Image Credit: Bridgett Reid
Today we’d like to introduce you to Dani Stacy.
Dani, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I got my first guitar at fifteen years old and have been a slave to songwriting ever since! I would write love songs and sad songs in secret for a long time until I finally started performing live at about twenty. The rush of performing live was indescribable, and being able to tell stories that people could relate to was such a comfort to me, especially at a time when I was still finding myself.
I found that planning and organizing shows were just as rewarding for me as playing them. So I started a couple of events of my own. When I was living in Ventura, I started a local art and music showcase called “Artist’s Brew.” It started at my apartment with about 15 of my closest friends. We eventually outgrew the space and had to move to actual venues… no one expected it to blow up like it did. We’re still going strong, twice a month!
Since moving to LA, I’ve continued my career as an artist and songwriter. I’ve also started a singer-songwriter showcase, “Lowerdeck Sessions,” held at my house in Encino. It brings me so much joy to bring my favorite artists together and meet new ones along the way. It’s also great to always have a space to perform my own songs! I’ve always believed in building the environment you want, rather than trying to find it.
Has it been a smooth road?
“Success and failure live next door.” I try to tell myself this when I feel like giving up.
When things don’t work out the way I planned, I have to remind myself that this is just another lesson and to push through. I try to learn from my struggles and celebrate my mini-successes even though it’s really tough to do sometimes.
I’ve experienced everything from financial struggles, to life-changing events that have taken a toll on my mental health. I lost my best friend in a tragic accident several months ago. It was the most heartbreaking experience I have ever encountered.
I was broken, but I felt a shift. I just knew that I couldn’t put off my dreams anymore. Life is so short and precious. I HAVE to act now to achieve my dreams. I have to put all of my art out there and just give, give, give.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I have my hands in many pots, but my priority is music. I love writing songs, and especially love to perform them. While I truly do enjoy curating local events, I would LOVE to go on tour and just get hectic for a while.
I’m currently working on my next EP, which should be out this summer… so hopefully, that will be happening soon!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I put off moving to LA for a long time out of fear. I finally had to bite the bullet and say, “if not now, then when?”
I’ve only lived here for nine months and have had countless opportunities that just would not have happened in my hometown. This city is just full of like-minded risk takers! It’s invigorating and beautiful.
Contact Info:
- Website: daniellestacy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dani_stacy/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielle.m.stacy
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOvVqhqYZorTuW95_l1n3vw?view_as=subscriber
Image Credit: Bridgett Reid
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