Born and raised in Miami, Florida then taking her multitude of talents to LA back in 2011, DaniLeigh has continuously demonstrated throughout her career that she is truly unstoppable and quite the triple threat—with dancing, singing & directing being her well-endowed fields of expertise. The R&B modernist clearly has a unique energy and spirit, being that she has attracted what was meant for her by aligning with her purpose on a divine level. From one of the most iconic creators of our time, Prince, being her mentor to her signage with Def Jam Records at the start of 2017 to debuting her album The Plan just about a week ago, it is intelligible that Dani sheds a scintillating light—one that will continue to carry her to the top, with admirable motivation and focus being two unbroken promises she has made with herself.
Once connecting with the multitalented artist and creator, we had the opportunity of getting in touch by taking a deeper look inside Dani’s exquisite mind. Featuring her for our series Don’t Play Yourself, I had the opportunity to have a conversation with Dani and ask a few questions while showcasing a 6-song playlist of what currently has their musical attention.
Don’t Play Yourself w/ DaniLeigh
Coming from someone who used to be shy and in their comfort zone when it comes to self-expression through the arts, what advice would you give to those that still experience this?
Keep doing you. As long as you know you’re focused on yourself and you’re putting your all into whatever it is you may be looking to achieve, test it out. Give people the opportunity to like something or not. Find what is dope about you because there is only one you at the end of the day. I found what was special about me and I just pressed on that and went hard at it.
Taking on such a high level of responsibility such as having worked with Prince on his “Breakfast Can Wait” music video as well as him being your mentor, what did you learn throughout your experience and what ways would you say you grew on a personal and spiritual level?
I definitely thank Prince for a lot. He taught me so much about my own self confidence—he saw something in me that was special and that right there communicates much. It tells me that I was meant to do this. Getting recognition from a legend is huge in its own way. He taught me to never compromise for anybody, to be myself, and that’s what I truly thank him for the most.
What are some of the biggest achievements and challenges you have faced in your career as a whole?
Gaining respect and people believing in me. I’ve been doing this for a long time, releasing my very first song when I was 18. Going hard at my purpose for a while, it definitely takes patience when it comes to gaining a true following & respect. Coming from a dancing background, a lot of people didn’t take me as serious because I was a “dancer” & wasn’t an artist. Now, I feel like I’ve shown who I am and how I’ve achieved my goals by staying consistent. So, those were definitely some tough challenges for me.
What key items are absolutely essential to your rider when you’re performing?
Hot tea—it’s absolutely necessary for me before shows. Scented lotions. And of course, I like to have my lil Hennessy bottles to get a quick little vibe going and to loosen up a little bit. I love dark liquor so Henny all day.
What 6 songs do you currently have in rotation?
I Don’t Need You by Gio
Fire. He actually helped me write a couple songs from my album. He’s an upcoming artist as well which is really dope.
Quicker by Jay Critch feat. Offset
The song vibes. The way he flows on the track is super dope. I think he’s next to come up as well.
Get Dripped by Lil Yachty feat. Playboi Carti
The vibe on this track is fun—something I just extremely have to start dancing to. It’s a high energy song.
Could’ve Been by H.E.R. feat. Bryson Tiller
I like music that I can relate to and this is just one of those songs that gets me completely.
Parte Por Parte by Brandon Bill$
I think this record is a smash. He’s a brother to me, also just starting off and is gaining his following. I think he definitely needs recognition for this song.
Space Cadet by Gunna
It’s truly a dope ass song. I love Gunna. He’s been fire to me.
You will be able to catch DaniLeigh in all of her effervescent glory on her upcoming tour which is set to begin January 31, 2019, running until the end of February. Be sure to keep up with her and future tour dates on her website at www.iamdanileigh.com. She’s certainly an experience you do not want to miss out on.
Press play below on her latest album The Plan: