We were lucky to catch up with Kris Dani recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kris , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I had the great fortune of being raised in an incredibly creative and supportive environment. My family lived down the street from the expansive Terry Hershey Park in Houston, TX. I spent my childhood exploring the local wildlife and being serenaded by my dad’s cello playing and my grandpa’s “tickling of the ivories.” I would lie under our piano and be transported by the musical vibrations. I’ve been told I started singing before I said any words, and I wanted to be a singer as far back as my memory can reach. When my dad noticed I was easily able to mimic other singers with accurate pitch and rhythm, he began to “coach” and guide my talent along with my elementary music teacher, Ms. Debbie Vaello. My grandpa was a touring jazz pianist, performing professionally from the age of 13. After serving in the navy during WWII, he obtained a degree in classical piano from UT Austin. My dad followed in his musical footsteps and went to UT Austin to study cello. While I enjoyed countless orchestral performances, my personal love of divas like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey grew. Their albums filled my ears as I lie under the trees escaping reality through my Walkman CD player. As I came into my teenage years, I discovered the incomparable Joni Mitchell, who ignited my passion for the folk singer/songwriter genre. The women of the Lilith Fair festival (Sarah McLachlan, Paula Cole, Shawn Colvin) became my “North Star” for authentic feminine expression and strength. I joined choir in middle and high school, performing well in competitions and earning solos. My music teachers were so wonderfully supportive, and I’m forever grateful to Gary Leger and Jeb Mueller for inspiring me to pursue a degree in music at UT San Antonio, where I studied voice with Professor Linda Poetschke. She guided me in learning how to support my voice in a healthy way, so I can sing freely and with incredible stamina. I continued my education by obtaining a master’s in voice from the IU Jacobs School of Music, studying with Professor Marietta Simpson. I was able to grow in confidence and authenticity under her instruction. After graduate school, I realized I wanted to return to the passion of my youth: writing and performing my original songs. I decided to move to Austin, the city where my grandpa and dad flourished creatively. Since moving here in 2017, I’ve put out a music video and EP and have been blown away by the warmth and acceptance of the creative community here. It feels wonderful to create and perform honest and genuine music that connects with people. The most incredible reward is when even just one person can feel seen and understood by what I create.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
After studying classical voice for over 10 years, I finally realized I didn’t want to be sculpted and directed as an “instrument” committed to serving the text and compositions of others. Now that I had the vocal training and respect for musical form, I decided it was time to leave the classical world and move to Austin, TX for a new musical journey. My family visited Austin frequently throughout my childhood, and I always felt connected to the freedom of expression which pulses through the city. Once I arrived, I began studying jazz piano and guitar, writing songs, singing at open mics, and meeting other incredible artists. I think my artistic voice is unique because, along with classical training, my influences are varied and wide. It’s difficult for me to assign myself a genre when I aim to convey the sensitivity of Barbra Streisand, the power of Whitney Houston, the depth of Phoebe Bridgers, the mysticism of Stevie Nicks, and traits of countless other artistic legends. I’m proud of myself for having the courage to change course and follow my true passion. This is a theme reflected often in my music, and I think most people struggle to be authentic and find their “place” in this fast-paced and overwhelming world. If I can provide comfort and help anyone feel seen and understood, I’ve accomplished a wonderful thing. Austin has been my home since 2017, and I’m grateful to perform, compose, and teach while working full time at JoyRX as a Music Specialist, bringing music to children in hospitals throughout Austin.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding part about being an artist is connecting with other creatives and continuing the process of learning and growing. The wonderful thing about art is that there’s never a final destination: beauty and creativity are ever evolving. When someone approaches me after a performance and shares that they felt transported or really needed to hear the message I was conveying, I’m honored to be able to share that human experience with them.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal is for people to feel more comfortable showing vulnerability, allowing them to more easily connect with other people. I try to show this in my music by exposing the raw, emotional elements of human nature. My hope is that people can find comfort and understanding in each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.krisdanisongs.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisdanisongs/?hl=en#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrisDaniSongs
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFJOhBcfYvU
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6UGwn8DoVt08RGneqZDipW?si=za1X4BKgTBqDokPzv11zyg
Image Credits
Nicki Aguirre
Angela Whitford
Sav Power