When The Broken Hearted Love Again

Danielle Bollinger

By Jennifer M. Contino
April 1, 2006

Danielle Bollinger is an emerging pop rock star whose debut CD, When The Broken Hearted Love Again, hits stores this month. We caught up with her to find out a little about her musical inspirations and aspirations.

Sequential Tart: When I first heard your music I heard sounds of some of the best pop music from the '80s, but with a few more modern elements thrown in. Did you write most of your music? If not, when you were trying to find songs that you thought fit your style, what were you specifically looking for?

Danielle Bollinger: I was not a key writer for the album, however I did contribute in making them my own by doing some lyrical changes and some modulations. When I was looking for the songs for this album, I wanted to make sure the songs had meaning. That they related with other's experiences as well as mine. I wanted people to listen to the music, and say, "Oh yeah, I've been through something like that". As long as I've touched someone with my songs, then I've done my job.

ST: What are some of the challenges to putting an album together where you have like ten to twenty songs to introduce yourself — perhaps the only shot you'll get — in determining which direction to take things, but also what else to have in there to not be pigeonholed into one genre or style?

DB: For me it was just making sure that the songs fit my style, and my personality. I don't think I'm your "typical" dance singer. I have something to say to people of all ages, and of all genres of music. I like to sing songs that have meaning, and that people can relate to. I think an introduction like that goes a lot farther than just someone singing just to sing.

ST: Who are some of your vocal influences?

DB: Madonna, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Stevie Wonder ... this list could go on and on.

ST: Is singing something you've just always done? Who was the first person in or out of your family who really took an interest in your instrument and tried to get you some attention outside of the local crowds?

DB: Singing is something I've definitely done since I could talk. I remember the first solo I sang in church when I was five years old. My mother took interest right away and always put me in different programs where people could hear me sing. Even if it was just to tapes.

ST: How do you get over the jitters or stage fright? When you feel that welling up inside you, what are some of the tricks you do to combat those flight urges?

DB: It's funny, but I still do get the jitters before I have to perform. Whether it's a national anthem, or performing my own music, I do. I try to just relax and sometimes I count to ten. But if I'm really worked up, I just remind myself that this is what I love to do and once I hit that first note, all those jitters subside.

ST: Which song on this debut CD means the most to you personally? Why?

DB: "You'll Always Have Me" really means the most to me because it's a song that hits close to home. Over the years and through all the hard times and roads that I have traveled to get to this point in my career, my family and friends have always been there for me pushing me along. Without their support, it would of been more difficult to get through the depressing times. So, the reason I wanted to sing this song was to let them know that no matter where life takes them, or what road and hardships they fall into, that they will always have me.

ST: Which song are you releasing first? How does it feel to hear the music played in clubs or on the radio?

DB: The first song released was "When the Broken Hearted Love Again". It was amazing to hear it on the radio for the first time. I actually was just waking up and I turned my radio on to my favorite local station CK105.5 and the morning show played it and I just started sobbing. I guess it just made me realize that I have finally gotten to a place that I have longed to be. What's even more amazing is when caller's call in to the station and tell me how that song touched them in some way and they thank me for singing such a great song. That is the reason I do what I do!

ST: Which is more stressful: making the CD or the waiting game now to see how audiences react to the music?

DB: Making the CD was an amazing experience! The waiting game is the most stressful!! For sure! Music is relative. You never know how people are going to respond. But at the end of the day, as long as I've touched even just one person, then I'll be happy.

ST: Where does your concert tour take you to promote the music? What are some of your upcoming shows?

DB: I'll be starting my promotional tour at the Winter Music Conference in Miami. From there I'll be performing in Chicago, in my hometown on April 1st, and New York for my release party. Dates are being added on every day, so I'll be everywhere sooner or later!

ST: If you were able, which other musical artists would you like to meet? Why?

DB: Madonna for sure!!! because she is amazing, and she worked hard to get to where she is and plus, she's from my home state!! Others would be Kidd Rock, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder ... to name a few!

ST: What other projects in or out of music are you working on?

DB: In music, I'm working on my writing and collaborating with other writers for my next album. I will be a key writer on my next album. Outside of music, I do a Combat class that incorporates the Bosu ball, Kickboxing and Kettlebell. I take it three days a week and run the other three at Fenton Fitness back home. I really feel that it's important to stay in shape and to stay healthy, especially when I'm trying to sing and dance on stage.

EsNtion Silver — EsNtion Records