Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniela Spagnolo.
Hi Daniela, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was raised in an Italian household. On Sundays, the smell of my grandmother‘s cooking perfumed the air, and Italian music played on the radio station. I began to go to the upright piano that my father bought for us, and try to play what I heard. He was a singer and guitar player, and understood the love of music.
He saw that I had an interest, and enrolled me in the Hochstein school of music, where I studied piano and theory, for many years.
I absolutely fell in love with singing and the piano. I discovered that I could pour all of my emotions there, into the music. It became my sanctuary.
As I moved through high school and college, where I attended the crane school of music, I continued my studies. Along the way, I was introduced to theater, and spent many years performing in musicals.
I played the piano, sang, and danced. It took up all of my time, and I loved it! I knew this was going to be my life, so I committed.
One particular year at the Newport Jazz Festival, I saw Ella Fitzgerald. She completely changed my life. I discovered Jazz, and suddenly it became my focus. I immersed myself in everything Ella. Listening to any recordings I could get my hands on. Listening and imitating, until I began to develop my own style.
She was filled with joy on stage, humble, and simply amazing!
I spent a lot of time in New York City, sitting in at clubs, and learning through life experience.
I lived in Cincinnati for a brief period. I
met many musicians there that played with Ella. I had the privilege of them taking me under their wings, and making music with them, as they taught me how to swing!
I also began to do session work there, and sing on a lot of jingles and records.
I eventually found my way to Los Angeles, where I presently live.
I continue to perform , singing with Jazz, trios and duos. I eventually recorded my CD “Daniela Sings”, which was considered for a Grammy. It was recorded a Records, and mixed by the legendary Al Shmitt.
But, I began to feel I needed something more. That there was a next.
A friend of mine started a sync licensing company for music, and asked me if I wanted to join.
I said yes, and began the journey of writing for cinematic music. I found that I could incorporate everything! My classical training, pop, theater, Jazz, everything! At the moment this is my new love.
I’m very excited to release new music in the upcoming year!
I took some time to become more clear as to what I want to create next. Sort of cleaning out the closet if you will. I’ve taken down my website, and am rebuilding and updating my platforms.
I’m also very excited to be a part of a new platform for composers. It focuses on creating music for film, and will launch in February!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Much of the road has been smooth, but some of it also filled with struggle. I learned to turn the struggles into lessons. I learned to ask myself what is this struggle trying to teach me? Do lessons always have to be learned through struggle? I decided absolutely not! There is also joy, faith, and trust in yourself. Listen to your heart’s desire, create a vision, and go for it! Believe in it…
I moved myself across the country from New York to Los Angeles, because I had outgrown where I was. To leave comfort was not easy. But I knew I had to do it. No regrets. When I look back on my life, I listened to my heart and followed my soul.
There were times when I was filled with doubt. Am I doing the right thing? Should I just stay in one lane and not move? I discovered that the unknown contained all of the magic!
The unknown can feel like a struggle, until you let go and trust….Easy? Absolutely not. But one day, you might realize how incredibly strong and resourceful you became. And hopefully, how the choices that were made, led you to a better place.
I was very lucky in having an incredible support system, loving friends, and people who gave me chances. I am grateful!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I would say I specialize in transferring emotions to music.
All emotions being valid and important. Joy, sadness, beauty, all of it! I don’t know that it sets me apart from anybody else. There are so many talented people on this planet!
I use mostly live piano in my compositions, and orchestrate around that. I love creating string arrangements that are sometimes a little out of the box.
I am proficient in ProTools and Studio one. I’ve created an atmosphere that works very well for me. I live where I’m surrounded by nature, that inspires me to be still and listen.
I sing not only on my music,
but for other people’s projects as well. I love creating string arrangements for other singers. Creating shapes around other voices.
I also enjoy creating electronic music. Using synth sounds that create interesting atmospheres.
I love the studio I’ve created, and how organically it functions.
I’m looking very forward to releasing new music in the upcoming year. I’ve taken some time to become clear about what I want to create next. Cleaning out the closet if you will. I’ve taken down my website, and am rebuilding my platforms.
I’m also very excited to be a part of a new platform for composers. It focuses on creating music for film. It launches in February!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Every single person along the way, that contributed to where I am, and who l am, deserves credit. I’m grateful to my father Pasquale.
He saw would he believe to be talent, and nurtured it. He left me a great inheritance of music!
I’m grateful to be incredible teachers that shared their knowledge and love with me. My piano teacher, Caroline Norwood. My vocal teacher, Patricia Misslin. Al Shmitt, who agreed to mix my record.
My high school teachers that devoted their time and encouragement, and
all of the amazing musicians that encouraged me when I didn’t believe in myself.
Just all of the people who loved me and treated me with respect and kindness!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/dannistella
