Danny Shell
Photo Credit: Jonathan Lee
Danny Shell makes songs for the visionary. After less than a year of releasing music, the Vacaville, California native brings pristine musical innovation and high-tier production to the forefront of his songs. With the help of his friend and co-producer Ryan Dulude, the artist effortlessly blends multiple genres, taking listeners into a world of his own making. Modern rock and R&B elements are commonplace in songs like “Learn To Fly” and “FERRIS WHEEL” – the two tracks have earned Shell over 10k streams on Spotify. Evolution is key though and in his case, this musical experiment has only just begun. His debut EP, Sourgrass is out today, marking the artist’s first major project. It was a labor of love, Shell admits, sharing that the EP saw many changes during its 8-month production period. So what can fans expect from Sourgrass? “Hills, sun, blue sky,” he says, which is most certainly a nod to the unique scenery and aesthetic of his hometown. We recently spoke to the artist about his music-making process, favorite songs off the EP, and more!
Hey Danny! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Well, I'm from Vacaville, California. A lot of dead grass, sun on the hills, always fires going on, vultures eating dead deer in my backyard. All that, The Solarhills. All my music and visuals are based around that area.
How did you get your start making music?
I started making beats and all that when I was around 16, but it really started when I moved in and slept on Ryan’s couch around two years ago. He had all the tools I needed to help me not sound terrible.
For new fans, can you explain who Ryan is and his role within the project?
I make everything with Ryan. He plays guitar, bass, drums, programming, etc. We produce together but he does a lot of the hands-on stuff with the instrumentals. Couldn't do it without him!
Let’s start from the beginning. Is “FERRIS WHEEL'' the first song you wrote? If not, why did you choose to release it first?
I wrote a bunch of garbage before, but Ferris Wheel is the second real song I wrote. The first one you will never hear. It’s called “Honey” and I wrote it over some Frank chords.
In only a year (and a couple of months), you’ve already released a handful of singles. What’s the key to your productivity?
Ryan and I have a good back and forth. I’ll send him ideas or chords, he will send me guitar riffs that he will do, I’ll write an idea in the car when I’m driving and come home and lay it down and we build off that. Having another person to bounce ideas off of helps a lot.
Now, you probably notice that I referred to the number of singles you’ve released as a handful. Truth be told, I’m not too sure if it’s three of four because of the split-up nature of “Vulture.” Why did you choose to cut the song into two parts?
Vulture is split because the character in the story comes to a realization. In the bridge, we hear the first hint that things aren’t alright. Part 1 is the come up and Part 2 is the come down. I won’t go too into what it means to me because I want the listener to create their own story.
“Vulture, Pt. 2” is definitely a little different than its predecessor. It’s slower and a little more emotional, but it still fits perfectly onto the end of “Vulture.” What were you looking for when trying to balance this junction and disjunction?
It honestly happened naturally. The come down. Needed to feel like everything was for nothing.
Sourgrass EP - Cover Art / Photo Credit Brad Beekman and Skyler McLean
Circling back to your sophomore single, “Learn 2 Fly,” I love it. It’s got a subtle hip hop-y feel. Were there any specific songs or tracks that inspired you during production?
I don’t think there were any specific songs, but I mainly listen to hip-hop and rap. So there was certainly inspiration there. The bounce.
Let’s talk about the new EP! First of all congrats, it’s a huge deal. How long did it take you to put it together and how are you feeling now that it’s finally out?
Man thank you, definitely relieved to have it out. It took around 8 months to make, but I wish it could have come out earlier, the timing just wasn’t right. We also kept changing the songs. I think Sun in my Eyes has like 50 versions.
What three words would you use to describe the project?
Hills, sun, blue sky. I know that’s four but just put those last two together.
Do you have a favorite from the EP?
“Groundhog Day.” I wrote that walking to the train every day to go to a job I didn’t like. Felt like an escape.
What’s the best way to get your creative juices flowing?
Man, hearing other people’s music and thinking damn, that was fire, I need to make something right now.
Do you feel that your sound has already changed since you began releasing music?
A little bit. The new album is almost done and has a distinct sound that you can hear elements of from Sourgrass. It’s a new world.
If you could time travel back to any era of music, which would it be? Why?
I think right now is amazing. Never been able to listen to more music than right now.
If you had to release a cover of any song, which are you picking?
Probably Learning to Fly by Tom Petty. But we did a cover of Acai Bowl by Dominic Fike. Might release that one.
What are some of the things you like doing outside of the studio?
Whatever the team is doin. Dirt Biking is also fun.
What can we expect from you this year?
Another album. Soon.
When Danny Shell makes it to LA, ____________.
He’s already here baby.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Lee