Born in Tacoma, Washington but raised in Augusta, GA where the legendary sensation known as “The Godfather of Soul” James Brown was raised. Danielle “Dani” Hutchins biological name is Danielle Tomekia Hutchins. Born on October 6, 1990. Danielle goes by the name Danielle or Dani in the Gospel arena, but to writers she is known as DTH. Her parents forced her brother and sisters to attend church every Sunday. Danielle’s mother sung in the choir, and her dad was a preacher. Danielle’s father forced her into the young adult choir at the Friendly church of God in Christ in Augusta, Ga. While singing in the choir Danielle developed a lot of vocal skills. She came to the conclusion that not only did she desire to sing, and rap she also wants to write for other artist also. Danielle started singing, and writing at the age of ten. One-day Danielle’s Uncle (Alvin Young) was in the kitchen cutting up food, and he overheard Danielle attempting to rap. So her uncle challenged her and they started having a rap battle. Danielle was so impressed and inspired by her uncle that she started rapping every day until she was exceptional.
In 2011 Danielle was accepted into McNally Smith college of Music and Los Angeles School of Recording arts. Danielle chose to attend McNally Smith in Saint Paul, MN the fall of 2011. In 2014 Danielle transferred to North Central University to get a degree in worship leading. In July 2015 Danielle released her first single entitled “ He is before all things” written by DTH, and produced by Corey Stampley. In September 2015 Danielle Hutchins released her second single entitled “Let me breathe (I’m free)” Danielle is currently working on her EP called “Perception” that will be released in April of 2016. Danielle says that if she did not pursue music she would probably be a cartoon artist
“Let Me Breathe” track by Danielle Hutchins
When a gem is polished to perfection, you see it shine like never before! It radiates and stands out. Such is the case upon first listening to the “Let Me Breathe” track by Danielle Hutchins; known as “Dani” in the Gospel Arena and “DTH” by her songwriting peers. Being rooted in the aspiring culture of the Gospel genre, it’s no wonder that this track instantly strikes you with an inspiring wave of triumph and victory.
Danielle is an endeavoring singer, songwriter and rapper born in Tacoma, Washington and raised in Augusta, Georgia, which happens to be the same birthplace as “The Godfather of Soul”, James Brown. Born Saturday October 6th, 1990, Dani JUST made the cut to be dubbed as a ‘90’s baby’! Growing up as apart of generation-y, a younger demographic more susceptible to the allure of materialistic over-indulgence, the substance and content of the “Let Me Breathe” track is quite remarkable. The song depicts an individual being smothered, boxed in, and suffocated by the pervasion and prevalence of the “material things” that all to often distract us from the true essence of life. The overall message of the song is a ‘plea to freedom’ calling to be released from the binds of worldly standards, thus allowing one to soar higher than ever before.
The song is a riveting display of vocal talent, rapping ability, and dynamic instrumentation. “Let Me Breathe” deserves placement in motion pictures! Hard-hitting drums and percussion undergird the poignant lyrics, which are professionally structured. The grand piano drives the song step-for-step and gives you the feel that you are coming along for the ride. There is never a dull moment in this song as various elements in the form of instrumentation, harmonies, and sound effects continue to build on one another as the song progresses.
The b-section adds an element of drama to the song as DTH integrates familiarity into her lyrics with a well-known expression. (“I’ll keep playing mirror mirror on the wall – who’s the filthiest of them all?”) The chorus is not only powerful but it’s executed with finesse as the second half transitions into a filtered voice that has a unique bounce and stutter; making it fun to sing-a-long with as the journey continues. The bridge builds the song up even more as a timely rap verse is seamlessly introduced with superb tone, flow, and delivery before the outro begins.
“Let Me Breathe” is actually the second single from an upcoming EP projected to be released in April of 2016 entitled “Perception”. The first single was entitled “He is before all things” and is produced by Corey Stampley. Danielle is also currently pursuing a degree in “Worship Leading” at North Central University. Dani feels that she is truly walking in her God-given purpose and that confidence can be felt in her music!
By Kyle Williams – Exposed Vocals Music Reviewer
I’m an all-around music lover with an expansive music taste pallet and writer/lyricist in love with the art form of rhythm-and-poetry (rap). I have an extensive background in marketing and as of June 2015 I am an Internet Marketing (B.A.) Graduate. I’ve hosted live music events in the Metro Detroit Area and have worked with some of the best independent music artist that my birthplace has to offer.
Exclusive Interview:
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Danielle: I grew up in Augusta, GA with my parents and three siblings. I decided to become an artist because an artist is a role model in people’s lives these days, especially in the eyes of our youth.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Danielle: Well I Just decided to use my name because I didn’t want to come up with a stage name.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Danielle: I like online music sharing, and because I’m an independent Christian artist a lot of people do not know who you are so it’s a given to give away your first single in my opinion.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Danielle: I sure can, the tip I would give a start-up is invest in yourself or your band, and never give up on your dream!
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Danielle: Yes I do make mistakes in performances, and it’s always best to act normal. Because if you show something went wrong while performing everybody watching you will know also.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Danielle: currently I’m not currently touring but I did just leave Atlanta, GA to open up for Amanda Hutchins (my sister) fashion. Her fashion show was called “The story to my art fashion show”
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Danielle: There a some days where I’m able to write a song everyday, and then there are some days when different artist, or people inspire me to write. Depending on how motivated I am I can write a song in less than 30min.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Danielle: I don’t have a website, but I share through all my social media
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Danielle: ohhh wow lol, well I have this song called #1 in my life that I’m super embarrassed about because the song wasn’t mixed properly. And I was singing flat majority of the song, but that was when I just started singing.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Danielle: well I would pay my tithes to God, give my parents and siblings money. And the rest I would invest and open my own record company
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Danielle: none at all lol
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Danielle: right now social media helps me promote, and social media right now works best for me
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Danielle: I would love to perform in Brazil with kierra sheard. Kierra is so amazing vocally. Plus Kierra is my favorite gospel artist
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Danielle: actually yeah, I’m currently working on my EP called “Perception” that will be available April 2016
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Danielle: I would probably be a cartoon artist
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Danielle: of course I do how could I ever forget. It was on my birthday and my mom bought me Michelle Williams cd “My heart to yours” I was super pumped.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Danielle: I prioritize, but I also push myself
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
Danielle: more promotion
