Here Comes the Sun

Hey, hey! I'm Dani, I'm 20 and I live in the city that never sleeps. Otherwise known as the wonderful New York City. I used to work as a singing waitress over at the Spotlight Diner but nowadays, I work at a small indie music label over in Manhattan. ...

[talktomsdani]

What shows are you currently addicted to?

I’m pretty into Empire right now. It’s a little far fetched at times but it’s entertaining as hell. 

[talktomsdani]

When does Dizzy's album come out?

That’s still a little farther down the road, anon. But I dig the enthusiasm. 

We’ve still got quite a long road ahead of us before we start thinking about release dates. Currently we’re setting up plans for Dizzy to do a performance of some kind. Kind of get some buzz flowing. I’m leaning towards a livestream, but there are some options as well. Either way, though, the next few weeks are going to be filled with song writing and general rehearsals. Lots to think about, lots to contemplate. 

[talktomsdani]

Do you still keep in contact with Santana?

Not regularly. We don’t actively avoid each other either, though. I saw her just last week at Kurt and Blaine’s weekly potluck. 

Just because we were in a relationship at one point, doesn’t mean we can’t still be amiable towards each other. And it definitely doesn’t mean we have to be awkward around each other.

Santana’s cool. As are the rest of her friends and it’d be shame to lose out on some good company because of something that went on years ago. 

[talktoblaineanderson]

I think that’s amazing. You’re going to be great, I can’t wait to hear more about it. Speaking of, you should absolutely come over for another potluck this week. We’d love to see you.

Oh, thank you! Yeah, I’m pretty excited about rehearsals kicking off this week. It’s my first time playing in Hairspray so it’s kind of a big deal for me. Here’s hoping I can do Link justice.

[talktomsdani]

Good food and even better company is the name of the game for me. You can definitely count me in. Would you mind if I brought Tori along?

You’ve got that effortless charm down pat, I wouldn’t worry. But if you want a legit judge of character, I (an avid Hairspray fan) would love to see it for myself. You’ll be sure to save me some tickets?

[talktomsdani]

talktoblaineanderson replied to your post “What did you do this week?”

Dani, that's amazing. Congrats!

Thanks! There’s definitely still some lingering jitters. But I’m excited to get a chance to really prove myself. 

I hear you’re due for a hearty congrats yourself, mr performer man. I’m sure you’ll kill it as Link. 

[talktomsdani]

What did you do this week?

This week has been a busy one. Filled with strategy meetings and contract signings. Doesn’t sound all too thrilling, I know. But I’m actually pretty stoked about these next up and comings. 

Therapy Vibes just signed on a new client, goes by the name of Dizzy. He’s promising and has that old school edge the label has been searching for. He’s already got some street name recognition which gives us a solid foundation to launch from. 

And who discovered this rather spectacular act? None other than Dani Reyes herself.

And she’s getting her own recognition where it’s deserved. I’m still only a lowly paid intern but I’ve been given the chance to be on Dizzy’s official sound and marketing team. Sort of a trial basis. If Dizzy’s first EP does well then you could be talking to Therapy Vibes next official talent scout. Which will mean no more meaningless coffee runs or dry cleaning pick ups. So, overall, it’s been a pretty good couple of weeks.

Keep an eye out for upcoming news from yours truly. Lots to look forward in the next few weeks. 

[talktomsdani]

How did you come out to your family? Did anybody take it worse than others?

Well, I didn’t really ‘come out’ of the closet. I just kind of...fell out of it.

It was all full of dramatics. Something my family has never been short of. It was, apparently, rather shocking for my mother to walk in on me kissing another girl. There were exclamations, tears, and an ultimatum. Most of which did come from my mother. My dad kept pretty silent during the throw down. He was always one for the silent treatment approach. 

I didn’t stick around long enough to see who was most effected by what. And to be quite frank, it doesn’t matter to me. Neither parents was particularly open to it. And because of that, I decided to pack up my things and hit the road. 

[talktomsdani]

Do you ever miss the waitress job?

Not even for a second. 

Those gogo boots killed my feet and Gunther was...well, Gunther. Nope, my stunts in food services is done and over with and I’m definitely not looking back. 

