Check out our interview with Rising artist Danny Polo who has established himself as a driving force not only behind R&B in Music City but also behind the fight against COVID-19. He has been working on the frontlines as a nurse by day while making a name for himself as a rising R&B star in Nashville during his time off. Polo has received support from BBC One and iHeartRadio who raved, “Singers of today, I know, carry on the legacy of the greatest entertainers of the past, and I believe Danny Polo is up next.”
His most recent creation comes in the form of “Prada,” a collaboration with Canadian producer CUBE and platinum songwriter Landon Sears. The happy hit captures the essence of what Polo describes as, “good times with a great girl.”
Follow Danny @dannypololoco
Hi Danny, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a dude from New Jersey that grew up in chattanooga, TN that doesn’t take life too seriously. I like making Rnb music and going to mexican restaurants with the homies. I’m a bit obsessed with anything strawberry flavored and listen to either bruno mars or pop punk when I’m feeling good. I now live in Nashville and like to take as many pictures as I can with cutouts of dolly parton that i find because she is a gift none of us deserve.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
LIGHT-HEARTED, RESILIENT, Forest-GREEN
How did you get started in the business?
I remember a moment when I was at work in about 2017 where I was just feeling like i wasn’t happy with what I was doing with my life. I felt like there was only so much positive i could put out into the world with my hands, so I realized I wanted to put out positive into the world with my art and my ideas. I then proceeded to make lots of terrible music which turned into ok music and so on. Now I’m finally at a place where I feel like I’m finally hitting people with music in the way that I’ve always wanted to, and I’ve never felt more fulfilled. I found peers that were also on their journey in making art and we connected, and that somehow translated into joining this amazing industry i find myself in.
How has this changed your life?
Honestly i never thought I would really be able to make music that would connect with people. I have met such an amazing family through making music and honestly I just can’t imagine where I would be without this community and outlet for my emotions.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
Honestly I got in the industry but sending instagram dm’s to people I really admired. I sent one to this one producer I really liked and he saw I had a couple singing videos on my page so he sent me a couple beats. I started writing to them and from those tracks, I essentially met the entire community I have now. It’s wild how a little decision like that lead to all of this.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Sultry, Groovy, Fresh
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I grew up in a very conservative christian household where it was very discouraged to listen to secular music, so I didn’t really listen to music until I was in college and the first music I found was Bruno Mars and Stevie Wonder. To this day they are still my favorites and huge inspirations in what I do.
Do you play any instrument?
I mainly play violin, piano, and guitar. I grew up playing violin and piano and then picked up guitar when I was in high school and honestly I think it’s become my favorite.
Do you ever get nervous?
All the time. Alcohol is great for that.
Tell us about your new single “Prada?”
Prada is one of my favorite tracks I have ever done and it was a bit of an accident. Cube, one of my music buddies, sent me this four bar loop and I just looped it and sang some lines over it before going to sleep. I woke up after and then realized that I absolutely loved it. I then sent it over to Landon and he immediately said he wanted to put a verse on it and it was all so simple and straightforward that it was hilarious.
What’s the story behind the song?
I had started talking to a girl that I was really excited about and I had started day dreaming about what it would be like for us to have the perfect life, and the lyrics just started flowing.
And how was working with Platinum Songwriter Landon Sears?
Honestly intimidating at times. But since we started working together I have really learned a lot from his process and it has made me a better producer and songwriter.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I would have to say that the most rewarding part of making music is the community that comes with it. My best friends now are in the music world and I couldn’t imagine my life without them.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I’m gonna be honest, I listen to podcasts much more than I read. So if anyone has any suggestions, holla atcha boi.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Life is too short to not follow what energizes you.
How would your best friend describe you?
Fun, erratic eating patterns, sometimes moody.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
Messy, the musical. I think that encapsulates it.
What’s next for Danny Polo in 2021?
More singles! I have made so much music over quarantine and we are ready for all the releases and I’m just so excited the world finally gets to hear them!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Does rice count? I really enjoy rice.
And your favorite cheat food?
Mexican and margs forever. It’s the perfect thing for great days but also terrible days.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Urban fashionista that likes to be comfortable and tries 60% of the time. Lots of shorts, T shirts, and Jordans.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Waking up in the morning to do something you’re excited about.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Kobe. I always admired his work ethic and growth throughout the years and it really hit me when he passed.
Best advice ever given?
People always regret the life they didn’t live but had the chance to.
Do you support any charity?
Whenever I can help out BLM I do! and whenever anything pops up to save the ocean I love to contribute to that. Those are two things that are really close to my heart.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Still making music. It’s hard to say nowadays where you will end up in this music thing, but I just know that I will still be in my room making tracks that make the world digestible to me, and hopefully people will still be rocking to them.
Favorite song? Why?
Isn’t she lovely by Stevie Wonder. It just captures pure joy and awe with the world and doesn’t ever fail to make me smile.
What do you think of Social Media?
It is a blessing and a curse. The older I get the less I care about it which is terrible for someone that is trying to make a career with music, but honestly I feel like the better balance I find with it the happier I become. I am thankful that I have met most of my best friends through social media.
Where we can follow you?
@dannypololoco on all platforms!
Favorite…
Book: I’m probably really basic for this, but I really like the hunger games books.
Quote: You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it. – Robin Williams
