Toronto-based pop artist Dani Doucette, releases her new single Craved today via MDC Music and all streaming platforms. Craved is a catchy, upbeat song with a sci-fi vibe from the perspective of someone craving the desire of human touch. In 2020, Dani signed with MDC Music and began to make a name for herself in the Toronto music scene by performing alongside prominent names at various drive-in concerts during the pandemic. She later released the singles “This Christmas (You & Me)” and “On My Mind,” produced by Saint Misha, and “Selfish” produced by Anthony Wright.
Please take a moment and give us some background info about becoming an artist?
When I was 4 years old my dad brought home an old schoolhouse baby-grand piano from an auction. He restored it and put it in the front room of our house. That was my piano/music room. I think I knew I was a songwriter as soon as I got the piano. Every key connected with me a word. Every combination of chords in a sequence, a sentence. I wasn’t as interested in the piano to playing it as I was to what it could be saying. I would lay on my belly in the sun, pluck away at chords, and make up stories. Dad forced me to take lessons, lol, that I hated. I can say I’ve never been one for structure. I like to be free.
What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
There is something about music that connects deeper than anything ever can. Its ability to make you feel every range of emotion. Being able to fill words with feeling, there is a power in the ability to do that. As a songwriter that is where is find so much passion and reward. Connecting and projecting.
Tell us a bit about your musical direction.
I think musical direction is a daily journey for me. I don’t often reference music, nor do I really try to sound like someone else. I’m really in a time where I’m just letting every idea come to life and see what really works. I love to write upbeat songs, danceable songs. And I seem to really enjoy that 90s flavour.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Top 40 POP- with a lot of underlying synth movement, and layer upon layer of harmony. I am a huge lover of stacked harmony lol. I like a full sound, where every part of you is being titillated by the lows, mids, and highs.
Tell us about the recording process behind Craved.
Going into the studio with CRAVED was a really fun experience. I had met Thomas Mckay at the MDC head office and we were waiting in a room together. We chatted and our first instinct was to just start jamming! Thomas picked up a guitar and I freestyled lyrics. We came up with a bunch of ideas quickly. That’s when I knew we would work great together in studio. I told my manager Reno I’d like to write with Thomas, and it was a great experience. Every time we finished a session we felt really good about the project.
Are any Shows/Streams upcoming to showcase your talent?
We have some things in the works but unfortunately with Ontario’s strict regulations at the moment for “Rona” we are at a bit of a stand still here. However we have a bunch of possibilities globally in other markets we are exploring.
What is the biggest struggle for you as a musician at the moment?
Not being able to perform at venues is really wearing on me. It’s been 8 months since I’ve been on stage. But I always try to look at the silver lining, this whole time I’ve been preparing and getting ready for the industry to spark back up. I’ll be ready and so excited.
How have you been keeping creative during the Pandemic?
Write Write Write. Work with like-minded people in safe spaces. And, thankfully technology allows for people to work remotely.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
2021 there is going to be release after release, an EP and possibly an album, yet to decide in a singles driven industry. I’m really gunning for a top 40 single, and making some serious leaps and bounds.
Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with in particular?
I’d love to work with Troy Sivan, MajidJordan, Loud Luxury, Black Eyed Peas,…list goes on and on.
When you kick back who are some of the artists you listen to?
To be honest I listen to everything. I generally pick a curated playlist and just let it go. I love music! A go-to recently has been Leon Bridges, and Elderbrook. Total ends of the spectrum.
