My name is Danny Baxley. I recently made the transition to move from Austin TX to Boston MA where I met my wife only a few months later. I grew up having an ear for music. I began to teach myself when I was 12 on the guitar and only later discovered the magic behind music theory in college. I was in a rock band for several years until life came crashing down hard and had to do the 9-5 gig for a few years. I’m 28 now, and music is still in my blood, can’t be rid of it. Can’t stop writing either. Although I’ve been in search of other musicians to play with, I’ve had no luck. So everything on my EP or anything I’ve done since November is all me. Perhaps sometimes regretfully. But I love the world of music, and I can take the grind. That’s why I’m here. Why bother if you won’t go after what you love. What’s most important to me in this world is taking risks, being different, creating something out of nothing, and my wife Sahra.
1.) What made you want to get into the music business in the first place? Did anyone influence you to do music? If so, who? Influences? Role Models?
You could say my childhood was rough, so in order for me to express myself in a healthy way without wanting to kill myself was through music. I’ve always been an old soul, so the sounds of The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Velvet Underground and The Smiths truly influenced me. Nowadays it’s more Modest Mouse, Sylvan Esso, and Grimes.
2.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?
Everyone these days are so hell bent on trying to conform to the system. Maybe I’m naive and haven’t been through the ringer like others, but as long as I stay true to myself and my art, if people like and dig what I do, then I’m a success. Success can be measured in so many different ways. If I can make one person happy with a song I wrote, then that’s good enough for me.
3.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not?
I enjoy the freedom of being without a label. I don’t know what it would look like otherwise. However, sad truths of the world and being in a position where I have a family these days, I have to look out for their interests as well. So I’m open to anything really. I never want to be closed off based on a shitty principle.
4.) Do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead? Why or why not?
Sure, the old ways are dead, however, the new ways are thriving. It’s a matter of being able to adapt, and if you can handle it.
5.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves?
We have so many ways to bring our music to the world, so many vast opportunities that just have to be sought out through platforms as social media, streaming services, local support and many others. Yes, the old ways of doing things is gone. But change is always inevitable. So we have to roll with what we got.
6.) What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in life and has that had any effect on your path to becoming a musician?
The most difficult thing I’ve had to endure was most likely trying to go against every part of me and try to become what my father wanted me to be. Like him. Ha! I hated working in an office and cubicle. I’d rather grind it out.
7.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do plan to do to make sure you make music that is true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
Haha, yes sadly, I do believe bands that quit writing their own songs and market towards the masses are sellouts but at the same time it’s difficult to blame them. When you have million dollar deals placed in front of you, I bet that’d be difficult to turn down as well. I know that in my heart I could never let someone produce a song for me. I have too much to offer to do that. I wouldn’t need it. Even if I were to never “make it”, in the sense of “making it” qualifies as being signed or selling out arenas, I would still be content as long as I’m doing what I love, and what I love is to produce a feeling.
8.) When you do music, what would you like your listeners to get out of your music?
Music and lyrics are usually always subjective in my songs, even to me. Never one specific topic either. But what my songs do is provoke a feeling. Even if it gets as basic as happy, sad, or mad. But I want people to be able to connect to something, and to for me to connect with others on that same level.
Danny Baxley has an EP titled “Identity” and a single called “Crossed a Line”. They are available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Google Play, and most other major platforms under Danny Baxley.
Danny Baxley official website
Like Danny Baxley on Facebook
Twitter: @dpbmusican
youtube: youtube.com/c/DanielBaxley
Danny Baxley official website
Like Danny Baxley on Facebook
Twitter: @dpbmusican
youtube: youtube.com/c/DanielBaxley