Interview by Sasha Simon
Americana singer/songwriter Danika Holmes states, “Through my songs I hope to touch hearts in the tough times, as well as celebrate life in the good times.” Danika first sat at a piano as a tot, has been writing since her teens, and picked up guitar in her 20’s. After an attempt at a “normal career” and nearly finishing her PhD, Danika’s heart pulled her full circle back to where she started, with music.
Here is Girl Zone's interview with her:
GZ: Tell us a little about your new album.
Danika: Hey everyone! My debut album is called “Second Chances.” It’s an Americana/Pop album with a little bit of non-twangy country and some island vibes thrown in there! I’ve been told I sound like a mix between Colbie Caillat and Jewel. Hope you like it! “Second Chances” is a collection of personal life stories that many people can relate to.
GZ: What is your song writing process?
Danika: Crazy that’s for sure! Sometimes I start with a melody I have in my head. Other times I start with a chord progression while I’m at a piano or playing guitar. Songwriting is a craft and as much as I’d love to wait for the lightning bolt to hit me with inspiration everyday sometimes it takes a lot of will power to write when the inspiration is not there! I also believe in the importance of co-writing. Not all of the time of course, but it’s amazing what you can accomplish when you work as a team and have someone else to bounce ideas off of. Sometimes I write lyrics in a notebook, sometimes on a computer and other times I record my ideas on a handheld voice recorder. It’s never the same process which keeps things interesting!
GZ: What styles of music are your favorites to perform?
Danika: I love performing high energy songs that make people smile. However, every now and then I love performing a good tearjerker too. As long as the song is full of emotion and people can make a connection to it, I think it’s worth sharing with an audience.
GZ: What is your all-time favorite song and why?
Danika: It’s a song called “Free Bird” by Lynard Skynyrd. My favorite lyrics of the song are, “If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me? For I must be traveling on now, cause there’s too many places I’ve got to see.” This song reminds me of myself. I love to travel and there’s a whole world out there I’m ready to see. Later in the song he sings, “and this bird you cannot change.” I think that’s a creative way of saying I am who I am, so there you go!
GZ: If you could pick one thing that you know now to tell your high school self, what would it be?
Danika: I’m going to quote a line from Taylor Swift’s song “Fifteen.” I would go back and tell myself, “In your life, you’ll do things greater than dating the boy on the football team.”
GZ: What advice do you have for teen girls on how to achieve their dreams?
Danika: You have what it takes! You won’t always be told that by everyone around you though. Sometimes the people in your life who love you the most may be your biggest obstacles in achieving your dreams. It’s not because they don’t care about you, it’s because they don’t understand where you’re coming from or are scared you will get hurt in the process. It’s your job to make that connection for them and help them understand you better! Know where you want to go. You don’t have to have a clear path in your head at every turn. There are many ways to get to the same destination of achieving your dream. Go for it!
Check out her music at http://www.danikaholmes.com/
