This time, we get to know Danger Line. His brand new track "Running on Empty" is now featured in the New Artist Spotlight Family of Playlists.
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𝟭. Where are you from and what is your hobby?
I am South African born, having lived most of my life in Durban on the east coast. In 2016 I moved to the UK where I eventually settled in Exeter, which I now call home. In South Africa I had many interests, surfing, playing golf, making things out of wood, just to mention a few, but playing music has always been a big part of my life.
𝟮. How did your get into music?
Growing up I remember there always being an organ in the house, which my Dad played quite regularly. He was a great singer and you could always hear his voice booming over, or leading our Church congregation. At some point, probably around 10 years old, he sent my younger sister and myself for lessons to play the organ. We would go together for a half hour lesson each once a week and I always looked forward to it being my sisters turn for the lesson because then I would pick up the music teachers guitar (even though I had no idea how to play it), and I'd dream of becoming a Rock Star.
Not long after leaving school at age 17, I started a band with my mates. Our guitarist was 12 years old playing a 7 string Steve Vai Ibanez, and he could shred properly. We played covers at commune parties on weekends and had great fun being these young teenagers entertaining people quite a bit older than us. From then on I played in various bands, and being a song writer and performer became part of my identity.
𝟯. Who are your biggest influences?
There are so many, I love listening to artists from yesteryear like Neil Diamond and Billy Joel. Then there's Beatles and 70's rock bands like Led Zeppelin, through to the great 90's grunge icons like Pearl Jam, Nirvana, LIVE and RHCP. They all had a big influence on me. Lets not forget Guns n Roses! Then more recently I grew a massive appreciation for artist like Eminem, Robbie Williams, Yung Blood just mention a few. But right now, my biggest musical hero has to be Dave Grohl. He just never runs out of steam, has the most friendly and energetic stage presence, and is so committed to his fans. I love the guy, and would give anything to either perform with him or open up for the mighty Foo's. Not to mention how awesome their music is.
4. What are your goals in the music industry?
I've been told I'm ambitious, and I suppose it can be seen that way, but quite honestly whether I'm jamming around a fire with a handful of friends, or playing to a packed stadium, the most important thing to me is that people enjoy the music and create memories. It would be awesome to write a number 1 hit and become an overnight success, but ultimately for me I want my music to resonate with people, to bring back memories, to make them laugh or cry, or just to get up and dance because it feels good. Probably the most important thing to me, and I make a point of doing this every day, is to help other independent artists. Be it with advice or sharing knowledge, celebrating their successes with them, or simply helping to boost them on social media, I get a huge sense of satisfaction from this.
5. If you could choose a location to perform at, what would it be?
Well that's easy, anywhere where the Foo Fighters are headlining. About 10 years ago I had the opportunity to perform an acoustic set at Glastonbury Festival. A friend of mine who had toured with my band in South Africa had become very involved in the UK gig circuit, and offered me a slot on one of the stages. I booked a flight and hotel from South Africa which I remember costing a small fortune at the time, but because of some extreme personal circumstances at the time I had to pull out. So I would have to say a slot at Glastonbury would be ultimate for me.
6. What is your all-time favorite song?
Wow, that's not fair! If you ask me this question every day it would have a different answer. One song that always resonated with me was Brian May's 'Too Much Love Will Kill You'. I find it deeply meaningful and hope to cover it in the near future. I have many favourite songs but I would have to say that one springs to mind first.
7. Most embarrassing moment?
Oh dear, I still cringe when I think about it. Not long after moving to Durban, I joined a hard rock/metal band as front man. We did pretty well and even won a battle of the bands a few weeks after I joined them. I had been offered a residency at a local live music venue to book bands on Friday nights, which was cool because I got a meal and unlimited drinks for the evening, and got to connect with some really cool people. Although I could at any point book my own band, I wanted to wait until I felt we were tight enough, and then I would go all out to fill the venue with friends and family. So the night eventually arrived, I felt my band was solid and definitely tight enough for me to invite my friends. Well the rhythm guitarist happened to be having issues with his girl friend that night and proceeded to drink copious amounts of beer before the gig. It was a small venue and there were probably around 40 people there that night. Miraculously we made it through the first song and I didn't realise just how pissed he was until we started playing our second song. He started playing a combination of all our songs, a drunken medley, except the rest of the band, including myself had no idea what was going on. I was singing the song, the rest of the band were playing well, and he was playing a complete fruit salad of our entire set. It sounded awful! I was so embarrassed, all my friends were there and they had paid to get in. The rest of the band were looking at each other and wondering how we could carry on and eventually I called everyone to a stop. I explained that the guitarist had had too much to drink and we would not be able to continue, and we would refund everyone their money. The owner of the venue was a feisty Portuguese guy who started laying into me about the professionalism of the band in front of all my friends. Fortunately it all worked out ok, he ended up buying me and my friends tequilas for the rest of the night, the guitarist caught a taxi home with his tail between his legs, and a few weeks later I had formed a new band which became very popular on the music scene. The lead guitarist from that band, Steve Peacock, is still a major contributor to my music. He is based in Spring Falls, Idaho, and has played the lead on the majority of Danger Lines releases.
8. Proudest accomplishment?
Musically I would have to say that I'm extremely proud of the impact Danger Line has had since the first release on the 8th of May last year. In total we have released 7 songs and been streamed over half a million times on Spotify alone. 'The One', our love song ballad took off quickly and constitutes more than half of the total streams, and I often get people sharing it to their Instagram stories and tagging Danger Line. Just knowing that there are so many people, all over the world listening to Danger Line makes me very proud. It also inspires me to write more songs, produce them better, and give our friends more choice to listen too.
9. What is something about you that might surprise someone who knows you the best?
I'm not sure how common this is among performers, but I'm actually very shy and introverted. I avoid being in situations with strangers if I can help it, and if I can't, I'll be the person in the corner quietly sipping on my drink and watching. Fortunately though, something happens when I go on stage, and my alter ego takes over. I love performing and I can't wait for venues to start allowing live shows again. That's going to be a good day!
𝟭𝟬. What is your dream collaboration?
I've recently completed two new projects, both were collaborations with other artists, and I have to say I never dreamed it would be such a great experience. I can imagine doing many collaborations in the future, however my dream collaboration is with my 18 year old daughter. She has the most amazing voice and taste in music. She is very shy of the mic though, but I'm slowly working on getting her to record with me in the near future. Watch this space!
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