Danny Silvertone's musical journey has been nothing short of captivating. From his early days as a pop-rock frontman to his current success as a solo artist blending pop, alternative, and R&B, Danny has consistently pushed boundaries and captivated audiences.
His upcoming single, ‘Cameo’, is set to be an anthemic pop-rock/R&B ballad that explores the haunting feeling of seeing someone in your dreams. We caught up with Danny to discuss his musical journey, the inspiration behind ‘Cameo, and his aspirations for the future.
It’s great to have this chance to speak with you, Danny, and congratulation on the new single! Let’s take this right back - when did you first start making music?
“When I was around 9 or ten years old, my parents sat me down and were like 'What instrument would you play if you could play any instrument?' - I was like, 'the violin, I guess' - and ever since I've been hooked on music. It really fascinated me that you could just … write a song if you really wanted to, and I was always listening to the radio. I really started making beats on my laptop in high school. I was heavily inspired by the EDM and pop fusion that the radio had at the time. Nothing came of it because I didn't have much experience producing and writing yet, but pop music will always have a special place in my heart because of this time period.”
“Between middle school and high school, I always had my headphones on - I was always on the internet listening to things like Skrillex, Lady Gaga, Kanye, Wocka Flocka - I mean really anything that was new and poppin' I was super into, especially if the production was dope. Around the early 2010s, when 'DEV' and 'The Cataracts' first started making music, I was really into them. That was the first time I saw someone literally just get up and use what they had around them to make music and better their situation. That was a huge deal to me - and they had clubby / pop sound I liked so bad. Seeing artist do that all over despite their background or any obstacles they may have faced was a super important part of me being like, 'Okay I'm gonna do this.'”
Can you tell us a bit about ‘Cameo’ and what it means to you?
“’Cameo’ is this song I wrote while I was on the road with my friend's band. I was helping them with their merch at the time and kept having dreams about this other person I was close with at the time. I honestly didn't think anything of it at the time because I was so busy - then I had this really romantic - almost dark dream about them and was like... okay I might have some type of crush or something going on. So, I decided to write a song about that specific experience of dreaming about them.”
Are there any artists or experiences that influenced you when writing the song?
“Yes, I'm endlessly inspired by The Weeknd and the dark-R&B wave that he created. I also enjoy acts like Chase Atlantic and The Neighbourhood, and my friends' band, ARSENIC KITCHEN. I was on the road with them and their theatrical-rock ballads really had an effect on how I view music production.”
What was your songwriting process for the single? How did it all come together?
“I literally produced this entire track on my laptop while I was in a tour van. I was going from hotel to hotel across the country with my friend's band and wrote/produced the track. When I got back to Phoenix I recorded and finalized it.”
How would you describe the sound of the track? Has there been a change or evolution in style since you first began?
“Yes, my music has taken on a much more energetic sound. I like the sound of live instruments - I think it really fills out any record - but I love the punchy, in-your-face vibe of synths, and the ambience they create. So, I combined the sound of Dark-R&B with Pop Rock - and that's sorta just what I'm hung up on right now. I love it.”
Is there a central message or theme you wanted ‘Cameo’ to convey? Is there a moment in the release that really captures that idea?
“I haven't heard a good ol’ fashion love song about just yearning for someone in this specific style in a hot minute - maybe I'm not looking hard enough...? In either case, here it is.”
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations as an artist?
“This year is gonna be all about travelling and performing. It's time to get on the road and really tour my last two records, I'm really excited for this next step in my career.”
What's next after this release - do you have any new releases or shows on the horizon?
“Yes, I'm already writing my next single and will probably announce it shortly afterwards!”
Is there anything you would like to say to our audience? How can they connect with you and help support you?
“Thank you to everyone who streams my music. If you're looking to support me, please share my music with someone you think would enjoy it and come see me live. I'm very interested in creating a community of like-minded individuals.”
With new music on the horizon and a growing fanbase eager to hear what he does next, Danny Silvertone is undoubtedly an artist to watch. Be sure to check out ‘Cameo’ when it releases on February 10th this year and connect with him on social media to stay updated on his journey. He's keen to build a community of like-minded individuals who share his passion for music, so don't hesitate to reach out and support his art.
For more from Danny, be sure to follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