[talktomsdani]

Is it ever intimidating being around the talent scouts? Is the temptation there to try and get yourself signed?

Sure, it can be intimidating, but not for the reason you’re thinking. I keep things professional and cool when I’m at work. No need to bombard talent scouts with cds and impromptu numbers…they get enough of that on a day to day basis. 

I’m biding my time. Learning the business, getting behind the scenes. I want to grow there first. And when the opportunity to get my own sound and name out there comes along, I’ll grab it. But I won’t force it. 

[talktomsdani]

Bring the Beat In

Location: Mercury Lounge || NYC

Tagging: Dani Reyes

Time Frame: Late Saturday Evening || September 20th

Warnings: Some light language

Notes: A turning point

“You look familiar.”

Brown eyes fought the urge to roll and instead Dani focused on the smooth burn of the whiskey she’d just managed to down. It was only her second drink but she was planning to take it easy. It was necessary tonight.

Tonight’s agenda was a routine scout trip. Contrary to popular belief, talent scouts didn’t actually scour clubs, looking for acts. The glamorous tale of a scout happening upon some diamond in the rough and making their dream come true was a bit of a stretch. At least for most. Most of Dani’s tasks involved still shadowing Jimmy, one of the talent scouts at Therapy Vibes Records. Still learning the business. Still itching to make it on her own. Playing assistant at festivals had been fun the past year; a way to kill time in the summertime and check out free music. But a year later, she was still being introduced as the intern, despite being on payroll.

Loving music wasn’t enough. She needed to submerge herself in the business, even if it meant stepping outside of ‘the way things were done’. She didn’t want typical meeting and set-ups, ending with a ‘we’ll see’. She wanted to be out there. Wanted to pull her weight and earn a title beyond ‘hot lesbian intern’. She’d need to bring something to Jimmy, as a sign of good faith, that she not only had the ear for music, but the eye for talent.

And that’s how she found herself at the Mercury Lounge, on a Satruday evening, getting checked out by a chick with tight jeans and paint splattered combat boots. Dani took a moment to study the thick stripe of curly frohawk atop the otherwise shaved head and the full lips that curled into a bright smile when she caught the Dani’s long stare.

“Can I help you,” Dani asked, careful to keep the bite out of her question.

“Nah, I mean if you wanna look a little longer, I don’t mind.“

Dani rolled her eyes and refused to acknowledge the fact she’d been caught, instead turning to casually reach for her glass on the bar. “I’m good with the looking. I suppose I’m just trying to figure out what you want.”

The woman chuckled, and Dani caught the glimpse of white teeth, a stark contrast to the rich sienna hue of her skin. “You really don’t remember me huh, Faith?”

Dani glanced over, brow arched at the nickname. “Excuse me?”

“Your tattoo, on your arm. Faith and the birds. I touched it up, last month…” The woman stepped closer to the lights near the bar top and realization hit Dani, and she smiled broadly.

“Shit! I’m so sorry. I didn’t recognize you. The lighting and the noise level.” Her cheeks were warm and she shook off the minor embarrassment in favor of accepting the offered hand in a firm shake. “It’s…Taryn, right?”

“Yeah. Corvin. At least you got that part.” Taryn’s grin was teasing and Dani immediately relaxed.

“It’s been a crazy month. Mind all over the place. But it’s slowly coming back to me now. Do you want a drink, or something? How are things going at the shop?”

Taryn signaled for the bartender and promptly ordered another whiskey for Dani and a Henny and Coke for herself. “Shop’s real good. I’m booked solid through the month.” The woman leaned on the bar and scanned the crowd. “So what are you doing here, besides looking good and drinking top shelf?”

It wasn’t too packed, which Dani appreciated. Easy enough to carry on a conversation. At Dani’s question, her lips twitched into another slow smile. “I’m working tonight. Kind of.”

“Yeah? What is it you do?”

The MC came onstage then, announcing the start of the show. The first set was a female fronted act, which boasted so-so vocals but Dani admired their energy and the kickstart of the drum, leading into their first song. It was pop-driven number, good for background noise and Dani cleared her first drink to pick up the new one. “I work in music, actually.” It always seemed simpler to say that. Further explanation would only allow for people to be confused or try to sell her on their sound.

