Originally hailing from billings Montana this Charismatic writer/producer/actress/singer fronts the (now) Los Angeles based PopeJane. Danielle's powerful & versatile vocal stylings & strong stage presence have made the groove based PopeJane one of the most sought after bands across the U.S.A. For more information on Danielle and PopeJane please visit their website: www.popejanemusic.com
1. What are you Listening to in your CD Player?
O Brother Where Art Thou SoundTrack, Sheryl Crow, Enya, Annie Lennox
2. Who would you like to open up for and why?
Sheryl Crow. She is the most amazing producer and songwriter that I have heard in many, many years. Her sound canvasses alone are worth listening to -- no one can work a stereo field and seperate a midrange -- 500hhz to 4kHz-- like that woman. It would be an honor to share a stage with her natural charisma and overwhelming talent.
3. You're the Lead singer. Who would be in your dream band?
This is going to sound campy, but it's 100% true -- my band, Pope Jane, is actually my dream band. I could not ask for more amazing, seasoned, and intuitive players than Kristen Coyner on drums/backing vocals, Paul Houston on lead guitars, Todd Connelly on bass and backing vocals, and David Barnhart on percussion. This band is and has been a true blessing to me.
4. What's the first record you ever bought?
It was a vinyl single, and I was thrilled beyond comprehension... "Harden My Heart" by QuarterFlash!!
5. What's the strangest or funniest gig you've played?
The funniest: Pope Jane's very first show-- a biker bar in Powell, Wyoming, where they shoved us in the back room to play and kept offering us crank between sets, while our bass player at the time was in the bathroom pumping her breasts, as she had just delivered a son only a month before. It was surreal to watch her breasts grow throughout the set. One seemed particularly more awnry than the other.
6. Is there a song you wish you would have written?
There are about a thousand songs I wish I would've written -- but the first one to come to mind is "Danny Boy." I love that song. Makes me bawl every time.
7. What is your favorite guitar to play and why?
Hands down, without one second thought to it at all -- my Ovation. I played a Pinnacle for years, and now have a blue celebrity hybrid that's amazing. I stick to playing acoustic, and adore the live tone and feel of an Ovation.
8. What inspires you to write?
Usually, some inner turmoil of either my friends or simply my own. It appears to be my way of making sense of the world, and of actions of others that I don't understand. I guess one could call it "Navigating the World For Dummies."
9. Look 10 years into the future. What are you doing?
Let's see -- I am cranking out another platinum album with Pope Jane, but taking time to write, score, and act in films that I've produced through my own Indie film production company. I've finished my coffee table book on rural diner waitresses, and I've set up a holistic healing center in Montana, with a scholarship program for inner-city kids. I may be closer to figuring out the meaning to life, as well-- check back with me in 10 years.
Features Editor Note: Nine to Know You is also a regular feature of the
Southern California magazine, The Scene.
