I had the extreme pleasure of working with Danielle Barbe almost three years ago when I booked her for a charity event I was helping to put together for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Glitzburgh (www.glitzburgh.com). She played an unbelievable set, like the professional she is, and her band was out of this world.
Admittedly, when I first heard about her, I only really knew that she was a Pittsburgh musician who had broken out of the Steel City, and begun to make waves throughout the country. Boy, was that an understatement. Danielle Barbe has not only slaughtered the charts, but has also had major national recognition for some of her songs. Her song “Ghost Town” was featured on CBS’s The Ghost Whisperer, and “Wango Tango” made it to the silver screen in the movie Vampires Suck.
A sweetheart to the max, Danielle was kind enough to chat with me about her career, and how she has progressed over the past three years. I honestly have not stopped hearing her name. She’s always getting into something fascinating, or winning Battle of the Bands like the Ernie Ball or playing major gigs like SXSW, Sundance, and even Warped Tour!
What I also love about Danielle is her style. A chic rocker vixen, with smoldering eyes, a killer style, and an overall sweet but I’ll-kick-your-ass attitude, it makes it hard to take your eyes off of her. She commands a crowd and owns the stage (or runway for that matter). If you haven’t heard of Danielle Barbe, get ready. You’re in for a wild ride.
For more information about this hot little Maniac, be sure to check her out at any of the below links. Danielle also gave us a link to a free download of “Wango Tango” !!!
http://www.itunes.com/daniellebarbe
http://www.facebook.com/danibarbe
http://soundcloud.com/daniellebarbe/05-wango-tango-1
Maniac Magazine: Ever since I first heard of you when you played a charity event I helped put together, Glitzburgh, I have never stopped hearing your name. You are certainly a staple in Pittsburgh’s music industry and are obviously making a name for yourself nationally. What is that like? How does the success make you feel?
Danielle Barbe: I love that my music is reaching new ears everyday, and I love to become close with the new fans. I’m such a dreamer, though! I’m constantly aiming to do more and always ready to work harder. I’m always working on that next step.
MM: Tell me about the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands and Warped Tour. Those are huge deals! What was it like to play them?
DB: I got to play Warped Tour in Pittsburgh this past summer. I had always admired that tour and a lot of the artists on it, so it was incredible to be a part of it for a day. I wanted to sneak onto someone’s tour bus and stay on for a few more shows! After that show in Pittsburgh, I somewhat forgot about the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands, until I received a phone call several months later. I had no clue who it was at first… I thought I won a Carnival Cruise. I felt lucky to be a finalist, and the other bands were so talented and kind. I was in good company on that stage at The Key Club in LA for the finals, and it’s still very surreal and exciting to me that I won! I can’t wait to be on the Warped Tour this summer. Bring on the bad sunburn!
MM: A new EP? Talk to me about that? Who are you working with? When can we expect some new jams? Since I won the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands, I’ll be making an EP with producer Matt Squire (Panic at the Disco/Taking Back Sunday/The Used). It’s going to be interesting to see what direction my music ends up heading in next. There will definitely be some new tunes released in 2012! It’s gonna feel great to get back in the studio soon.
MM: You had mentioned the Buzz Poets (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Buzz-Poets/155802717483) as past Ernie Ball winners, are there any Pittsburgh-based bands you would love to collabo with?
DB: I’m into a lot of Pittsburgh bands, including These Lions (http://www.facebook.com/TheseLions) (it’s true!), Caleb Lovely (http://www.facebook.com/CalebLovelyMusic), and my friends The Delaneys (http://www.facebook.com/thedelaneys), to just name a few. I really admire everyone’s songs and their hard work. They make me proud to be a Pittsburgh artist too.
**Side note: I did not make her say These Lions haha**
MM: Talk to me about the success of your single, “Ghost Town.” I legitimately had that on repeat for what seemed like months. Love that song.
DB: Well, I had moved out to LA indefinitely to write and record my solo album. During a writing session, I really wanted a Primanti’s of all things! I found myself reminiscing a lot about my hometown, Pittsburgh. “Ghost Town”, a song about the ‘Burgh, was what came about. I never would have guessed it would end up being the first single off my album, and be featured on a hit CBS TV show (“The Ghost Whisperer”) and on MTV!
MM: It seems that anything you put out gets some major attention. Discuss “Wango Tango” and its success with the silver screen….how exciting??
DB: Growing up, I loved “Scary Movie” and was thrilled when I was contacted about using “Wango Tango” for the film “Vampires Suck” (which was written and directed by the creator of Scary Movie). It was really wild to go to the movies with my family and friends, and to hear “Wango Tango” in the film after a Marilyn Manson song. The movie ended up being #2 at the box office, so to be on the soundtrack of a hit movie was a huge career move for me.
MM: Loving that you played SXSW and Sundance. What was that experience like?
DB: They were both incredibly different festivals, at very different stages of my career, and each experience was so unique. For my first experience with touring, we played Sundance, so that trip was very dear to me. I knew after those days long days on the road, with a bunch of smelly guys and bad roadside food, that I was definitely cut out for this. I played at SXSW after the release of my solo album and I loved the atmosphere. At every single bar or venue, there was great music. I felt so creative and inspired by the energy of the artists during that trip. I really felt like a part of the community. I hope to play these festivals again in the future!
MM: You are a rocker chick through and through and your style reflects that. You also have a sweeter/softer side too. How does that translate into your style, not only with fashion, but in your songs.
DB: I think, ultimately, it stops people from boxing me into one style musically and fashion-wise. It’s fun to surprise people. I played Warped Tour in a long white dress, and then played my next show in leather pants and a ripped up t-shirt. My music is very much the same way, it can be sweet or tough, or both. I think there’s a little something on my album for everyone.
MM: You’re a talented songwriter as well. What is your process for writing such powerful songs?
DB: I’ve been lucky enough to work with some impressive songwriters throughout the past few years. They’ve constantly pushed me creatively and forced me to open up lyrically. Normally I’ll have a melody or lyric that sticks out to me, or sometimes a song title, and things just build from there.
MM: Advice for up and coming bands looking to follow in your footsteps?
DB: Utilize everything the internet has to offer for indie bands right now. Use social media to your advantage, talk to your fans, whether you have 2 of them or 20,000 of them, and take chances. Enter contests you think you don’t have a shot at winning! Ya never know. See how other bands are marketing themselves and give it your own spin. Most importantly, always BE KIND and always be humble. We all have to help each other out!
MM: What’s your most Maniac moment? Meaning- what’s the craziest thing that has happened to you? (Example: craziest tour experience, crazy stalker fans?
DB: Oh man… I’ve had a lot of crazy experiences on the road. Someone got my face tattooed on their back. That felt a little weird for me. I must say that I was very honored though. Also, I had a fan who feared for my safety constantly. I would get Myspace messages daily, asking if I made it to the venue or if I got my grocery shopping done without being attacked. Thanks to them, I became very aware of my surroundings at all times. Also, people selling my personal items and candid photos of me on eBay! I wonder if anyone actually bids on those… I embrace the weirdness. We’re all Maniacs here.
MM: What’s next for Danielle Barbe?
DB: I’ll be recording and releasing some new music, touring this spring, and playing Warped Tour this summer!
Thanks for a great interview, Danielle! From all of us here at Maniac, best of luck and we wish you all the success in the world. You’re making Pittsburgh proud!
By: Dominic Janidas
Photos by: Gabrielle Revere
