It’s time for season 2 of the Underground Uprising "Artist of the Week", and first up we have Danny Kobayashi, an eclectic and multifaceted artist from Arizona. Having recently dropped an amazing video for his single “BLUE”, he is here to shake up the scene and add his flavor to the mix. Dive in and find out about Danny Kobayashi and his music in our interview below.
Ghost Town Media: Where are you from originally? Can you give me some insight to what it was like for you growing up?
Danny Kobayashi: I'm from Phoenix Arizona, but I spent my formative years in Scottsdale. My parents are both college educated and were very conservative, so the first 10 years of my life were super - and I mean super - organized. I was the kid that was always in soccer, in some type of competition and playing violin. There was even a point when I flat out had a schedule of how everyday of my week was gonna go pasted on my door. It was also pretty odd growing up in a town like that - back in the early 2000s, I was 1 of 3 kids with an ethnic background in the entire school. I'd get a lot of comments about it from my peers. So, to wrap that thought up, can you see how putting in my headphones and listening to Gwen Stefani or Akon was an awesome outlet for me?
Ghost Town Media: I can definitely appreciate the way music helped you escape. Now turning the attention to your music, after the positive reception of “BLUE” what do you plan on doing to follow up that success? What’s next?
Danny Kobayashi: I'm actually really glad this video was received well. I'll be releasing multiple songs in the coming weeks with videos and streaming to connect with the people on my page.
Ghost Town Media: So, is this new single going to be featured on an album or mixtape?
Danny Kobayashi: This song is a stand alone single! Some of my other music wont sound like this in the future.
Ghost Town Media: Who are some artists that inspired you from your upbringing and which current artists are doing that for you now?
Danny Kobayashi: When I was a kid, I was obsessed with Kanye West. He's really touched every genre of music, and has become an excellent taste maker/fashion curator. To this day he still inspires me. I was also a fan of the Far East Movement, Imogen Heap, and for a long time Lady Gaga/Skrillex. These artists have like, nothing to do with each other. It just gets me excited when I see someone with a particular style and sound.
Right now? I've been listening to a lot of The Weeknd, but like his older stuff from Kissland and Trilogy. I've also been heavily inspired by Joji, Khalid, and Billie Eillish. I've also been listening to a lot of Saint Jhn, Led Zepplin, Black Sabbath, and Blue Oyster Cult. These artists have incredible vibes.
Ghost Town Media: I‘d like to get your thoughts on the Joseph Bills situation in regards to the controversy stirred up by his comments about discounted rates and services. Why do you think people were so upset?
Danny Kobayashi: I think people are upset at Joseph Bill's because they're not ready to start paying artist and give them the payment they deserve. I've seen him live a few times and had the pleasure of meeting him. He's not problematic.
Ghost Town Media: You obviously have an eye for design. Your album artwork is always on point and you never slack on the visuals being dope whether it’s static or dynamic. Do you have any plans to push that further?
Danny Kobayashi: Wow. I take a lot of pride in my design and the visuals I put together. I actually have a website I'm putting together where people will be able to commission work from me, I also take commissions through my Instagram. I'm really looking forward to coming out with more material over the summer.
by: Steven Sandage