Published: July 11, 2009 1:12 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight July 2009 Edition
Dann Russo
Dann Russo
A native of New York, NY but currently residing in the Boston, MA Singer/Songwriter Dann Russo is giving the music industry a special treat with his Acoustic Rock sounds that are making him a big splash. With a voice that will make you listen closely to every word he signs, Dann has all the right equation to please any music lover. In this recent interview with our Webzine, I had the pleasure to speak with Dann one on one in this ultra cool music spotlight. Enjoy!
Isaac: What has best the part of 2009 so far for you musically?
Dann: Now! My son was born at the end of May, and I am playing out more in July and August than I had before.
Isaac: What do you feel has your biggest accomplishment for 2009 so far?
Dann: In March, I completed and released my first "full band" EP, "Presents." It was truly an amazing process because we were able to work with the songs and figure out those little parts that make the song so much better. I had been playing solo and acoustic for so long it was awesome to hear the potential I knew the songs had actually be unleashed. In addition, and probably the impetus for releasing the EP, two of the songs from "Presents" (Ruby Red Hair and Dreaming Without You) were featured in the young adult novel "Models Don't Eat Chocolate Cookies" by Erin Dionne and on the book's website.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in area.
Dann: Boston is a great music scene. Sometimes, too great! There are a million bands, probably due to the million colleges around, and there is no shortage of places to go and people to see on any given night. And I jokingly say "too great" because sometimes it is tough for lesser-known artists to draw that "10-15 people" on a random Tuesday.
Isaac: What has been the best venue to perform at and why?
Dann: The Burren, in Somerville, it is a fantastic room with a great crowd - I played in January of this year and for some reason it totally clicked that night. Every song was good, every note sounded great and I felt the most energetic I have felt at a RL show. I say real-life show because I have been also playing on-line, streaming through the on-line computer "game" Second Life a few times a week, and that has kept me really sharp and practiced and has really helped my performances at venues in Cambridge and Boston.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Dann: I would say that my biggest influences are ones I don't even realize. It wasn't till recently that I noticed my guitar playing sounds a lot like Richie Havens or Pete Townsend and my singing like Joe Cocker. Until then, I have always thought of my music as down-home rock like the Black Crowes and maybe even hints of Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews Band or Counting Crows in the songwriting.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Dann: Energy, Passion, Likeability.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Dann: I could easily answer this with my idols - U2, Bruce, The Who - that is an ultimate goal - but I would love to spend the day hanging out and writing music with Dave Matthews. He seems like an awesome individual who has been a huge influence on my music so far and seems to have the mentality and personality for collaboration. Plus, he would totally make my songs better.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Dann: Acoustic Rock and Soul. I play mostly solo shows, and I play my guitar with passion and excitement. I would like to think that you can hear just a little gospel in the songs, a heart and soul with which I play them.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from fans about your music?
Dann: It's "wow" energetic. Someone once told me that I can play more chords in 30 seconds than he can play in a week. I have also been asked from some fans, which I think is the best feedback ever, to play their favorite song, whatever it may be, that I have written.
Isaac: What can fans expect from you in the next five years?
Dann: More music. I feel like 2009 has been such a productive year already and if I stay productive or even am able to become MORE productive I can only imagine what would happen - more songs, more albums, more shows, and - of course - more fans.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…shout outs!
Dann: I guess here are where the liner notes I totally forgot to put on "Presents" go - there are so many people who I need to thank for their support and assistance - my family and friends, Nate Christy who co-produced the album, set up the mics and amps, ran the ProTools, sat in the control room and overall just made me sound good, Virginia Gallino who did the cover art and design, Frank Colagiovanni who played drums, John Russo who played piano and organ, Dan Prindle who played cello, and everyone else who gave their support financially or some other way that is immeasurable by price.
Isaac: Final words…
Dann: Thank you so much for this opportunity. I can't wait to see the final version.
