We had the good fortune of connecting with Dani Bell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dani, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
I think as long as the thing your doing brings you joy – then you should continue doing it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I write and record a lot of my demos on my phone or on an 8 track recorder. That’s kind of how it all started. Eventually, I met a lot of other musicians in the San Diego music scene and started collaborating, joining bands, and playing shows. I fell in love with performing. I met a writer named Alfred Howard back in 2014, and we started working together on my now main project “Dani Bell & The Tarantist”. He would write the lyrics and I wrote the music, it made songwriting very easy for us! Now that we no longer work together – it’s pushed me to test my lyrical skills, it hasn’t been easy, as a person who constantly faces self doubt, but I think it’s been good for me. I’m really excited about the new music I’ve been working on with producer Collin Desha (of Low Hum). He has really been able to capture the vibe I had intended to create with these songs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I currently live in San Diego, so you can’t beat a warm day on the beach. I would take them to one of my favorite little beach spots, see a show at the Casbah, walk around seaport village and maybe the gas lamp if we’re feeling crazy. We could check out the museums at balboa park. Get pizza and Chicago dogs from Lefty’s. Go to the South Bay drive in. Get a few drinks at the Whistle stop, they’ve always got great DJs so dancing is in the cards.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m lucky to have a lot of people in my life who have been there for me. My parents have always been so supportive and encouraging with my music and writing. Ray Pitstick, my personal photographer and best friend. My managers for their encouragement and helping me find the right opportunities. Collin Desha for working so hard on producing my upcoming Ep, I’ve also learned a lot from working with him in the studio!

Website: Danibellandthetarantist.com

Instagram: @TheTarantist + @dancybell

Facebook: Facebook.com/thetarantist

Image Credits
Ray Pitstick, Kristy Walker

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