5 May 2025
Every Monday I will be bringing you an interview with an independent band, duo or music artist. This week, I caught up with Dublin artist Danny Groenland to find out more…
Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I was born in the west of Ireland but grew up in Dublin. My dad sang to me and my brothers as kids and we used to listen to his Beatles albums. I played traditional Irish music, learned the flute, sang in choirs, joined rock bands. I was picking up influences from all over the place.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
Growing up I was into traditional Irish music like the Bothy Band as well as classic 60s pop and folk-rock. I was in love with CSN and their blend of voices in harmony. Anything with a hippy vibe basically. Once I discovered Marvin Gaye that changed my world and from there I found jazz, soul, funk, disco and everything else that grooves. I’m listening to a lot of classic Venezuelan salsa at the moment. I love the UK group Sault and that whole soul scene. My motto is: if it makes me nod my head, I like it.
How would you describe your sound?
Music for the feet and for the mind. I try and make music that sounds warm, that makes you feel good. Musically I like vocal harmonies and funky grooves. Lyrically I’m trying to turn people into activists. I want to open people’s hearts and minds to the man-made issues destroying our planet. If I had to put a label on it, I’d say conscious soul.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
My new album is called burning rome. It’s on Bandcamp and on vinyl. This is a concept album focussing on issues like climate change, the environment, war, inequality, homelessness and police brutality. The songs are inspired by the classic soul singers such as Marvin Gaye (in particular the album What’s Going On) and Stevie Wonder. The album title refers to the Emperor Nero ‘fiddling while Rome burned’. It means to waste time on trivial things in the face of an oncoming catastrophic event. That’s what humanity is doing right now.
What’s your local music scene like?
The Dublin scene is so strong, despite a lack of any sort of government funding and the disappearance of most of our creative spaces in order to build hotels. Not just Dublin but all over the country. The Irish music scene has never been more diverse, more interesting and on such a high level in terms of songwriting and production. I’m proud to be a part of it and I can’t wait to see what other artists do. I try to follow and support as much as possible.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
I want to tour around Ireland! To do small gigs in intimate venues and bring my album to new spaces. Nothing is confirmed yet because I’m trying to apply for funding. I’m also thinking about my next project, something completely different! Although I won’t say what just yet.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
I’ve been lucky to collaborate with a couple of great artists on the scene. Looking abroad, I’d love to be part of a Sault project. Or staying with the UK, Lynda Dawn is making some great music. I’m open to collaborating with anyone as long as the vibe is good.
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
Loads of funny moments happen during gigs but I honestly don’t remember any of them. I know that’s a terrible answer, ha. When I’m gigging it feels like an out of body experience and I often don’t remember individual moments afterwards. Everything just mashes together into a single feeling.
Do you have any upcoming live dates and performances?
The burning rome album launch is in the Sugar Club on May 9th.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I’m a father of two and I have two jobs. I don’t have any management, label, PR or booking agent – I’m completely independent. Any bit of support is so appreciated. Whether it’s buying my record, sharing the music or even engaging on social media, it keeps me going. Thank you!
You can find out more about Danny on his website or via Apple Music, Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Threads, YouTube (channel) or YouTube Music, and here for details of his album launch.
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