Taryn smiled and sipped her cocktail, nodding idly to the beat that eventually segued into another song with the same fuzzed out sound. “Oh word? So what are you, a musician? You got that sexy rocker chick look going on. I could see it.”

Dani chuckled. “Nope. I mean, yes. I play. But not professionally. At least not yet. I work for a record label…” Their conversation was easy then, trading opinions back and forth about the various acts. It was a free for all, a little bit of everything to keep the crowd rocking. Good, but not great. Nothing stood out until the middle of the night, during her third Jack and ginger ale, when he came onstage amid a din of cheers. With a wide grin on his handsome face, the man adjusted his snapback, greeted the crowd and called for the DJ onstage to bring the beat in. Immediately an old-school style track boomed through the speakers, mixed with a drugging bassline that prompted a few people to groove.

His name was Dizzy Chillespie. Catchy name. Hot sound. Frank Ocean beats with a serious Cali flow. Dani found herself nodding at his bars, noticing the way he kept the crowd hype. They seemed to know his songs, shouting out the lyrics to his infectious hooks whenever the young man with the insane stage presence would hold the mic out to the crowd.

Something clicked inside Dani and she turned to Taryn who mouthing the words, stopping when she caught Dani’s gaze.

“You like it?”

“Definitely,” she replied with a nod. “He’s really good.”

“Nah, he’s the best. Everybody knows Dizz. Best unsigned rapper in the city.”

Dani cocked a brow at that, turning back to the stage just in time to catch the start of Dizzy’s freestyle over a Biggie beat. “He’s bold. I dig his style.”

“If you wanna meet him, I can set it up,” Taryn offered, whistling loudly at the end of the track, the sound piercing through the boisterous applause from the crowd.

Dani was ecstatic, her mind already buzzing with possibility. Clapping along, she nodded at Taryn. “Yeah, let’s do this.”

It took twenty minutes to work her way backstage, and at the first sight of her Dizzy wasn’t too impressed.

“Who’s Hipster Barbie?” he directed to Taryn, who simply rapped her knuckles across the side of his head.

“I’m Dani.” She decided to take the lead. “I’m a friend of Taryn’s.”

Dizzy shrugged and wiped at his sweaty brow with a small washcloth. “So? My cousin’s got a lot of friends. You special or something?“

“Cousin?” Dani turned to Taryn, who nodded and clipped the young man again. “Or something. We are friends. But no matter. You put on a hell of a show.”

The man snorted at that, the sound giving way to full on laughter. “Yo, is she forreal? Somebody get Snow Bunny outta here. Taryn, where you find this broad? Are you new? I’m the best out here. Ask about me.”

“I figured I’d cut the middle man, word of mouth bullshit and head straight to the source. Even if he is about to talk himself right out of a contract offer, if he keeps calling me outside my name, which I so generously offered.” Dani’s smirk turned smug when Dizzy stopped taking. “Like I said. My name’s Dani, and you’re phenomenal. A little rough around the edges, but you give me serious Cudi mixtape vibes. It’s raw, but something’s there. I think with a professional touch we could make music together.”

“So what, you’re some kind of hip-hop fairy, spreading her hipster girl cheer and tossing out contracts like glitter dust, or something?”

Dani shook her head. “I’m just a fan of good shit. I wanna take that good shit and make it bankable, great shit. I work for Therapy Vibes Music.” Pulling out her card from her clutch, she passed to the young man. “We look for the best, innovative artists, people who are game changers.  You want to spit some real shit and put something together, you call me. That call means college tours, interviews, radio shows and podcasts. It means MTVU Woodies and write ups in Complex or Pitchfork. Or just go back to playing once a week shows for the local crowd with the occasional social media shout out on some Facebook fan page. Up to you.”

She could see the wheels turning behind dark eyes as he studied the business card, and knew it wouldn’t be long before she had her answer. She stole a quick glance at Taryn, who watched her with something akin to appreciation, the look growing into a smile when Dizzy finally spoke again.

