Photo Credit: Maria Shockey (@mariashockey)
By Alissa Arunarsirakul // May 28, 2020
Wavering between pop and rap, danny G coined the phrase “flow pop” to better represent his genreless sound. As we’ve been self-isolating, danny G took it upon himself to create an entire EP from his childhood home, and he’s donating all the revenue to MusicCares COVID-19 relief fund. Without further ado, we invite you to stream Quarantine Tapes and make light of a dark situation.
On Quarantine Tapes, danny G shared,
“‘Quarantine Tapes’ out now!!! Made this in my childhood home on my computer and I’m super proud of how it turned out. ALL FUNDS from the tape go to MusiCares COVID-19 relief fund, so stream it up! Been such a fun month and I’m glad y’all been vibin’ with the music.”
To celebrate the release of his new music, we recently chatted with danny G about music relief funds, live streams, and of course, Quarantine Tapes.
HH: Was every track on Quarantine Tapes created in the past two months or so? What was that process like?
DG: Yes, every song on there was written in a week in April! When I write more flowy, hip-hop type stuff, I tend to create super quickly since I like to just go with the vibes I’m feeling and my instincts. Because it can be so easy to overthink things. But it was a super fun process and it’s really fun and magical when you get in that headspace where you’re just cranking out records.
HH: How did you come up with the clever intro, “silver lining?”
DG: I’ve always been a person who looks for the good and who tries to take something positive away from every situation. I was home with my family while I was making the tape and knew I wanted to have them in some sort of skit for it. From there I was just thinking to myself, “What do I want this tape to do for the world?” And I figured that all I wanted was to help people stay optimistic and find the good that comes out of this crazy situation. So I thought what better way to do that than to have each person in my family share a little silver lining from their quarantine. I will say I love how the first song “came through” comes in after I say in the skit “I made a mixtape.” Pretty cool payoff lol.
HH: “we got this” ends the mixtape with a positive message for the world. What else would you want to say to our readers as we continue through this pandemic?
DG: Yeah, the “we got this” skit is actually my dad. He’s the guy I’ve gotten this positive outlook from as he’s always been someone who finds the good. I’d just say that this pandemic is an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and reflect. An opportunity for us as a country to come together and show that we can comply with what’s needed. An opportunity to spend some time with family. Things are pretty scary and uncertain right now but those really are the times we grow and learn. Everything is just what you make of it.
HH: Can you tell us more about the Record Academy’s MusiCares COVID-19 relief fund? Why are you choosing to donate all revenue from Quarantine Tapes to this specifically?
DG: So the MusiCares COVID-19 relief fund is raising money for creatives like myself and so many of my peers who are out of work or struggling for income at the moment. So many artists, band members, songwriters, etc. have had their money flow completely put on hold so I just want to do my part in helping generate funds for all those affected. It’s a cool idea to me that I can share music with the world which then will aid others who make music as well. Touring is the biggest revenue source for many artists so obviously this pandemic has been tough for anyone who was planning to go on the road.
HH: You’ve been going live on Instagram every Monday this month to chat with your followers about each song’s creation. What’s been your favorite moment during these livestreams?
DG: I had a girl from Africa hop on and say she was up at 2 a.m. watching the livestream since she was so inspired by me and my music. It’s little comments like that that really keep me going as I’m still a young and growing artist. So yeah, I just thought that was really sweet and who would’ve known that I’d ever have any effect on someone’s life in Africa. It’s wild to think about.
HH: If you could choose anyone in the music industry to be your mentor, who would it be?
DG: Hmmm. He’s not really in the music industry anymore but I’m still gonna count it, Will Smith. The guy has just navigated so smoothly through an incredible career and is universally loved by everyone. It just seems like he’s got such an unshakable vision on who he is and what he stands for and I’d love to even have an hour with him to pick his brain. He’s just one of those absolute icons whose movies and music are timeless. I’ve also gotten obsessed with the idea of legacy lately, and I feel like that guy is paving a massive legacy for himself. So yeah that’s my pick even though he’s definitely more on the acting side of things than music.
HH: What are your three hidden hits?
DG: Hmm so many. Let’s see, to pick three I’ll say:
“Dancing with Nobody” – Surfaces
“Pocket” – Bren Joy
“Channel Orange In Your Living Room” – Charlie Burg
The Hidden Hits 