This time, we get to know Dany Horovitz. Dany is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter whose sights are set on resurrecting the classic rock n’ roll sound, reforming it for the modern era, and stylizing it to his liking. Dany’s music is infused with modern takes on familiar melodies, with melodic guitar and
piano chords, popping bass licks, and toe-
tapping percussion. His lyrics are stories of love, loss, and life, drawing inspiration from ancient poets, modern philosophers, and personal experiences. But don’t be mistaken, his music is neither academic nor pedantic: first and foremost, Dany writes songs to be enjoyed. And he hopes you do.
The track "Free Tonight" from his album, Free Times,
is featured in the New Artist Spotlight Family of Playlists.
Link To New Artist Spotlight Playlists:
1. Tell us a little about where you are from and what you are currently doing.
I am from Toronto, Canada! I am currently on the recording studio working on my second album (might be 2 EPs instead) while trying to promote my first album. I’ve been sneaking away around town doing open mic nights to shake off the dust of the pandemic era, in preparation for a concert this summer.
2. What inspired you to start playing and making music?
When I was growing up, grandfather owned a record store in Montreal and my dad played his guitar for me and my brothers. So live music and studio music was always around. I felt the call of the guitar when I was 14, and was pulled into songwriting a few years later. Since I never got really good at playing the instrument, and since I was only ever playing to myself for years and years, I figured it would be more fun to play my own stuff than someone else’s. Plus I love music and writing stories, so songwriting was the natural marriage of those things.
𝟯. Who are your biggest influences?
The Beatles are the runaway biggest influences, and then it’s a long list of great storytellers: Leonard Cohen, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan probably chief among them. Some great storytelling and harmonic bands would be in there too: Eagles, Beach Boys, Barenaked Ladies, the Band, and Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR weren’t known for their harmonies but had great stories)
4. What are your goals in the music industry?
Write music thst I want to play; record music that I want to hear; reach as many ears as I can, and be grateful for anyone who sticks around and keeps listening.
5. Tell us about your creative process when you make new music.
Mostly it starts with me playing the guitar, and at some point I’ll start noodling around. I’ll start humming. Maybe I’ll get a melody stuck in my head, and it’ll evoke some feeling or image, and I’ll try to write that down. Then I’ll try to refine it from that sort of truthful-but-raw-feeling pile of clay into something, a story or a message. If I need to sacrifice anything though, it’s the message. I’d rather have a song that sounds great and is nonsensical than a song with a message that’s no fun to sing. Hopefully I can have a song that’s both fun and tells a good story by the end of the process though.
6. What is your all-time favorite song?
It changes all the time. I tell you right now, I was listening to “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now”, a Celine Dion power ballad written by Jim Steinman who was most famous for writing for Meatloaf. It’s been stuck in my head all day and I’ve listened to it at least three times. Last week, I was really listening to “I’ve Just Seen A Face” and “I Will” and loving them - both Beatles songs but Hardy their most famous. I could sit for hours listening to Leonard Cohen songs going, that’s my favourite song ever, no that, no wait that! So, my favourite song is a flexible concept.
7. What is the best advice or council you have either given or received in terms of music?
Someone gave me the following advice that makes sense to me: don’t rely on family or friends for musical support when you’re starting out. They love you and they’re there to support you personally. They want you to be happy, and they may cheer you on in a general way, but they’re not your fans. Try to reach people who only know you as a musician.
8. Proudest accomplishment?
Anytime I get unsolicited messages from people who have never met me and just wanted to say that they heard my music and enjoyed it, or it moved them. I don’t know if it’s a true accomplishment but it’s when I’ve felt the most proud of myself (at least for musical stuff).
9. What is something about you that might surprise someone who knows you the best?
Most people who know me well don’t believe me when I tell them that the vast majority of my songs are not based things that happened in real life. Yes, even that one! It’s just a story.
𝟭0. Tell us about your highest and lowest points in music so far.
On my recorded music I use this phenomenal Toronto musician named Sean Royle. He’s the real deal in terms of knowledge and talent. I am lucky to work with him. While we were in the studio one day just looked at me and said, you’ve written really good songs and should be proud. I’ve rarely held my head higher. My lowest point has to do with the fact that I’m a bit self-conscious of my singing voice and had to get over it. I sent a draft of a song to a friend and asked for his feedback, and the response was “that’s probably the best you can sound.” He probably meant nothing by it but it hit me square in my insecurities.
Stream "Free Tonight" now
and follow their socials
@danyhorovitz on IG, Twitter, TikTok https://www.Facebook.com/danyhorovitzmusic
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Great song, loved getting to know you more! And fantastic advice! Family aren't fans, just supporters, (sometimes!) So true. 🥰