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Danielle’s delightful debut

Posted on August 3, 2011

THERE’S just something about Mildura’s Danielle Hogan.

Danielle Hogan

An 18-year-old with herc sights set firmly on a career in music, the soon to be country music sensation is well on her way to achieving her goals, with the launch of her first EP – ‘The Way That I Feel’ – to take place tomorrow night at the Red Cliffs Hotel.

An EP that contains seven songs Danielle has written herself, the record draws on her life experiences, along with those of her musically inclined father (Rob Hogan) and grandfather (John Manning).

The album is a mixture of country, rock and pop, with the youngster saying it was exciting to see the EP come to fruition.

“To be honest it’s all come about really quickly,” she said. “The EP was recorded in Bendigo at Shoo Fly Records with Doug Bruce – who has produced a number of records for a number of country artists.

“We started recording at the end of April – and finished by the end of May.

“I didn’t expect it all to come about this quick, and it’s nerve-racking and exciting at the same time.”

A long-time lover of country music – a trait inherited from her father – Danielle has quickly made music her passion.

Growing up on the land – with her grandfather John a cattle farmer – Danielle learned her craft from her dad – who is also a keen guitarist and musician in his own right.

“Dad’s been a member of a few bands in his time, and the country influence definitely comes from him,” Danielle said.

“I’ve performed at a number of private functions and local venues with dad since the age of 14, building up a repertoire of modern and country pop covers.

“Spending time with my grandfather has always been an inspiration.”

Danielle soon discovered she possessed a knack for writing song lyrics, although it wasn’t until last year that she mastered the final piece of the puzzle that would allow her to become a singer/songwriter – learning to play the guitar.

“Up until last year I had a heap of song lyrics, but no actual songs,” she said. “I decided to teach myself the guitar – often checking with dad to see if the chords were correct.

“It’s probably the best thing I’ve done.

“Learning to play the guitar has allowed me to put music to some of those lyrics, and it’s been the catalyst to getting the EP off the ground.”

The idea to record the EP actually came about earlier this year, when Danielle decided to attend the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

“I went down to do some busking, playing my originals to whoever wanted to listen,” she said.

“The one thing I noticed was that a lot of the ‘unsigned’ musicians all had EPs, and I thought it might be a good idea to follow suit.”

What followed was four solid weeks of travelling back and forth to Bendigo, working with Doug to capture the right sound.

“It’s a nerve-racking process,” Danielle said about being in the studio. “You know how the songs should sound live, and trying to capture that sound on a record can be tough.

“I think the fact that I only had four weeks to get it finished helped ease my nerves, and I’m really happy with the way it’s turned out.”

Danielle will be joined by her band ‘Mallee Road’ for the launch, with the group consisting of her dad, Rob, on bass, friend Sam Faulkner on drums, and Meagan Laurie on rhythm guitar.

“I personally don’t think you can beat the sound and feel of a live band,” Danielle said.

“Hopefully people will come down and have a listen… and hopefully they like what they hear.”

Danielle said her plan was to continue playing live gigs in, and around, the district, while also sending her EP to a number of radio stations and record companies in a bid to secure that big break.

“I’ve already sent it (the EP) to the Country Radio Station, and they’re looking at giving it some air time,” she said. “I’m also planning to return to Tamworth next year to have another crack at busking, while also trying to write more original songs.

“I know it’s going to be a long, hard road, but I’m determined to achieve my goals, and one day perform on the big stage.”

Copies of ‘The Way That I Feel’ will be available on the night for $15, or by contacting 0409 383 534. More information is also available by visiting www.daniellehogan.com.au.

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