“Alright, alright. Dani, right? Lemme see the contract. We’ll see what you tryna offer the kid, first.”

Dani laughed as Taryn sighed and popped her cousin on the arm. “That’s not how it works, Dizz…”

“Adam,” Taryn corrected, ignoring Dizzy’s glare. “What? Boy, don’t look at me like that.”

“Don’t be giving out my government!”

“Well if we’re doing business together, names are good.” Dani held out her hand. “I don’t walk around with contracts in my back pocket. You get the card for now. And a handshake. You call the office tomorrow morning and we’ll set up a meeting. You get to meet the Boss Man and perform for him. He gets final say, but if you bring what you had tonight…you’ll be looking at papers to sign before the ink can dry.”

“Alright, alright. Tomorrow then. Good talk, Dani.” He shook her hand, gave a nod to his cousin and walked away, leaving Dani feeling like she’d just experienced the best sugar rush.

"Wait, so you’re a music exec?” Taryn asked.

Dani shrugged. “More like a junior scout.”

“I see. And getting Dizz’ll earn you that big girl big time scout badge?”

Dani laughed and fumbled through her purse for her phone to call Jimmy. “Yeah. Something like that.”

[talktomsdani]

What sort of things do you do at the record label?

For the most part, I’m just playing the part of lowly intern. My duties usually include fetching coffee, taking phone calls, balancing schedules,and sitting in (silently) on meetings and collabs to abosrb and learn.  

It’s not all bad, though. I get the chance to meet new and upcoming artists and other important persons in the industry. And the parties and concerts have been far beyond fun and crazy. 

On Saturday, I’m getting the opportunity to shadow a talent scout at this underground music scene. I’m pretty psyched about that. 

[talktomsdani]

↳ INSTAGRAM: @danigram uploaded a photo

One last lounge session before the official craziness of the week starts. Big things are happening over at @therapyvibes this weekend. #staytuned

[talktomsdani]

What is your favourite song?

It changes constantly. Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Solange. Her True EP was a lot of fun. And Bad Girls is definitely a fav. 

[talktomsdani]

What is your favorite song off of Halsey's album?

It changes on the daily. On days when I’m feeling particularly dangerous, Control is at the top of my tracks list. Moments when I’m wrought with sentimentality, my ears tug towards Drive. I Walk the Line makes me think of Tori so I like to listen to that one while I’m at work. 

I think that’s why I enjoy her album as much as I do. Each track is an individual without comprising the overall cohesiveness of the album.  

[talktomsdani]

Can you tell us a little bit about your girlfriend?

Definitely. I’ll try and keep the rambling to a minimum, for my own sake. 

The first thing you should know about Tori, is that she’s got this confidence that’s impossible to ignore. She’s the sort of person that a body’s eyes latch onto when she’s in view, the sort of girl who commands attention without even trying, without even having to say anything. 

And she’s got this ambition, this talent, and a go hard or go home attitude. You know, for a while, she was working as a temp in this run of the mill insurance agency. Her family had insisted she get a job to help pay the bills until she got her big music break, even though she found herself completely unhappy. 

She told me that one day at work, when she was sitting there in her grey cubicle walls listening to the clack of keyboards and the ringing of phones, she just came to the realization that she had “settled for getting nothing and being nobody.” And that day she’d quit with no explanation and no looking back and now she’s got this mantra, that you’ve got to be doing what you love, even if you never achieve commercial success. Because otherwise you aren’t being true to yourself. 

Yeah, she’s a pretty wise lady. I’ll never forget when she first told me that story. I was in complete awe and now that I look back, I think that’s when things really started to change between her and I, where the connection really sparked. It’s what drew me to her as a person because I realized that we were on the same path. At first, we mostly just got along. She was tough, had a passion for music, and was a complete romantic all in one. But actually getting the root of her soul and her ambition was what did me in and what, I think, sets her apart. 

[talktomsdani]

describe your last kiss

Deep and unhurried. Tingle-inducing with a chance of red thanks to some cherry bomb lipstick. Totally lady approved. 

[talktomsdani]

What would your dream house or apartment look like?

I wouldn’t need much. Just a great view and some studio space. 

Pretty much essentials for a happy Dani.