Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself?
Thank you for this opportunity! I’m Danny Frati Celli, Rock singer songwriter/performer from Puerto Rico….and yes, this is my real name, not a nickname or an artist’s publicity hook. LOL!
Any special meaning or significance to your artist/band name?
My last name is from Corsica, an Island located southeast of the French mainland and west of the Italian peninsula, and it means “Sky Brother” in English. People often think is Italian, but it is not.
What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
Well…I’ve always said that music chose me, because all my childhood memories evolved around music.
I was hooked on music since the first time I heard The Beatles on the TV cartoons or I heard my mom’s Tom Jones or Rolling Stones records!
I started with theater in Elementary School. At that time, I was approached by an actress who was looking for a child actor for her theater company. My parents approved it because they knew her, and I started touring around the Island.
When I was in High School I started jamming with garage bands, because I knew in my heart I could be the frontman of a music group.
Tell us about your new music? And what’s the story behind it?
“Sesiones 2004-2019” is a compilation of my best recordings from the last 15 years.
I am using the internet to promote my new music, so that people who don’t know me can become familiar with my music. I want to maintain a close connection with the audience, so from now on I will be promoting a song and a video online monthly.
What makes your music unique?
I consider myself a pop artist with a Rock attitude. In my music you can find melody-oriented songs with a lot of guitars, and sometimes a soft approach when is needed.
Sometimes I decide to incorporate other instruments, like the saxophone in “Solo Pienso” which adds up a funky vibe to the song!
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I think it is alternative pop Rock.
Do you play any instruments? And why do you love it?
I play the guitar, but I don’t consider myself a guitar player. I use it for writing.
I love to use an instrument (like the guitar) to create my melodies or to show other musicians what I have in mind when I am writing a song. A great guitar player told me once that it’s not what you play, but what you don’t play, and that is so true! Sometimes less is more.
How is your creative process when recording music?
The best way for me is to have at least 80% of the structure with melodies and lyrics ready for the musicians to join the creative process, so that they can add up their touch and feeling into the song.
I don’t want to be a control freak! I think it’s better for the song to go through other musicians’ filter.
What makes a good recording session?
Exactly what I mentioned before! To let the musicians that work with you express themselves freely through your song! To me that approach will make the song richer and cooler.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
McCartney, Jagger, Roth, Elvis, Bowie, Bon Jovi, Bono…. it’s a long list.
Any artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?
I want to produce an album with various Rock singers from my Island of Puerto Rico! That’s going to be great for us, and for our local Rock scene.
Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?
Being nominated for Premios Tu Música awards twice with Materia Prima and Niño Planeta’s albums, which I recorded on ‘98 and 2004.
And of course, all the opening shows I’ve done throughout my career like opening for Survivor, Rick Emmett from Triumph, Warrant, as well as co-headlining the tour of Enanitos Verdes in 2003 at the Bayamón Coliseum! Those were incredible moments.
How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?
Well, is not easy! A lot of other musicians are quitting lately, but I’m doing my best to keep doing what I love…is all about having a structure and setting priorities.
To be honest I think that being a solo artist let me have more control of my career, and that’s a good thing. A band can break up easily with the kind of stress and pressure involved in the music industry.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Do what you love in your own terms! Be honest and straightforward with others on what you want from the start, and don’t forget that this is your career.
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
Listen and support the music you love! Don’t follow trends…besides, isn’t the internet an “On demand” service, right?? Then, follow your heart, and search for the music that moves you.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or tours?
Currently I’m promoting my album in Puerto Rico and in Guadalajara, Mexico, and hopefully I will go there sometime in early 2020. I’m in conversations to develop other media projects involving music, and I’ll keep you posted about these projects!
