by danielle holian
photo courtesy of danileigh
Incorporating elements of hip hop, Latin, and R&B style into her music, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, rapper, dancer, and choreographer DaniLeigh, is a promising artist in a league of her own. After being discovered by the legendary Prince, being signed to Def Jam Recordings, and endorsing Finish Line, Levi’s, PUMA, and Savage & Fenty, she has collaborated with some big names like Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, and Pharrell, all while cementing herself in the entertainment world with her effortless and broad talents.
Unclear Magazine caught up with DaniLeigh to discuss her background in music, how she got to where she is today in the entertainment world, upcoming projects, and much more below.
For our readers, please tell us a bit about your background in music.
DaniLeigh: “I’ve grown up singing and dancing my whole life. I started off dancing and choreographing mostly, and music kinda just came along naturally in the process. It’s a part of who I am – I can’t imagine my life without it.”
What drew you to dance and music?
D: “I can’t remember one thing exactly what drew me in... I actually can’t remember a time when it wasn’t a part of life. It’s kind of just engrained in me. Plus growing up Dominican... that’s our way of life. Family Sundays we get together, sing, dance, enjoy life...”
And how would you say your Dominican upbringing influenced your talents?
D: “In every way! Celebrating, being together, singing and dancing, that is our way of life. From how I dress to how I speak to the language I sing in, being Dominican defines who I am and that translates into my music too.”
You recently released your new album Movie. Can you tell us a little bit about the album as a whole and the process creating it?
D: “Yeah, for sure. I called it Movie because it tells the story of my life and watching my life play out like a movie. It follows me from a naive state, through the ups and downs, to a grown state, to a fun playful state, and everything in between. During the making of it, I went through so many different things and experiences... and each song represents something I learned or a phase I went through throughout the process.”
You also be released a visual version of the album. What can we expect from this body of work and what made you want to create a visual version?
D: “Mannn, the visual part is so dope. I am really, really proud of how it came out. Each song has a whole different vibe, shot in different styles portraying different stories... some are just fun and playful, some are serious, some are sexy, some are more acting, some are more dancing... I was able to be as creative as I wanted to be and I’m thankful for my amazing team who backed me on it and made it happen. You guys are in for a surprise.”
Of the songs on the album, which one would you say currently best represents you as an artist and why?
D: “That’s actually such a hard question because honestly like three could represent me at each time of the day [laughs]. But right now I do love ‘Situations’ a lot, I really feel like that song is a classic and has a super classic R&B sound to it... definitely one of my current favorites.”
How did it feel to be discovered by the legendary Prince in 2013, then directing the “Breakfast Can Wait” music video?
D: “It was the biggest honor to work with him... I am forever grateful for that experience. I do what I do to make him proud. I think he’d be super happy with [Movie] [laughs].”
After being signed in 2017 to Def Jam Recordings, what would you say was your biggest challenge breaking into the music industry?
D: “My biggest challenge was only within myself... growing and achieving everything I wanted for myself... from gaining respect as a musical artist after being primarily known as a dancer... to receiving support and gaining real fans...”
You endorse Finish Line, Levi’s, PUMA, and Savage & Fenty — how important is it for you to be involved with projects outside entertainment?
D: “I think being involved across the board is important. Having a successful career is more than just staying in one lane. Dancing, hosting, singing, doing deals with brands I love... I think it’s really important to stay involved on all angles. I’ve been blessed with the dope brands I’ve gotten to work with so far and I know there are some more sick ones about to come my way... I’m blessed.”
You have worked with some big names like Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, and Pharrell, who would be a dream collaboration?
D: “My DREAM collaboration would be with classics like Rihanna, Drake and J. Cole and other newer artists such as Rosalia, Young Thug, and Travis Scott.”