Americanafest is an annual event organized by the Americana Music Association and held in Nashville, Tennessee. Americanafest 2019 will be held between Sept. 10 and Sept. 15 with the Americana Honors and Awards Show taking place at the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 11. The five-day event will feature panels and performances at several venues in Nashville. Danni Nicholls will perform during this year’s Americana fest at TRUE Music Room at Cambria at 10 p.m. on Sept. 12, Nashville Underground as part of the AMA-UK Friday Shindig at noon on Sept. 13, InDo Nashville as part of The House of Songs Songwriter Summit at noon on Sept. 13 and The Groove as part of the Bootleg BBQ at noon on Sept. 14.
When did you start singing? There’s family video footage of me singing away from when I was tiny but I guess I was about 13 when I realised how important it was to me after being in a school musical. I then got a guitar aged about 16 and immediately began singing my own songs.
How would you describe your music? A melting pot of mostly American roots flavours! I grew up listening to country and western, rock n roll, soul, blues, jazz – I love it all and I think it all rolls in. Because I play the acoustic guitar, that folk/troubadour singer/songwriter vibe is also present. Argh, that’s a lot. How about… ‘Americana’?
Who are your musical influences? So many! But I grew up with the likes of Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash and Elvis on the stereo. They’re major influences. Then I discovered the likes of Eva Cassidy, Sarah McLachlan and Sheryl Crow as I was learning guitar and starting to write songs. I love Dolly, Emmylou and Janis. Brandi Carlile, Lori McKenna and Kathleen Edwards have been so impactful over the last few years too.
What is your favorite concert you have attended? What made it memorable? Emmylou Harris performing Wreckingball back to back with Daniel Lanois in London was waayyyyy up there. Incredible.
What is your favorite place to perform? What do you like about it? The Union Chapel in London. It’s an old church and you can feel the history. It is also stunning and as it’s circular, it feels so intimate. It’s just special.
Other than artists, who has been influential in your decision to become a singer? I just knew in my gut and heart that’s what I was supposed to do and I’m just lucky to have had such a a supportive, encouraging family.
What was the first song you wrote? It was a mid tempo/ballad rock n roll type song. It was cheesy. Real bad. Called something like ‘I love you so’. Wow. Gotta start somewhere…
What is your favorite original song? What was the inspiration behind it? That’s really tough. But I suppose one that I love for its feel good factor, and it resonates widely and seems to bring people together is a song called ‘A Little Redemption’. It was inspired by a hymn called ‘The Worlds Greatest Need’ by Charles Austin Miles. The main message is MORE LOVE.
What does it mean to you to be selected to play Americanafest? So much. Its an incredible coming-together of some of the most wonderful music makers out there. I’ve been many times and it fires up my soul. To have been invited to showcase officially is an honour.
Anything else you would like to add? I’m just grateful to be a part of the festival and get to do what I love in such an awesome community. And thanks for having me!
Where can people hear your music? All over! But danninicholls.com is a good place to start.