Oct 03 2021

Danny Osborne interview & new single “Powered Up” (Feat. It’s Deonta, Jacob Hewie, & Gabe Sinclair)

By David Presley

Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself.

Thank you for having me! My name is DANNY OSBORNE, I’m a 19yr old artist out of the middle of Michigan.

What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?

I always grew up around music. My dad was an event DJ growing up playing classic rock & funk while my mom was always into the new rap and pop at the time, so I had a good mix of genres to bounce off of. Once I hit the age of 12 though, I started to mold my taste into something more personal. The thing that blew my mind at the time was “Because the Internet” by Childish Gambino. Such a killer album, and that style just stuck with me. Around the age of 16 I started doing music on my iPhone as a way to vent, but that evolved from Garage Band to a DAW on my laptop, so on and so forth. Not all of it has been great of course but the thing that keeps me going is the connection music can make on certain people. It’s truly amazing.

Tell us about your new music? And what’s the story behind it?

The new single/video we dropped, “POWERED UP (FEAT. IT’S DEONTA, JACOB HEWIE, & GABE SINCLAIR), is a dance inspired pop track about trusting your gut and going with the flow of new relationships and the tribulations that comes with. This was my first time working with Deonta and I gotta say I hope it’s not the last. He’s such a talented, bright soul out here and I only can only see him progressing. So glad I was able to link up with him and the rest of the crew for this. (Shoutout Mr. Hewie for the rant!)

What makes your music unique? How would you describe it?

I would describe my new music as Post Pop. It’s a phrase I used when listening to Gabe Sinclair’s music. He’s just on this wave with the instrumentals and sonic directions he’s taken on this project. Some really out there sounds, some classic pop, dancehall, breakbeat, hyper pop. It’s an amalgamation of genres but I think it comes together quite nicely.

Who are your biggest music influences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?

Some of my biggest influences would be my peers truthfully. Acts like All My Friends Wanna Die, ALLEY, G.V.O. Some bigger ones would be BROCKHAMPTON, Childish Gambino, Tyler the Creator, Justin Timberlake, as well as Simon & Garfunkel. If I could at least do a song with Paul Simon I think I’ll die a happy man. If not Paul, I’d love to collab with artgirl.

Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?

My biggest achievement at this point really has been this upcoming album. With past projects, I’ll set a deadline then try to rush to make something and it turns out half assed. But with “THE LONG WAY HOME”, I had been working on some of these songs since the start of 2021, even before. New rendition on top of new rendition, adding these amazing artists to the mix, getting the timing down with Gabe: all with-in the time frame I set. It’s been a dream come true, no exaggeration.

How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?

It’s hard truthfully. In the age where Social Media is king, you can’t really juggle that with a 12hr shift every other day. I definitely try though, getting bits and pieces done when I’m inspired. I find I’m at my best when I don’t push myself and just let the words come to me. Sometimes I’ll listen back on something and realize I was totally writing about an event in my life but subconsciously. Most of my friend do music as well, and I’d say they’re in the same boat. Those that don’t do music have just as tough of a time juggling life though, it’s understandable.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

DON’T STOP. It’s very tempting to quit sometimes, especially when it seems like you’ve put in the work all for nothing. But if you’re only in this for the fame, this may be the wrong prospect. I’ve found I’m having the best time and I’m making the best stuff when I’m doing this for MYSELF. This is the music I WISH I heard, this is the music I HOPE others would listen to, because hell I’ll listen to it. But seriously, just have that confidence, and the rest will follow.

If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. There’s a select few that listen to my stuff and it’s all appreciation and love. But for those that may latch on after, seriously thanks. It’s tough giving new people a shot, but I think I have the right stuff to make it.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?

My upcoming debut album “THE LONG WAY HOME” comes out on October 23rd. It was produced by Gabe Sinclair, & features It’s Deonta, Jacob Hewie, ALLEY, & 4eyes. It’s my best stuff to date and features some fun dance songs as well as some heavy hitting pop. Give it a listen anywhere music can be heard. And while you’re waiting, please check out the video for the single “POWERED UP”. Thank you again to Xttrawave for having me!

Stream on YouTube