Multi-award nominated Danni Nicholls is overcoming intrusive thoughts of self-doubt and finding her voice with new track 'Little Fictions'. While moments of doubt feel like an inevitable part of the human condition she wants to empower others to favour the positive voice in their heads. Emerging from the pandemic has left Danni in a new frame of mind and 'Little Fictions' highlights her resolve, pride, and determination to really live every day.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
What first got you into music?
My grandmother would have old country records on at home and there were many family parties where rock n roll, country and soul music would blast out and everyone would be singing and dancing and I just loved it. I loved the way the music made me and everyone else feel. My uncle gave me a rock n roll greatest hits tape when I was about 6 and I played it over and over. I wanted to be Elvis!
What do you think your role is in this world?
To share my human experience through art and music so that others can feel less alone/more connected.
Your latest track is 'Little Fictions'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
I wrote Little Fictions in February 2020 - a few weeks before the first UK lockdown - in London with my friend, the super talented Rebekah Powell who was over from the US. I guess a strange thing is that even though we had no idea what was about to happen in the world, the song lyrics are spookily prophetic. The song is about self-doubt, trying to over come negative voices/narratives, accepting that life is full of unknowns and challenges and about being a friend to yourself when it doesn’t go smoothly. Lines like ‘I’m sick of this place, I’ve gotta get out’ would hold a different weight and meaning just a few weeks after penning them when I found myself performing the song on livestream shows for the first time!
I wasn’t able to record the song until October 2021 when I returned to Nashville (where I’ve recorded all of music over the past ten years). I recorded it with Stephen Leiweke and a whole host of incredible musicians at Yackland Studios, East Nashville. The epic strings were arranged and recorded by one of my best friends, composer Johnny Parry in the UK. We had been lockdown bubble buddies and used working together on the song as something to look forward to - a light at the end of the tunnel through the hardest days of the pandemic. So, to have finally get to do that and to have had it come out so beautifully is particularly fulfilling.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
That I’m the luckiest girl in the world to have them! The support of my fans blows my mind on a daily basis. I’m so grateful. They really keep me going and especially through the last two years when it all felt too difficult - they we there to make it possible to continue down this path.
How do you spend your time?
I guess working or thinking about work! I wear a lot of hats being a self-managed artist. There’s always so much to do and since I love doing it it’s hard to switch off. Thank god for Netflix though. I love to be in nature and try to make sure I spend as much time as I can in it. Even a short walk in the park can change my whole day for the better. Other things I love to spend time on (but rarely do) are printmaking (mostly lino printing) and yoga.
What are you most proud of?
That I’m still going. Still creating, living a life in music, writing songs, playing shows and finding the moments of joy through the hard bits.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Probably Brandi Carlile. She has been such a huge inspiration to me for many years. Musically, politically and spiritually.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
Getting therapy. Listening to my gut and trying to have the strength to follow it. Trying to identify my comfort zones and take a step outside as often as possible. I’ve found if something feels terrifying or seems too hard and scary then I should probably do that exact thing. I’ve never regretted the times I’ve done that. There’re only good things on the other side of fear.
Do you think that technology is improving lives?
Hmm. Tricky. I mean it has its good bits. It’s wonderful to connect with people all over the globe - though social media can be pretty toxic and damaging. And of course, advances in technology have saved many lives etc. But ultimately, I think technology is moving way faster than we’re evolving and our nervous systems and mental health are shot because of it. I’d happily live off grid in the woods. Ha.