Thank you for talking with us! For newer fans, how did your passion for music and career come about? I actually studied Musical Theatre in college and to be on Broadway was the original goal. But, during my time in school, I was realizing that I didn’t want to act anymore and my teachers were giving me feedback that was leading me more towards a folk singer/songwriter lifestyle. I’ve been writing songs since I was a kid so as I was finishing school I thought it was time to go into the singer/songwriter world and moved to Nashville 5 months after I graduated!
What was the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given about pursuing a career in music? “You’re going to get a lot of no’s before you get a yes.” Vince Gill told me that years ago when I met him when he was performing a concert in my hometown. I’ve held onto that since and have lived through it. I have had some amazing opportunities in my career, but have also had some downs. You just have to keep pushing through until you finally get that big yes.
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What song that you have recorded means the most to you and why? I released a song last year called “This Time Last Year.” I wrote it with my friend Karlie Bartholomew. My father passed away last year around the same time her grandfather passed so we came together to write a song about how the holidays were going to be different with them gone. For the music video I used old home videos of me and my dad during the holidays over the years. Writing that song and others that I have written about my dad have been really therapeutic and helpful in my grieving process. He still lives on in my songs.
You recently released your new single, "Merrier With You," that you also co-wrote. Tell us about the writing process and where the idea came from. Yes! I wrote “Merrier With You” again with my friend Karlie. Originally I had thought of covering a classic Christmas song this year but became frustrated when I wasn’t finding a song that I really wanted to do. I decided to write one as I have done the last three years and asked Karlie if she would write it with me. We talked about how we celebrate the holidays with our partners; how we decorate our houses, gift giving, whose family we spend it with, etc. Then we put our personal experiences into the song!
At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people take away from your songs? All of my songs come from a personal place; an experience or emotions I have felt. At the same time I try to keep the message of my songs relatable. I hope someone listening can find something in my songs that they can relate to or have had a similar experience.
Was there ever music playing in the kitchen growing up? Yes! My mom had a Bose radio/CD player in the kitchen and we always put a CD on while making dinner. I was a musical theatre kid so it was mostly cast albums of the Broadway shows we had seen that we were listening to.
What is your favorite dish to cook? I recently found a recipe for salmon that I have really been enjoying! It includes a honey soy glaze that you put on the fish that is so delicious and makes it a little sweet. Add some veggies and rice and you’re good to go!
What is your favorite breakfast? During the week I’m typically rushing so I’ll have a smaller breakfast, but on the weekends I like to make scrambled eggs with some toast or a bagel, orange juice, and coffee. It’s a simple breakfast but it is nice to take the time to cook when the morning is still quiet and the day hasn’t quite started and I get to sit down and enjoy.
Where is your favorite place to eat in your hometown? I’m a little biased because my parents own a restaurant in my hometown. Their pancakes are famous but my favorite meal there is a bacon, egg, and cheese on a biscuit. I’ve never been able to find the same sandwich as good anywhere else. Besides that, there is a crepe place, Betsy’s Crepes, that opened when I was in high school that I always have to go to when I’m home. They have so many options, sweet and savory, and they’re the biggest crepes I’ve ever seen!
Finally, if you could be sponsored by one food/drink brand who would it be and why? Probably Traditional Medicinals! I drink Throat Coat before and after every show to soothe my throat. I swear by it. This tea really does help my throat and tastes so good!
Website: www.daniellecormiermusic.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/daniellecormiermusic
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YouTube: www.youtube.com/daniellesc101
Danielle Cormier is a Nashville based singer/songwriter originally from Pinehurst, North Carolina. She moved to Nashville in 2016 after studying musical theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City.
With honest songwriting and vocals that are similar to Norah Jones and Sara Bareilles, Danielle creates music that is both approachable and captivating. Accompanying her move to Music City, she released a six-song EP dubbed Casino Sessions. Since the launch, she has continued to write, play songwriters rounds and compile a collection of songs for the album Fire & Ice. Produced by Adam Lester (Peter Frampton, Jill Andrews, Backstreet Boys), Fire & Ice is Danielle’s first full-length effort. Track two on the album, “Can’t Quit You,” features guitar legend Peter Frampton after Danielle’s producer showed Peter the song while on tour with him.
Since the release of the album, Danielle performed with Vince Gill at his annual Vinny Invitational Golf Tournament and opened for Trace Adkins at Ft. Bragg’s 4th of July Celebration. In November 2018, Danielle released an original Christmas song which was featured on Spotify’s Christmas Hits playlist and the song itself reached over 3.1 million streams.
Danielle teamed up with Adam Lester once again in August 2021 to record her most recent project Réflexion at The Pilot Lounge in Fairview, TN. All of the songs on this project were written in 2020 and capture Danielle’s experiences and emotions from the year, which was filled with love, loss, and the readiness to move on.