that I went back to what I knew. But the truth is that I knew nothing. Nothing that special. It started glimmering, but never did I think I would create a album. I hadn't even started yet. What did I know? Enough.
The next 2 years until present day I would have survived depression from a heartache, sometimes I still feel down. I have learned to channel it into music now. My mantra for the next 2 years was make something that once was ugly, beautiful and then share it.
We are about to release a record of 10 of the best songs that came from a chapter I am so happy to close. Joyful to start another go. In truth many songs came from this chapter of my life but these are my most profound moments. The ones good enough to write an album over.
I would be lying if I said that the greatest gift was him all along. He gave me such a crash that if I wouldn't have gone through it I wouldn't be the writer I am now. I learned to forgive which allowed me to heal and in doing so I saw the situation much clearer. I never wrote songs from anger only from a place of healing, when it reaches ears I hope they hear this. It was ugly at times, I remember crying my way through many of the songs I wrote. I used to feel silly and now I feel honored. To have been involved in something tragic and yet beautiful is a life lesson I take with me and wear like the gray hairs this breakup gave me.
These 10 songs represent a life. All different and equally transformative. The situations were private and real. All perfect ways to start an adventure of my life. When stripped of everything, I took a look at music and began to heal and grow.
This is your life. Never care what others will think if your intentions are good. We need brave art. Stand tall and know you will be hated and loved, thats life. Its so worth it. Then share it, all of it. I wonder if he thinks I hate him, if I saw him I would hug him and say thank you for being a chapter in my life that I am now ready to close but only when each song is beautiful. I'm finally ready.
Its been such a journey. From leaving the love I thought would have lasted. Broke, down, without things. It was then I picked a mic up to feel, something. But I didn't have an instrument, no musicians in sight but I began in that moment to sing. Solo. From time to time I still listen to those recordings, I find simple joy in knowing that I went back to what I knew. But the truth is that I knew nothing. Nothing that special. It started glimmering, but never did I think I would create a album. I hadn't even started yet. What did I know? Enough.
The next 2 years until present day I would have survived depression from a heartache, sometimes I still feel down. I have learned to channel it into music now. My mantra for the next 2 years was make something that once was ugly, beautiful and then share it.
We are about to release a record of 10 of the best songs that came from a chapter I am so happy to close. Joyful to start another go. In truth many songs came from this chapter of my life but these are my most profound moments. The ones good enough to write an album over.
I would be lying if I said that the greatest gift was him all along. He gave me such a crash that if I wouldn't have gone through it I wouldn't be the writer I am now. I learned to forgive which allowed me to heal and in doing so I saw the situation much clearer. I never wrote songs from anger only from a place of healing, when it reaches ears I hope they hear this. It was ugly at times, I remember crying my way through many of the songs I wrote. I used to feel silly and now I feel honored. To have been involved in something tragic and yet beautiful is a life lesson I take with me and wear like the gray hairs this breakup gave me.
These 10 songs represent a life. All different and equally transformative. The situations were private and real. All perfect ways to start an adventure of my life. When stripped of everything, I took a look at music and began to heal and grow.
This is your life. Never care what others will think if your intentions are good. We need brave art. Stand tall and know you will be hated and loved, thats life. Its so worth it. Then share it, all of it. I wonder if he thinks I hate him, if I saw him I would hug him and say thank you for being a chapter in my life that I am now ready to close but only when each song is beautiful. I'm finally ready.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
I Have A Dream
You cannot wait as waiting
makes it stay exactly where you left it.
You must pursue,
You will see many
If not already
Bumps.
They are never bigger than you couldnt handle.
Perhaps the second time around
Well that does not seem to matter
Passion is not shy
To Question
To Relish
To Reflect
To Thrill
To feel alone.
It knows it all too well
But thats what makes it
Marvelous.
Because it is your own.
No One else is you.
makes it stay exactly where you left it.
You must pursue,
You will see many
If not already
Bumps.
They are never bigger than you couldnt handle.
Perhaps the second time around
Well that does not seem to matter
Passion is not shy
To Question
To Relish
To Reflect
To Thrill
To feel alone.
