Meet Danjul

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

Hi Danjul, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks has left some of my family thinking I’m crazy, haha, but at the end of the day, it’s my story, my life. When I’m 60, I want to be able to say, “I did it!” A lot of people just talk, but I’m the type to actually do. Risk-taking means letting go of a lot, and most people prefer to stay comfortable. Me? I’m not settling until I’ve built the life I want.

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.
My art is all about storytelling through music that feels both cinematic and deeply personal. I create pop music that’s not only catchy but also has a sense of depth and drama, reflecting my love for unique melodies and intense emotions. What sets me apart is my commitment to every detail, I’m a perfectionist when it comes to my work. I want each song to take listeners on a journey, almost like they’re watching a movie unfold.

One of the moments I’m most proud of is when my song “Drama” started gaining recognition in 2021. After years of pushing myself as a solo artist since 2008, finally seeing my work resonate with a wider audience was a dream come true. But my journey has had its ups and downs, and it hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced setbacks, self-doubt, and sometimes even the criticism that comes with taking risks in the industry. When things felt tough, I leaned on my faith, my family, and my inner drive to push through.

One lesson I’ve learned along the way is that timing is everything. You have to be patient and believe in your vision, even if it doesn’t all come together right away. I want the world to know that my brand and story are about resilience, taking risks, and staying true to my vision, no matter what. My goal is to create music that feels like an experience, something people can connect with on a deeper level.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting L.A. for a week, I’d want them to experience everything that makes this city so unique, from classic landmarks to hidden gems. Here’s how we’d make the most of it:

Day 1 – Hollywood & Views
We’d kick things off with brunch at The Griddle Cafe for some of their iconic pancakes. Then, we’d stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame and check out the TCL Chinese Theatre. Afterward, we’d head up to the Griffith Observatory to take in some epic views of the city and the Hollywood Sign, especially around sunset.

Day 2 – Beach Day
We’d head to Santa Monica Pier for a beach day, renting bikes to ride along the boardwalk down to Venice Beach. Lunch would be at Gjusta in Venice for some amazing deli-style bites, then we’d hit Abbot Kinney Boulevard to explore the shops, art galleries, and cool street murals. Dinner would be at Elephante in Santa Monica for a beautiful rooftop vibe overlooking the ocean.

Day 3 – Downtown LA Vibes
For a city vibe, we’d start in Downtown LA with coffee at Verve Coffee Roasters, then hit up the Broad Museum and take a walk through Grand Central Market for lunch. Later, we’d visit the Arts District for more galleries, cool murals, and local boutiques. Dinner at Bestia for an unforgettable Italian experience would be a must.

Day 4 – Beverly Hills & Melrose
A day in Beverly Hills is a must. We’d stroll Rodeo Drive to window-shop, then stop at The Ivy on Robertson for lunch. In the afternoon, we’d check out the art and style on Melrose Avenue and maybe hit Melrose Trading Post if it’s Sunday for a fun flea market vibe. Dinner at Catch LA in West Hollywood would be a perfect upscale, trendy spot for a great meal and people-watching.

Day 5 – Hiking & Chill
We’d do a morning hike at Runyon Canyon for great views and to soak in some nature. For brunch, Sqirl in Silver Lake would be our spot. Then, we’d take a chill day walking around Echo Park Lake, maybe renting one of the swan boats. Dinner would be in Koreatown at Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong for amazing Korean BBQ.

Day 6 – Theme Park Day
It’s time for thrills at Universal Studios Hollywood! We’d get our fill of rides, movie magic, and classic L.A. fun. Lunch at CityWalk afterward would give us a break, and we’d wrap up with a casual dinner at In-N-Out Burger for the true California experience.

Day 7 – Malibu Magic
On the last day, we’d drive up the coast to Malibu. Lunch at Malibu Farm on the pier would give us that perfect beachy vibe, and then we’d spend the day at El Matador Beach exploring the sea caves. For our final dinner, we’d head to Nobu Malibu for sushi right by the water, soaking in one last L.A. sunset.

There’s so much to do in L.A. that it’d be impossible to see it all in one week, but this itinerary would cover the city’s best, from its glam spots to laid-back beach scenes. L.A. has an energy unlike anywhere else, and I’d want my best friend to see and feel that in every part of our week together!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
God and my grandma…my music career has always been a little bittersweet. I started my journey as a solo pop artist back in 2008, but it didn’t really gain attention until the end of 2021, when I released “Drama.” The day I got the call saying my song would play on a local Florida radio station for the first time was also the day my grandma passed away. She was one of my biggest supporters, right alongside my mom and brother, and we shared a bond like no other. She was one of the main reasons I pursued music in the first place. Losing her on that day was the hardest moment of my life, and I’m still not over it. My heart’s still broken. My career was finally taking off, but I lost one of my greatest inspirations. This shoutout is for you, Grandma Belita Kearse.

Website: www.danjulmusic.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/storyofdanjul

Twitter: Twitter.com/storyofdanjul

Image Credits
Photography by: Brandyn White & Steve Lucero/ IG: @brandothecameraman & @stevelucero.la Retouched by: IG @retouch_club