Danny Webster

Danny Webster is one of the music industry’s youngest new artists. The Ontario native initially attended music school in Toronto, but dropped out to instead dedicate himself full-time to his career. The 20-year-old is a lifelong musician who comes from “rock star” parents; He has been writing and producing music since he was a teen. Three years into his streaming debut, Webster has released an EP and two albums in 2019. His song, “Mary,” was a hit for the artist, earning more than 470k plays on Spotify. Webster’s unique sound certainly separates him from his Indie-Pop counterparts. Rock and Alternative influences can be heard in songs like “Bellavue” and his latest single, “Nail Biter”. We spoke to Webster about his upbringing, songwriting process and more!

How did you start making music?

As mentioned, I’ve been writing songs since I was 13, but when I was in daycare I would kind of pretend to write songs and be in a band. I really started writing seriously in high school, and in grade 12 released my first album. 

If you had to pick one of your songs to represent you, which would it be and why?

My most recent song “Nail-Biter”. I think it’s some of my best songwriting and arrangements. I’m also very proud of how the mix sounds, and it’s my first release to be playlisted by Spotify. It’s a really vulnerable song, and I think it’s an accurate expression of my anxieties and insecurities. 

It’s time to collab with any musician of your choosing: who are you picking?

Honestly so many of my friends are crazy talented, and I have been trying to collaborate with them a lot. The Toronto music scene is hot, and I’m trying to immerse myself in it as much as I can. In time, I see myself collaborating with my pals Hans Li, Justice Der, Rachel Bobbitt, Lauren Dillen, and Stephen Bennett. But if I could choose anyone, anywhere, I would really love to collaborate with Andy Shauf, Mac Demarco, or Kevin Parker, ‘cause they are my heroes. 

If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream career? 

At one point in my life, I thought that Advertising/Marketing interested me, because I was doing a bit of graphic design and logo designing type stuff. But since I was very young I knew that I wanted to be a musician. My parents both are and the idea of being a “rock star” as a kid really appealed to me (it still does haha). But no, music is what I want to do, and I don’t think that’ll ever change. 

Who or what inspires you?

My biggest influences are The Beatles, Mac Demarco, Tame Impala, and The Beach Boys. But like I said, all my pals in Toronto are the hardest working people I know, and I’m endlessly inspired by them and their ambitions. Everyone is just so supportive and unbelievably talented, it’s exactly what I need to be immersed in. 

What can we look forward to from you in the future?

Right now I’m collaborating with my friend Stephen Bennett, hoping to release a project next year, and might release another solo EP next summer. Not quite sure yet, but I’m always working on stuff and writing, so something’s bound to be released. 

Favorite non-music activities?

Aside from music, I make a lot of collages, and run everyday. But music is mostly what I do. Oh and I like movies.