It knows it all too well
But thats what makes it
Marvelous.
Because it is your own.
No One else is you.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
To Be Sown
The road parted and I came back to New York City, alone. I only had one idea and it was to be something. I held onto this belief through all the changes and all the ups and plenty of downs. I kept the road open and continued to dream while always taking on and facing everything head on. Not in my wildest did I think I would write and compose the music that came from my wild adventure. It happened. From one failed musician to the next somedays I had had enough but then I remember what it took to get here. A disastrous heartbreak and crazy changes I had ended up in a place that once made me happy. Now I could decide my road, I no longer was held captive by him. Years later I would understand more clearly what this actually meant. I was a free bird, soaring with a deep connection to a passion that needed nurturing. I was curious from the jump. It wasn't enough to say, I had to do.
When I was low I said I wanted a beautiful product to come from this hardship. As we wrap up our first album entitled "To Be Sown" I couldn't be more proud. The title comes from the start of a beautiful flower, first you must drop a seed into the ground. With proper care, watch it grow. Very much represents the journey I have been on. It didn't happen overnight, however frustrating that is I planted my seed and I continue to watch it bloom. No one said it was easy and it most certainly is not but this shouldn't discourage you. Make peace with how familiar this feeling feels when you yourself continue to grow.
I love that people get an idea (seed) however outrageous it may seem to others. Life I believe is one big adventure and the more you water and give light to the seed things will continue to bloom. You watch it unfold before your eyes. People didn't evolve by sitting in complete comfort and routine. They used the imagination that they had as a child and believed in something. Its very powerful the thoughts you keep.
To Be Sown is my first album released under Dani Erin and the final product is beyond any hope I could have had. All 10 songs were done in under 3 takes and preserved to reflect our current ability musically. No Autotune. In a world full of highly produced music I am proud to say that the talent on this record really shines because its real and because its honest.
When I was low I said I wanted a beautiful product to come from this hardship. As we wrap up our first album entitled "To Be Sown" I couldn't be more proud. The title comes from the start of a beautiful flower, first you must drop a seed into the ground. With proper care, watch it grow. Very much represents the journey I have been on. It didn't happen overnight, however frustrating that is I planted my seed and I continue to watch it bloom. No one said it was easy and it most certainly is not but this shouldn't discourage you. Make peace with how familiar this feeling feels when you yourself continue to grow.
I love that people get an idea (seed) however outrageous it may seem to others. Life I believe is one big adventure and the more you water and give light to the seed things will continue to bloom. You watch it unfold before your eyes. People didn't evolve by sitting in complete comfort and routine. They used the imagination that they had as a child and believed in something. Its very powerful the thoughts you keep.
To Be Sown is my first album released under Dani Erin and the final product is beyond any hope I could have had. All 10 songs were done in under 3 takes and preserved to reflect our current ability musically. No Autotune. In a world full of highly produced music I am proud to say that the talent on this record really shines because its real and because its honest.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Album #1
Next week marks the recording of the first album. I wasn't proud enough to record an album until it was perfect. I wanted to record music I would want to listen to and its finally ready. In under 2 years I went from saying I was a musician to being a real one. I remember recording vocal clips without a band and what it felt like to sing alone. Now its more beautiful then I could have ever hoped, it is time to put to rest songs that represent such a tragic yet transformative stage in my life.
I can finally say that every song on this album brings me such joy and pride. I have yet to feel that until now. I had a lot of musician leave never understanding where I wanted to take my music. I felt heartbreak to the harshest degree and yet decided even then to take something ugly and make it beautiful. Every word, every note more pretty then the next. I passionately believe that when you continue on through hardship you will eventually come to a clearing. You will be given such a gift as long as you still believe. Never wavering in the sight of hopelessness. Continuing on even though you will at times feel like you stand alone. You will always stand alone when it comes to the art of believing. No one cares as much as you do.
With the album to be recorded next week and released to the world soon I am hopeful and excited. It has been a journey of many ups and downs but I wouldn't change not one thing. I have learned lessons along the way. I have been shown many truths and for that I am forever thankful.
