Who Is Danny?

 The enigmatic Danny Lantana, a musical maverick whose journey through life reads like a symphony of diverse experiences, all seamlessly woven into the tapestry of his artistry. Born in 1967 in Jerusalem, Danny's earliest encounter with music came at the tender age of seven, when his parents moved the family to South Africa. Gifted a piano by his parents, he embarked on a musical odyssey, delving into the intricacies of music theory and honing his skills on timeless Jazz tunes of the early 1900’s. Danny's sonic upbringing was a mélange of influences, ranging from The Beatles, to Charlie Rich to The Bee Gees, Elvis, and Neil Diamond. By 1979, he had been exposed to a cultural kaleidoscope, attending conservative Jewish, Christian, and liberal schools in three countries, on three continents while adapting to 4 languages. The concept of culture shock and change became a constant companion during these formative years. A rebellious spirit within Danny manifested at 15 when he left home, spending the next several years navigating the harsh realities of life on the streets of Los Angeles. Yet, amidst the challenges, he found refuge in the vibrant punk rock scene of the early 1980s, immersing himself in the raw energy of the era. Danny's foray into music performance took flight in a punk rock band in Orange County in 1982. His musical tastes eventually evolved to encompass Jazz, Hip-Hop, Rap, Blues, Classic Rock, Heavy Metal, Hawaiian, and more. Naugahyde Lounge, a band he played with the late 80’s, graced iconic venues like The Whisky a Go Go, Gazzarri’s, The Troubadour, and The Roxy Theatre, sharing the stage with the hair bands that defined the era, but playing a mixed cocktail of every genre under the sun. In 1991, a serendipitous turn led Danny to the hallowed halls of the world famous The Village Recorder in West LA, where he worked as a runner. Here, he observed maestros like Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles, Whitney Houston, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and many others at work, gaining invaluable insights into the recording process under the guidance of renowned engineer and producer Barry Goldberg. This experience helped to shape his understanding of music production. A year in, an epiphany struck, redirecting Danny to his true passion – being the musician, not the engineer. “I was on the wrong side of the glass” he remembers saying to himself. A move to Northern California followed, marked by a period of deep depression and prolific songwriting. In 1995, fate intervened as Danny rekindled a romance with Wish Foley, famed for her role in Tom Petty's "Don't Come Around Here No More" music video. Spontaneously marrying Wish in Las Vegas, their union blossomed into four children, a home, a successful career, and a resilient marriage, all the while continuing to write and record original music. In 2011, Danny formed a band in Albuquerque, New Mexico, named “Chasing Disaster.” With Barry Goldberg's help, the band recorded a four-song EP titled “Bullet for a Rose.” The song “Chasing A Disaster” was nominated for song of the year at the 2012 New Mexico Music Awards, and earned Danny an Indie Music Channel Award. Inspired by a vivid chapter in Danny Lantana's early Punk life, the song “Chasing A Disaster” drew its essence from a poignant short story in which a twist of fate led him to the Hollywood home of a burgeoning band, whom his then ex-girlfriend told him would be the "next big thing" – none other than Guns N' Roses. The encounter unfolded in a bittersweet symphony of emotions, as the band found success and she went on to date one of the band members, sparking a combination of jealousy and determination within Danny. At the age of 50, a profound realization dawned on Danny – his musical roots traced back to New Orleans-style jazz, a legacy which was passed down to him by his childhood Jazz piano teacher, David (Dokkie) Friedlander from Benoni, South Africa. This revelation spurred him to collaborate with some very talented New Orleans jazz musicians, recording three tunes at Marigny Studios with the assistance of his long-time friend Barry Goldberg. Today, Danny Lantana stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and an unyielding love for music. Continuing to compose, arrange, produce, and play music across various genres, his journey is a vibrant composition, resonating with the echoes of a life versed in diversity, change and the endless love and pursuit of rhythms, rhymes, and melodies.