New Artist Spotlight - Danni O'Neill

New Artist Spotlight: Danni O'Neill

By Gary Voorhies

Danni O'Neill brings a unique combination of international influences to her music. Born in Coventry, England and raised in Toronto, Canada, O'Neill spent two years studying child psychology in Halifax before she pursued a music career. She returned to England and won placement at the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts. Only 30 of 500 who auditioned were accepted to the fine arts facility, which was started by Paul McCartney.

After graduation, O'Neill left London for Music City. One of her new Nashville friends asked O'Neill to sing on song demos. This led to work with producer Garth Fundis (Trisha Yearwood, John Michael Montgomery). As O'Neill's vocal demos circulated around Music Row, producer Mark Moffatt took notice. Moffatt understood O'Neill's international outlook, from his experience producing INXS and Keith Urban. The result of the artist/ producer pairing is Picture Perfect, O'Neill's debut album on GMV Records, released on Jan. 18, and features the single "Take Me Away."

The project reflects O'Neill's passion for great Country songs and life-long love of music. "I remember the first time I knew I wanted to be a singer," she remembered. "I was 6-years-old and with my grandfather at a cafe in France. The owner asked me to sing for a soda. I got up on the table and sang my heart out. It became my regular method of payment each time we went to that cafe. I loved the feeling I got when I made people smile with my singing. I knew in my heart of hearts this was something I truly wanted to do."

IN HER OWN WORDS:

Who is your musical hero?

"I admire so many people, specifically the ones who stick to their guns and do their own thing and don't conform - Willie Nelson, Shania, Madonna, Pink, etc."

Which song would you secretly like to cover?

"I'd love to do 'Take a Walk on the Wild Side' by Lou Reed, but Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch already did that; or something from the 80's like, Van Halen's 'Jump.' It might not sound that great, but it would be fun to do."

What CD is on your stereo right now?

"I have a pretty diverse taste in music. Right now, I have a Merle Haggard compilation CD that I can't get enough of. I also have Dave Matthews Band, Crash and Missy Elliott, Under Constuction."

What is your pet peeve?

"I can't stand when people get white film in the corners of their mouth. It grosses me out. I'm like lick your lips or drink some water...SOMETHING!"

Who do people say you look like?

"I've heard Jewel a few times."

What moment in your life would you relive if you could?

"My youth. I wish I would have worked a little harder in school."

What song do you wish you had written?

"'Angel Flying to Close to the Ground' or 'Misery and Gin.'"

Which mode of transportation do you prefer - planes, trains or automobiles?

"I love car trips. You can totally rock out and nobody can hear you. But planes are good because you get places faster, but I hate airports, they're too busy. So I guess I'll stick with cars."

Who is your dream duet partner?

"I would have loved to have sung with Elvis or Ray Charles."

If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

"The Ups and Downs of a Right Brained Canuck."

On the Web: www.dannioneill.com

July 6, 2005