Artist Profile: Danica Bryant
By Rob Harbers. Photography by Phil Tasker-Poland.
“You’re mighty young to be writing such heavy lyrics” said BB King to the then 27 year old Bono. I was powerfully reminded of these words when witnessing Danica Bryant’s support slot for French For Rabbits’ recent Sitting Room Session. She writes songs imbued with a refreshing cynicism beyond her tender years, and promises to be another one to watch in future.
Her debut EP “Cider” dropped earlier this year, and is a small but perfectly formed suite of accomplished tunes, all self-penned. This was partially funded by a grant received from Play It Strange, showing the strength of the promise that they see in her.
Among the influences she cites are Taylor Swift (the country version) and this shows through in “Plains Of Venus” with its tale of a relationship gone sour. “Cutlery” is a reflection on the unhealthy state of affairs in which it is considered beneficial for artists to suffer to enhance their creativity, which is a pretty fucked-up way of thinking, all things considered! A newly written song, “Lucy” (name changed to protect the guilty) sees Danica channelling another of her influences, Alanis Morissette, spitting out venomous lyrics expressing her contempt for the behaviour of an erstwhile “friend”, who’s ways only became apparent with the perspective afforded by distance.
She plays an acoustic guitar, and sings along, but don’t make the mistake of writing her off as just another singer-songwriter. The first thing that’ll get you is the voice – one of those ones that you can’t place who it reminds you of, and while you’re trying to think of it, it gets under your skin. The voice sings literate lyrics, displaying an artistic approach which is complimented by some passionately skilful strumming.
Danica has just completed her first year of university in the field of media studies. I asked why she wasn’t studying music, given the obvious ability she already has, and one of the reasons she gave is that she doesn’t want to jeopardise the passion by concentrating on the theory too much, risking taking the enjoyment out of her playing – an admirably considered perspective to have for sure.
She would, finances permitting, like to make a full album at some point and is considering options such as crowdfunding – if this comes to fruition, you heard it here first! Until that happens, head to her Bandcamp and purchase a track or two, or visit her on Spotify and listen to the new EP – every fraction of a cent per play will help in the nurturing of this talented artist!
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