Meet Danielle W Carter

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Danielle W Carter again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Danielle W, we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
I’m Dani (Danielle W Carter), a multicultural independent singer-songwriter and producer who loves writing meaningful soul, funk and R&B music. My vibe is smooth, sultry music—like the sounds of Sade, Alicia Keys, India Arie, Corinne Bailey Rae, Masego and Syd.  

When not writing and recording, I design custom ear cuffs for the ONYX xoxo Jewelry line and style wardrobe for photoshoots and indie projects.

Over the years it has been incredible to share my original music as a creative artist and to wear different hats as an entrepreneur.  For some highlights: I’ve had my music placed in TV shows, worked as a wardrobe stylist for an award winning short film called “Oyakodon”, helped with brand launches at the Coachella Festival, produced concerts and performed for non-profits that carry out major events and live shows for extraordinary causes in our community. I am grateful for each opportunity to work with heartfelt and talented people.

Alright, so our main goal today is to give our audience an update on what you have been up to since our last conversation. We’d love to hear how things are going and what you are most looking forward to or excited about these days.
I’ve been singing with my wonderful church family in Southern California and also writing and producing new music projects with talented artists and producers in the studio. Last Winter I joined Eminent Collaborations, a nonprofit led by a team of incredibly generous-hearted volunteers, to raise awareness for mental health and to serve families and students in Long Beach. We partnered with local schools and businesses to bring Shane Hardy and Spencer Lennon’s giving initiatives and events to life. I’ll be posting and sharing these events as the year goes on. Definitely check out the Eminent Collabs’ site so you can celebrate with the team and participate in our charitable giving and upcoming events.

Over the last couple of years, I stretched from my normal soul-pop genre and released a couple of cinematic soundtrack songs, “LBAM” (Love By Any Means) and “Natural Disasters”, which go in a different artistic direction for me. (Hint: I do love to watch a good thriller or sci-fi movie every now and then!) Producer Devin D三V Malloy and I composed these songs with live strings and epic beats to create the two sonic worlds. I am so grateful for my team, including Henrique Vilhena and Luiz Tornaghi and the musicians at Musiversal, who brought these songs to life. As you stream these new songs, please also check out the full credits. I feel so blessed to work with talented engineers and top musicians across the world who give their time and creativity to enhance each song!

Before these two songs were released, I had the best time collaborating and producing a Reggaeton-soul music video called “YDK” (You Don’t Know) with an amazing videographer, Evan Blum, and a choreography team led by Shantel Ureña and G’bari Gilliam. Shout out to the YDK visuals team that also includes dancer Shelby Lawson, makeup artist Janelyn Marcelo, and all-star assistant Melony Varnado. The production was filmed at the beautiful Livery Studio in Pasadena, CA. I absolutely love collaborating with rising talent and working in independent business spaces—they have been supportive beyond measure. This amazing and talented all-star team came together to create the “YDK” video that’s streaming now!

To touch on the local community, I grew up in Pasadena, CA and spent a lot of time in Altadena and the surrounding areas. It’s been difficult to witness the devastation caused by the recent wildfires. Too many friends and families lost their homes. I hope we can continue to provide support, relief and comfort as each family rebuilds their home and we restore our neighborhoods. Please tap in with The Altadena Guild and Foothill Unity Center, which have been actively serving the community for many years, and consider ways to volunteer or to give. You can also inquire about receiving support and resources.

The last few years were so unpredictable that I decided to pivot, connect and collaborate more within my local music community and with nonprofits to make a positive impact. I sleep better when I know that we are taking inspired action to move through all that’s been happening and changing in the world.

Currently I am working heavily in the studio and look forward to getting back on the road to tour across the country and overseas. It’s been cathartic making music and also crazy-fun experimenting and dipping my feet into hip hop and Afro rhythms. Truly, I can’t wait to share these next collaborations and releases with you, starting with an EP release in Spring called “The Finer Things”. You’ll find that one on Dani W + Drew’s streaming platforms. Stay tuned on my website and email list for new music releases and announcements!

We have now arrived at one of our favorite parts of the interview – the lightning round. We’ll ask you a few quick questions to give us all some fun insights about you.

Favorite Movie: Little Mermaid and Sister Act 2…love to sing along!

Favorite Book: The Dip by Seth Godin

Favorite Band or Artist: Lauryn Hill, Mariah, 2Pac, Motown…too many good vibes to narrow it down!

Sweet or Savory: Savory…I like sweet, but not too sweet.

Mountains or Beach: Beach

Favorite Sport (to watch): Basketball or football…but I need to be in the action…sideline or court side!!

Favorite Sport (to play): Basketball

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Mostly Basketball and Volleyball

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Lawyer

French Fries or Onion Rings: Onion Rings

Favorite Breakfast Food: Fruit…but can we talk about the occassional candied bacon or peppered bacon tho! yummmm

When you look back on your life, what are three things you expect to be proud of?
Loving others with an open heart, trusting God and inviting new perspective shifts that expand the world through creativity including songwriting, making music and other collaborative endeavors.

Website: https://daniellewcarter.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellewcarter/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanielleWCarter/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/daniellewcarter

Other: https://linktr.ee/DanielleWCarter

Image Credits
Professional YDK images included by John Kim. Thank you!