A Chat with Danny Wright (26.04.20)

All the way from London, Danny Wright is sharing his honest, raw and pop-punk influenced sound with the world. Nicknamed the “pop-punk prince”, Wright’s tracks are highly reminiscent of Blink 182, New Found Glory and Green Day. We had a quick chat with Danny Wright speaking about his upcoming single ‘Broken Youth’, his reasons for entering the music business and what he wants as a last meal.

OSR: Why did you choose to enter the music industry?

DW: As a kid, I always knew I wanted to do music, whether I knew it would be a reality or not is a different question. My passion for music and my commitment to the pursuit has given me quite a colourful journey. It’s always been a dream and, as a kid, I must have read one of those novelty fridge magnets that say something like “follow your dreams” and just went with it!

OSR: Your upcoming single ‘Broken Youth’ is out on May 8th. What can you tell us about the tune?

DW: I can tell you that it’s anthemic, it’s fun, it’s energetic and it’s catchy! It was a co-written song with producer/musician Ben Sansom (formally of Lower Than Atlantis). We made the song from scratch in the studio which has been a new experience for me since being solo. 

OSR:  Does ‘Broken Youth’ have any personal significance?

DW: It does. It is very reflective of me as an adult now and how I see my youth and the youth of today. I remember times of feeling stifled and misunderstood when I was younger with the authorities around me forcing their ideals of what your life should be. I still see that going on with young people today. I think it’s a bit more intense now because more eyes are on you with social media, so there are even more unnecessary pressures to look like you are doing life the ‘right’ way.

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OSR:  What do you hope people take from the single?

DW: The song’s message is about embracing who you are and not being scared to believe in what you think or feel. Even as a young person, I still think it is important to voice their beliefs at that time. It builds a self-belief system that I think a lot of people lack and are desperate to have.

OSR: What do you hope people take from your music in general?

DW: Generally, the running theme throughout my music is self-belief. I want to help people to really believe in themselves for whatever they stand for or whatever rings true to them, even if other’s judge or think they are wrong. This is not just an outward message I’m actively putting out, it’s also an internal message I’m giving to myself.

OSR:  Do you believe your sound has evolved over the past year? If yes, how so?

DW: The latest songs I have were recorded with a new set up in a new studio, just based on that it has changed a lot. The production is bigger and it has a very big lively feel. In terms of the writing, I feel like it’s become even more honest and brave musically and lyrically. I’m in an excited mode at the moment when it comes to writing. I don’t set out to write something to sound a certain way, I just write, and if it’s resonating with me I follow it and add what feels necessary.

OSR: Did you always want to be a musician?

DW: Yeah, I did! I was fascinated with artists and music as a kid. I think there was a time I wanted to be in a proper boyband! I used to dance to music videos in the living room. Rock and roll!

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OSR: What is your favourite lyric from ‘Broken Youth’ and why?

DW: ‘Tired of being good’ – I think it’s a cool way of saying I’m done with being your version of right, good, perfect, etc. This line is connected to me personally with my experiences and also it’s a defiant message for young people who need it.

OSR: What about your least favourite lyric?

DW: Hard to pick, but probably ‘I played it safe to keep the peace’ . Not because I don’t like the lyric, but because of what it means to me and in the context of the song.

OSR: What, do you think, is the best way to discover new music?

DW: I think Instagram weirdly enough. Even though there isn’t that much music on there compared to other platforms, I tend to discover more artists I like on there. I have always been attracted to the whole package; the way music is delivered and presented is something I pay a lot of attention to. I think with IG you can really get creative with how you dress up your music and make it very appealing or intriguing for others.

OSR: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

DW: I know I will still be doing music in a creative capacity of some sort.

OSR: What do you know is a first world problem, but it bugs you anyway?

DW: A wardrobe full of clothes, but nothing to wear. This often bugs me and then I attempt to customise an item of clothing until its unwearable!

OSR: What would you want as a last meal if you were on death row?

DW: Tomahawk steak cooked medium-rare with chili and garlic tiger prawns, creamed spinach and roasted potatoes. All served with a nice proper Merlot or Bordeaux.

OSR: What advice do you have for any person planning to become a musician?

DW: Fuck perfection.

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Thanks to Danny for the chat! To engage with him, check out his socials: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.