Heres to the first album and having it be recorded without smoke and mirrors. The Ray Charles way of recording live and in under 3 takes per song.
From Dani and The Mad Men to Dani Erin featuring The Jimmy Valentin Trio where it was once a idea to an actual thing.
-Dani
danierinmusic.com Bringing back real original music.
live rehearsal-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ctp5G3y-6Dw
live session-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awQJ8f3N7DM
Monday, July 15, 2013
The Little Drummer Boy
I remember when I didn't even have a drum, only the inner thump of my heart seem to make my voice sing. I never did sing from the mind always from deep within. I do music today for that only reason. How could you sing a note if your heart isn't the conductor? This is the most basic idea, an idea that is missing in modern music. Really in any profession. The easiness is the easy part but the deeper hidden message takes years of searching.
The drum beats and it wants you. Although I love all instruments my love affair is very wild with the drums. If I don't have that element it all falls apart. I learned this lesson very early on when I studied music intimately at a jazz club for months on end. I dazzled in how I never could in a million years play them, I admired whomever could take on such an instrument. The heartbeat. Steady like the rhythm yours has right now. So contagious is makes you move. Music should always move you. Drums move the music so much that it will make you tap your toes without your mind knowing. The energy it vibrates makes you feel like your chest cavity is about to find another heart. A beautiful thing.
Its underrated and rare when you find a solid one. I have been in the moment with many and none do what I have now felt. In fact that is beyond what is missing, musicians that feel what they are playing. So many technical musicians nowadays, "I went to NYU School of Music." I say who cares you just spent a lot of money on something they can't teach you. You know how to play an E Minor but do you know how to feel truly like deep in your soul what an E Minor feels like. Don't get me wrong there is a technical side that is needed but its not everything. When you have been around all types of musicians this you get to understand. More importantly it is something you can not teach. It comes from your favorite record, it comes from a deep inner pain and it comes from study. Then you hear it, then you feel it and then it changes who you are as a musician.
To me it all goes back to the drums, even playing your inner beat and listening to it. We aren't robots, we are emotionally invested. Lesson learned, I choose to only play with cats like that. I have been with them both and I rather feel the drums play and to have the feel something kinda music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=dc3JKUw_GrQ
-Dani Erin
The drum beats and it wants you. Although I love all instruments my love affair is very wild with the drums. If I don't have that element it all falls apart. I learned this lesson very early on when I studied music intimately at a jazz club for months on end. I dazzled in how I never could in a million years play them, I admired whomever could take on such an instrument. The heartbeat. Steady like the rhythm yours has right now. So contagious is makes you move. Music should always move you. Drums move the music so much that it will make you tap your toes without your mind knowing. The energy it vibrates makes you feel like your chest cavity is about to find another heart. A beautiful thing.
Its underrated and rare when you find a solid one. I have been in the moment with many and none do what I have now felt. In fact that is beyond what is missing, musicians that feel what they are playing. So many technical musicians nowadays, "I went to NYU School of Music." I say who cares you just spent a lot of money on something they can't teach you. You know how to play an E Minor but do you know how to feel truly like deep in your soul what an E Minor feels like. Don't get me wrong there is a technical side that is needed but its not everything. When you have been around all types of musicians this you get to understand. More importantly it is something you can not teach. It comes from your favorite record, it comes from a deep inner pain and it comes from study. Then you hear it, then you feel it and then it changes who you are as a musician.
To me it all goes back to the drums, even playing your inner beat and listening to it. We aren't robots, we are emotionally invested. Lesson learned, I choose to only play with cats like that. I have been with them both and I rather feel the drums play and to have the feel something kinda music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=dc3JKUw_GrQ
-Dani Erin
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Next Chapter
I continue to treat music as a progress. All great things,unfold. It changes and you love it enough to continue with it even when it brings you to your knees. Evolution of music is a constant and I believe this next chapter is pretty epic. I started out singing into a mic with no instruments, just my voice and now I have a pretty badass band behind me. Couldn't really ask for more. Hope you enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
And my personal favorite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
-Dani Erin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
And my personal favorite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
-Dani Erin
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