Danielle Todd has been busy making a name for herself within the Canadian country industry. This talented artist has recently released a single called “Back Burner” and an accompanying music video.
“Back Burner” is a catchy song that blends the sounds of traditional and new country so wonderfully. “‘Back Burner’ focuses on a dead-end relationship, characterized by one person leading on another and continually neglecting them. The song ends on a high note where the girl eventually acknowledges the stale state of the relationship she’s in and boldly walks away.”
We had the chance to connect with Danielle to talk about this great single and to learn more about her as an artist. Before we get to the interview, be sure to give the music video a watch below – the interview is below the video.
Music Video for “Back Burner”
Interview With Danielle Todd
Front Porch: First of all, welcome to the Front Porch! We’re really excited to have you join us and introduce you to our audience. Why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself?
Danielle Todd: Well thank you for taking the time to chat with me! Growing up in a musical family made performing the “norm.” My favourite memories as a kid was going to my dad’s matinee performances and line dancing! I started writing when I was in high school. You know, mostly, “heart-break, my life is the saddest life in the whole wide world,” songs. I got my first piano when I was 15. I came home from school one day and my dad gifted it to me and said, “if you teach yourself piano, you don’t need to get a summer job.” That’s when I really dove into songwriting, cause who wants a summer job anyways?! I quit my very first “grown up job” as a financial advisor’s assistant three years ago, packed my van and drove to Nashville. I’ve been performing 20-40 hours a week on Broadway and writing on my days off. It’s a pretty magical life.
FP: Your new single “Back Burner” is incredibly catchy! Tell us about this single – what the inspiration and recording process was like, etc.
DT: I had a ton of fun writing this song and recording it. “Back Burner” was written with Natascha Myers and Curt Gibbs in Nashville, TN. The writing process was exciting because it is such a confident song both melodically and lyrically. It came together quite quickly. When we headed into the studio to record it we wanted to bring in some classic country sounds, so that’s why there are such strong acoustic elements in the recording. There is a pulsing strong rhythm section with acoustic guitar, banjo and dobro. I was really happy with how the production came together.
FP: You’ve also released a music video to accompany this single. Tell us about the music video, and what the production process was like.
DT: It was a crazy couple of days! I flew into Joshua tree for one day to film. We had one 12 hour day to get all the shots and it was a record breaking high temperature that day. We had an absolute blast with the fire dancer involved. It was incredible to watch him in his element. I also really loved galloping on the horse through Joshua Tree and the dry lake bed. I was lucky to have an amazing team on staff the whole day, and I think everyone had just as much fun as I did.
FP: The country music genre has really evolved in the past few years, and has become much more approachable to the average listener – blending the lines of pop and country, or country and rock. Your music seems to have a modern feeling with a flare of classic country. We’re curious to know what do you think about that trend, and what do you say to the people who are critical about it?
DT: Music is music and everyone has their own tastes. I think we are lucky to be in a genre that is so accepting of a wide range of styles. “Country” is no longer just steel guitar and fiddle, it has a lot of pop and rock elements involved these days. It is good for the listener to have variety, and good for the musician who is now able to make the music that they want without having to bend to a certain mold. I think there is a place for all music! As for the music I make, I tend to stick to the classic country sound, while still staying modern. To me it is important to tell a story, and have those killer traditional country instruments as my signature sound. But that’s just me!
FP: What’s next for you? Can we expect new music and a tour?
DT: I am always creating! I will be releasing new music as soon as possible, with a follow up to that every time. I can’t wait to get new music out into the world and it’s hard for me to create something and keep it a secret. I will be doing a mini tour in December with some Christmas and songwriter shows. Then in January 2020 I will be heading to Australia for their major Tamworth Music Festival.
FP: Quickly – what are your top 5 songs that you’re currently obsessed with?
DT: I’m so happy you asked for five and not one!
- Bathroom Floor – Maddie and Tae
- Ocean – Lady Antebellum
- I hope – Gabby Barrett
- Dark Bars – Miranda Lambert (I’ve been listening to her entire album since it’s been released)
- Mockingbird – Ruston Kelly
Thanks so much, we can’t wait to hear what’s next for you!
Stream “Back Burner” by Danielle Todd
In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.
