Essence of Ireland catches up with Danielle

Wednesday, 20 October 2010 14:22

Lead Female vocalist "Danielle Grace-Williams" gives us an insight to her life so far

Sitting in the dressing room of St David's Hall, Cardiff, we joined Danielle to find out more about her life on tour and how she got there.

Question - You have been singing professionally for 4 years now but have been drawn to musical things from a young age: Can you remember your first ‘performance’?

Danielle - I remember playing Angel Grabielle in my primary school! LOL...but my first serious performance where people paid for their tickets was in a "song and dance" show, where I was the lead female vocalist aged 12. I remember singing all the songs and dancing to starlight Express and Guys and Dolls.

Question - What was it that made you decide to take up a career in the entertainment business & from what age did you know this was what you wanted to do?

Danielle - I think I was aged 11 when I really got in to music. From being four years old I started learning piano, then flute and then saxophone and then I discovered I could sing as well. I always knew I loved music, dancing and performing and its all I can remember doing. I was never interested in anything else and my mum and dad always supported me. I was 16/17 years of age when I decided to make a serious career out of it. 

Question - You have studied hard for everything you have attained; is this something you would recommend to others?

Danielle - I have studied extremely hard for the majority of my life and not a day goes by where I stop striving to be better at what I do. I know I will always learn something new from my career everyday for as long as I want to be apart of the entertainment business. You have to have dedication and self confidence and believe in yourself. I would recommended performing to others as long as they were certain they wanted to do this job and could handle the pressure.

Question - You have a very varied repertoire, but is there any type of music (apart from Irish of course) that you prefer to sing?

Danielle - I have a varied repertoire to carter for any audience of any style and age, however as long as I am singing, I am happy. It doesn't matter about the style to me because I love singing with all my heart and I consider myself to be very lucky to be doing a job I absolutely love.

Question - What would you say have been the highlights of your career so far?

Danielle - I have travelled a lot of Europe singing in 5 star hotels to many amazing audiences, performed at London Palladium with Joe Longthorne and now being apart of Essence of Ireland. I have also met some amazing people and I believe there is more highlights to come for my career. 

Question -  Are there any moments you would have preferred not to have experienced?

Danielle - I am very lucky because I haven't had any terrible experiences so far.

Question - What would you say is the hardest part of getting into the entertainment business and have you got any tips for other budding artists?

Danielle - One of the hardest things I would say you have to deal with in the entertainment business is not letting other people drag you down. Always believe in yourself. Make sure you always strive to be better than what you currently are. Never assume you're the best immediately, you have to work hard to become a "somebody" and even then it can be taken away from you in seconds. Just make sure whatever your doing, do it well and with conviction. Make sure you are happy and well grounded and never forget where you came from. I wish everyone who wants to be in this business the best of luck because its hard but there is no reason why you cant achieve your dreams. 

Question -  How did you get involved with the Essence of Ireland & have you got any favourite moments in the show?

Danielle - I was very lucky to be invited to the auditions and I love every part of the show and everyone in it. I know I am very lucky to be apart of a show that gets compared favourably to other professional shows like "Riverdance" and Lord of the Dance

Question - What would you say are the highs & lows of touring?

Danielle - There has definitely been no lows so far and I really don't think there will be. I've loved every second so far and the whole team behind "Essence of Ireland" are amazing and some of the most wonderful people I've ever met. 

Question -  Do you prefer singing live on stage or recording in a studio?

Danielle - Singing Live, I love the feeling of knowing you are entertaining people and making them enjoy what you love doing as a job. 

Question - Do you have any hobby’s (other than singing/dancing/acting) ?

Danielle - I am a qualified dancer, so I love dancing, but I also love art. 

Question -  What is the most important thing in your life?

Danielle - My family, they have supported me so much in my life and I love them dearly.

Question -  If you could change anything in the world, what would it be?

Danielle - That's a massive question to answer and I could say a millions things. But one thing I would wish for is a more secure world where everyone feels safe, no one is better than the next person and that when my children grow up, they have amazing opportunities because our world offers the best it can for everyone no matter who you are. 

Question - If you were to have a life saying, what would it be?

Danielle - Love, Laugh,Live, Smile, Care and Be Happy. - I definitely believe in "The Secret"

Question - Do you like X-Factor and do you think its been good for the music business

Danielle - I have mixed opinions about shows like the x-factor. I do like it and it offers amazing opportunities for people but I think it can do a lot of damage to people and their confidence.

Essence of Ireland would like to thank Danielle for stopping by and you can find out alot more about Danielle on her profile page, just click here link or catch up with her and the rest of the cast at the nearest theatre to you.