A Quick Chat with Dani Teveluwe
Gold Coast (Yugambeh Country) based First Nations musician Dani Teveluwe has just released her gorgeous debut EP. Celebrating bravery and love, Dani weaves these themes delicately through each song showcasing a different story and musical mood, providing a little taste of everything. We caught up with her to chat about the EP, her influences and some of her creative outlets.
Can you tell us what this EP means to you and what you want people to take away from it?
Into The Deep was inspired by the words of David Bowie and acts of courage.
For me the EP is proving to myself that I can do anything.
I used to be really scared to chase my dreams and do what I want, I know that can sound really silly, however I was more caught up with doing the ‘right’ thing, living more in my head, and being a massive people pleaser.
The last few years there has been a lot of letting go, and I made this EP purely because I love music. I love singing. It lights me up.
My hope is that people who embrace my music gain a little courage from my music and stories, and decide to let go of some things that are holding them back from doing something they love.
Who are some of your influences and why?
Of late I’ve been loving Nancy Sinatra, The Beatles and anything Mowtown. I just love how these songs make me feel.
Growing up I listened to a lot of Shania Twain, Dolly Parton and Barnesy. Soul Deep experienced very high rotation in my household! I love having a loud singalong to any of these artists.
I also I love Robert James Smith, Bill Withers, Alicia Keys and Linda Perry - they are some of my favourite songwriters
What's the creative process for you, from writing through to recording?
When I write by myself I always start with vocal melody and lyrics and build my song from there.
However of late I’ve been writing heaps with my partner Matt, usually our songs come from goofing around at home. Matt jamming on guitar and me hearing a vocal melody that vibes with his guitar.
We usually complete the song, refine and tweak a few little bits, then record a solid version in our home studio, before heading to the recording studio to work with a producer.
First and foremost it’s about honouring the song. I love that about writing. It’s mostly about listening and reflecting. Your heart knows what is right too.
What do you think makes a great song?
Delivery. Capturing the feeling and emotion of the song. You can sing or play pitch perfect, but there’s a special magic when the delivery and intention is pure and is there just to serve the song.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
Locally I’d love to do a track with Baker Boy - he’s such a deadly artist, plus I love what he does for community and mob, all of those good feels! Also the Lime Cordiale boys, that would be so much fun! I love how holistic they are as artists - and once again, I feel they’d be such a blast to work with.
Beyond Aus I’d love to write with Alicia Keys, Robert James Smith, Paul McCartney, Neil Finn, Shania Twain, Dolly Parton, Lady Gaga and Mark Ronson.
When not working on music, what other creative outlet/s do you have?
Recently I learned a Japanese pottery technique, Nirokomi and have started making keep cups, which should be listed on my website soon. They are super cute and I really love working with my hands. It’s so immersive and really draws you into the moment.
I also paint with watercolours and customise cute ukuleles for my friends when they have babies.
Who are some local bands we should check out?
I absolutely love Sahara Beck - she’s incredible. Geniie Boy, Gaudion and okmattcollins are amazing GC acts you should check out too, there is wild talent on Yugambeh country (GC.)
Winter or summer and why?
Summer. Always. I’m addicted to the sunshine! *cough cough Lime Cordiale - collab - pretty please haha
What else do you have planned for the year?
I’ve been in the recording studio lately and have some incredible music in the works, so this means I’m also prepping for photoshoots, music videos and all of those fun aesthetics. I really love how music incorporates so many different art forms and mediums.
There’s also a dance remix of Sweet Summer Nights coming your way courtesy of an awesome Lennox Head-based producer. Fingers crossed it will drop leading into summer.
I’m hitting up BIGSOUND and am so amped to hear some new acts.
In October we’ll be going hiking in Tasmania - bring on nature, red wine and MONA.