Dani-Elle Kleha – Get Back Up

By starrymag | August 23, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would say that my sound is a little bit of 90s country mixed in with modern country.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I love so many of the strong female artists like Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert and Hillary Scott. They all encompass such a sound that is true to who they are and that is something that is important to me. I admire the late and great Patsy Cline so very much as well as she paved the way for so many artists like myself in the music industry and stuck by who she was while singing songs that touched people on so many levels.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Get Back Up.”

 

A) “Get Back Up” was written by Don Quinn and Roni Wilson. My mom actually heard the song before I did and she said, “You have to listen to this.” I did and fell in love with the message. It then showed up another time to me and I knew that it was a sign. The story that this song tells is one that means so much to me. It’s a song of empowerment, believing in your dreams and knowing anything is possible when you surround yourself with the right people and don’t listen to any of the “nay-sayers.”

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I have heard so many stories from both current and new fans since this song has been released. I think it’s the fact that we have all been through something in life that we can directly relate this song to. We all have had the realization in life of who is in our corner to stay, who walks away when the road gets tough, who supports you no matter what and who are the ones who talk behind your back. Everyone needs a little reminder sometimes to dig deep and find that inner strength inside of you and prove everyone wrong and that is exactly what this song does.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) My songwriting process is literally different every single time. Sometimes I will be sitting at the piano or with my guitar and just come up with a melody and record it and save it for later on. Other times, I think of a lyric and write it down really quick. (My phone is loaded with notes and audio clips and I have notebooks all over the house because you never know when something is going to come to me. [laughs]). And then there are times when everything comes together at the same time. Songwriting is like therapy for me though. It gives me a way to say things that you might not be able to figure out how to say regularly.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I always have a big hand in the production of music. I have always worked hand and in with my producer, Chip, in Nashville to bring these songs to life. Whether I am in town or we do it over the phone or online, we always collaborate together on the final sound. It is really important to me to have a hand in not only the music, but every aspect of my career. The design, the look, the entire brand really. I love being a part of every single part of it!

 

Q) You are out on your Positive Youth Tour. What can fans expect from a live Dani-Elle Kleha performance?

 

A) The Positive Youth Tour is one of the most incredible things for me to do. I have always and still do deal with bullying. So, I wanted to create a tour that made this a big part of it. Basically, we tour schools and I share my own personal stories, I talk about my journey and following my dreams and how important it is to surround yourself with the right people and just living a positive life. Then, my band and I conclude with a concert and we dance and sing together, and it is so much fun. I have developed some of the most incredible fans through this and it truly makes my day when I get messages saying how much it impacted their life and how they finally got the courage to stand up for themselves with a bully or how they were inspired to follow their dreams. Being only twenty-two years old myself, I want to be a positive role model for any fan and hope that they think, “If she is doing this, then so can I!” Any concert is full of energy, fun, empowerment and songs that will touch you along the way as well. You can be sure that I am going to pull some fans up on stage as well to sing and dance together for sure!! That is one of my favorite parts of a show!!

 

Q) Will there be an EP or full album coming in the near future?

 

A) There will be an EP coming and I truly cannot wait to release it. It is long awaited and I can’t wait for everyone to hear the final product.

 

Q) You were recently nominated for Josie Music Awards in five categories! How does that make you feel?

 

A) I still can’t believe it! When the nominations were released, my parents and I were looking through the list and I saw two of them at first and I was over the moon about that. Then, as we kept reading down and more were released, I just could not believe it! It truly is very humbling, and I feel so honored to be nominated in such amazing categories with so many incredible artists. It is really humbling to be recognized by the industry professionals in the Country Music Community for everything that my team and I are doing. I am blessed for sure!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) Whenever my band and I are in Nashville, I love to do at least one show at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. It is pretty incredible to stand on a stage in downtown Nashville in front of some of the most hardcore Country Music fans and stand where so many legends like Patsy Cline and Hank Williams have once stood. I love getting to play in new places too and meet new fans, that is one of my favorite things to do!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) One of my dream collaborations is Jon Bon Jovi. I have always said if I ever get to do “CMT Crossroads” it would for sure be with him. I am a huge fan of his music and who he is as an artist and person.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I love Thomas Rhett’s newest album Life Changes right now. I love how real he is with his music and how open he is with his fans always.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Social media is a huge part of my everyday routine. It gives me a way to be real, open and honest with my fans. I want them to feel like we are friends. That personal connection has been and always will be so important to me. Social media gives me a place to open them up to not only my music, shows and being on the road, but it gives them a place to check out my real behind the scenes life. They know my dog Shyla, they know my parents, they know my friends and family. They know little quirks about me and my favorite things. The fans put so much into this dream too. Believing in me, downloading music, requesting songs, repping merch, showing up at shows and the list goes on and on, so I believe that they deserve to know the real me and feel just as much as a part of this journey as anyone!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I don’t think there will ever be enough words in the world to thank my fans and support system enough! I call them my “Dream Team.” From my fans, to my parents who have believed in me since I was a crazy little three-year old who said she wanted to be a singer, to my team to every single person in between. Thank you for believing in a small-town girl with a big dream. For singing along to songs at shows, to believing in myself and my message and for coming along on this crazy musical journey. You all hold such a special place in my heart and I am thankful for every single one of you.