Our recent featured artist is certainly no stranger to Philly’s indie music scene. Whether she’s performing at one of our many venues, hosting an open mic of fresh faces or making sure that your glass is never empty as you listen to your new favorite tunes, Dani Mari is happy to be there helping our local music scene grow. Now, you have a chance to support her when she performs this Friday, July 2 at World Café Live (Downstairs). But first, here are a few words from the lovely Ms. Dani Mari.
The Deli: What inspired you to start writing and performing your own music?
Dani Mari: I grew up in a very musical family. My father plays guitar and was always jamming out to Eric Clapton, the Allman Brothers Band, the Doors…my mother sings and has a powerful broadway voice singing mostly in that genre and my brother plays drums, guitar and bass. I did the choir and band geek thing throughout high school and finally picked up a guitar in college. I walked away from it for a bit until I was just about 25. Then I decided it was now or never to try to play my music out. I started playing "Fool Me Twice" at the Lickety Split open mic, the Fire, Fergies and just about every other open mic until I got my first show at the Grape Street Pub. I haven’t stopped writing or playing since then.
TD: What artists (local, national and/or international) are you currently listening to?
DM: I was recently introduced to Sparklehorse who I cannot get enough of. Locally I’ve been listening to Paper Masques, Hezekiah Jones, Berry Jones, Ryan Williams, Good Boy Elroy and Boy Wonder. There are so many talented musicians here in Philly.
TD: What’s the first concert that you ever attended and first album that you ever bought?
DM: The first concert I ever went to was Jewel, and I fell asleep…lol. After that I saw Radiohead at Madison Square Garden, and it was an amazing show. The first album I ever owned was Debbie Gibson "Electric Youth".
TD: What do you love about Philly?
DM: I love the Philly music scene. Before I started playing out here, I thought the city would be very intimidating. Everyone has been very supportive, and the array of talent in Philly is very inspiring.
TD: What do you hate about Philly?
DM: The Philadelphia Parking Authority – enough said.
TD: What are your plans for 2010?
DM: I plan on having an Album Release Party for Impulsive sometime in the fall. I am also in the process of shooting another music video.
TD: What was your most memorable live show?
DM: One of my most memorable live shows was at this place called Arianna Miles in Quakertown. I opened up for Jeffrey Gaines. It was a cozy room to play in the middle of a snowstorm. The food was great, and Jeffrey Gaines put on a great show. He was also a really nice guy.
TD: What’s your favorite thing to get at the deli?
DM: I like learning about new local artists.
(Photo by Kristen Cummings)
– The Deli Staff