Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Danni Gyrl . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Danni , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

The story behind my brand has always been based in making my mother proud. I’ve always followed my mother’s (Arneata) model with working with the music industry, but as youngster I wasn’t so cooperative. Back in the late 90s, my mother started a company named Divine Communications where she (still) covers a wide spectrum of services for artists and musicians. I wanted to kinda go down that same route but more into management and promotion, which my mom has been training me to do. I named my company D’vine Management in 2004 when I had the original idea to start a company and base it off her model. I was working along side my mother and it was fitting since she had been in the industry so long. Later in 2008 when I made it an official brand, I added the rest of the name. So now it’s D’vine Management and Entertainment Group LLC. We have expanded to cover multiple areas of the entertainment industry and not just music management.

Danni , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a singer/ songwriter and performer who has been in the music industry for 20+ years in various capacities. I decided to study law (which I’m certified in) and business law and business management before going full-time into music with the mentality that it would help me in my negotiations. In 2014, I decided to focus full time on building D’vine Management & Entertainment Group (also known as DMEG). In November 2015, I negotiated my first club residency as a host and promoter at the Stardust Club in Downey, CA. I started hosting every 3rd Sunday night with my resident DJ, DJ Krunk, until May 2016, when I decided to relocate to Las Vegas, NV and conquer new territory. After a few successful years in Vegas, I returned to the LA in December 2021 and came back with a new passion for the music and the music industry. I launched two annual festivals that continue to grow every year and have acquired a few sponsors along the way. I have been able to increase my clientele dramatically. Returning home wasn’t in the plans, but it has absolutely been amazing. There is absolutely no place like home. My clients require a wide variety of skills including problem solving and since I have a background in law, I am very good with negotiating and being a third party. I love being a promoter and going above and beyond to help indie artists in whatever capacity I’m needed for their career, and sometimes that requires referring them to someone who can do what I can’t. DMEG is quickly taking over the west coast as an elite independent entertainment company

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Yes. I have three books I have built my career on and used quite often for my artists. The first is a book I read in 1996 called “Everything You Need To Know About The Music Business” by Kashif, a renown artist, writer and producer with years of experience. At the time I read this book, it was being used in music education classes. The knowledge that this one book gave was amazing and enough to guide you through whatever aspect of the music industry you chose. This book still has valuable information that you can use today but it is hard to find. The second is “All You Need To Know About the Music Business” by Donald Passman. This book was basically the newer version of what Kashif wrote with updated information. This information was geared more toward artists starting in a age of music that was transitioning. This book has been updated several times and there are about 13 editions. I usually tell any artist I develop to read this book so they will know about the business before they enter ANY contracts, even with me.
The last book is “How To Make It In The New Music Business” by Ari Herstand. In my opinion, this book is a must have for an independent artist and more so for a musician or band. The information in this book is so valuable and important to have as an artist and as a manager.
These three books not only helped me start my career but also given me the knowledge to confidently be able to use the knowledge to develop artists, consult with artists, use the references and resources, etc. They have also helped me to grow, spread knowledge, upgrade my business and given me the step by step process to create my own brand. I make sure to revisit these books every two to three to make sure myself and my artists are still on track.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

This is where my story gets interesting. When I first started my business, I used my income tax refund to fund it. A year into my journey I lost it all and decided to do it again but I wanted to wait until I got my next tax refund. Being the spiritual person I am, I decided to let a higher power determine my fate. I used my rent money to start over and decided to bet on myself and it paid off. I’ve always told ppl I’ve taken a lot of personal losses but I know I’m on the right career path because God always makes a way for my ventures to get funded when I can’t do it. My bank account is in the red but I’ve managed to self fund about 6 or 7 events this year amongst other things successfully and keep my business afloat. I work for my clients based on their needs and their financial situation.
A lot of indie artists don’t have the funds to do basic things for their careers, like learning how to publish their work or developing their stage presence, and I assist with that at DMEG with little or no cost to the artists. The blessings come to me no matter what and I’ve been able to stay in business with occasional donations and God’s grace. Ppl think because you work with celebrities the money is flowing in, but they go through financial difficulties as well and I’m loyal to ALL my clients. They repercussions of being a blessing to others and humble outweigh anything.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://dmegllc.square.site
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/therealdannigyrl
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/therealdannigyrl
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/darealdannigyrl
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@therealdannigyrl
• Other: Email: dmeg.dbarnes@gmail.com Phone: (702) 578-6716