Each Measure Feature: Danielle Dennis

Written By Sarah Simpson

FEATURE

Danielle Dennis wows with her powerful new release, “Where to Begin.” It is the third single to be released on her upcoming EP. It packs a punch with incredibly moving lyricism. Danielle calls New Orleans home, specifically the French Quarter. As I listen to her haunting tones and self-reflective lyrics of “Where to Begin,” I can’t help but hear the geographical influences. The history of the French Quarter and mysticism of Louisiana shine through every soft, mischievous melody. 

Produced alongside Tom Moth, the harpist for Florence + The Machine and Eric Anduha, “Where to Begin” is lovingly pieced together. The first two minutes of the song play on emotions of questioning oneself. “Where can I flee to heal if nowhere’s home? Can I outlive all of these moments of wondering where to begin?” These lyrics tug at a hollow loneliness we have all undoubtedly felt during specific times in our lives. At 2:18, it takes a subtle turn with purposeful percussion. This builds a sort of phoenix moment: recovering from a low and learning to trust herself. “The only thing we’re guaranteed is change.” “I’ll go there and everywhere, my bleeding heart still bruised and bare. I’ll be brave and learn to face the pain.” What a call to rise from the ashes!

Danielle doesn’t hold back when pouring her heart into these lyrics and how she presents them to the world. I experience chills when she sings, “Clawing at the things I once let go.” The verbal presentation of “clawing” is so accurate. You can feel that she digs deep with this line, pronouncing “crawling” in a sort of growl. I’m so impressed with this single; Danielle’s delivery of such tender topics is impressive. She notes in her bio that “Where to Begin” is specifically about her recent C-PTSD diagnosis; I can’t think of a better way to explain self-reflection, realization, and acceptance of the state of mental health. Thank you, Danielle, for creating something so beautiful and raw. I look forward to many more!

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Sarah Simpson
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