Austin-based musician Danny Malone, with influences from the Cure to 50 Cent, brings his unique blend of music and dance to Redding.
Danny, welcome to Redding. Before I ask you anything else, I need you to tell us what it’s like to live on a planet of your own making. Does your music (or your dance moves) reflect that?
It’s terrifying and lonely, but it makes much more sense than the other worlds I’ve tried. Yes, I suppose my music and dancing reflect this place. I try to stay very conscious of and connected to this world whenever I venture into public, it’s the only safe place I’ve ever been. The rest of the universe seems to scare me quite a bit.
And those dance moves – wow! When did you infuse dance into your shows?
Probably about four months ago was the first time it was introduced in front of a crowd.
How is your West Coast tour going so far?
To my standards, it’s going very well. It feels desperately important, and I’m living only for it. I’m deeply emotional about it. And I’ve staved off the demons so far. Everyone is safe.
Rate from favorite to least favorite: House Concert, Restaurant and Club? Why?
It seems to matter less and less where I play. I’m starting to not notice crowds at all. I suppose restaurants can be loud and distracting, so that can sometimes make them not ideal for a performer. But really, the more unassuming places can end up being the most affected.
What’s your most memorable touring moment?
Sometimes my mind shuts off, and when I wake back up, I won’t remember how I got somewhere. In Arizona, I woke up in the desert next to train tracks with a train bearing down. I saw a burning butterfly and watched it fly across my field of vision very, very fast. Then after the train passed, I walked back to where I figured the car was parked and my friend Pony was waiting and drove us to the show in Tucson. We were very late, but it just so happened that the club manager was late as well, so no one realized we were late, and in fact they were very apologetic for the show getting pushed back. I told them it was fine, but to not let it happen again.
You’ve got a wide range of influences. But in this scenario, you can choose only five of them for a Danny Malone soup. Which five?
Big Big Love, The Big Sad, my genetic predispositions, my inability to communicate with people outside of artistic expression, and drugs.
What can we expect from your show in Redding this week?
Who knows? It will undoubtedly be engaging. Usually I sing songs and dance a little. But I’m not too in control of anything anymore. I’m maybe as interested to see as you are.
Now, the world needs to know more about your pet monkeys.
Yes. They both have the big sad, and feel the big big love. They are a burden I must forever live with. I have no choice. They are truly beautiful creatures.
See Danny Malone on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 8 p.m., Vintage Wine Bar & Restaurant, 1790 Market Street, Redding. Vintage Wine Bar & Restaurant features an interesting mix of regional and touring musicians. Check out the Vintage calendar of events at vintagedowntown.com. To learn more about Danny Malone, visit myspace.com/therealdannymalone.
Photos by Holly Bronko
Adam Mankoski is a recent North State transplant who feels completely at home here. He enjoys experiencing and writing about the people, places and things that embody the free spirit of the State of Jefferson. He and his partner own HawkMan Studios and are the creators of Redding’s 2nd Saturday ArtHop. Email your North State events to adamm.anewscafe@gmail.com.
