I first learned of Dani Shay’s existence when she auditioned for America’s Got Talent in June 2011. Beginning to become widely known for her resemblance to teen singer Justin Bieber (or his resemblance to her, as she is older than he is), she auditioned with a parody she’d written of one of his songs, in which she directly referenced the physical resemblance.
But once you begin listening to Dani’s music, you no longer see that superficial resemblance. You begin to see Dani for herself. Which is what she asks of you on her latest album, See Me Now .
Dani Shay is an unsigned artist from Orlando, FL. I’ve also heard her first album, Free. Free is a good album, but you can tell it was recorded when she was first starting out. Don’t misunderstand me, Free is a good album – in fact, her songs Drive Me Crazy and Holding On are two of my favorite songs. But when you listen to See Me Now , you can tell that she has worked hard, grown and learned as an musician and songwriter.
Recorded in one week as she secluded herself in her home with absolutely no contact with the outside world, Dani’s self-produced and self-recorded album sounds as though it came out of a professional studio. There are two bonus tracks at the end that were recorded live, as well. On her website, Dani mentions that this album has a “personal touch”, and it is evident in the emotion in her voice as she sings that all of these songs mean something to her.
While her first album, Free, was just Dani’s voice and her guitar, See Me Now also has drumbeats and other sounds that lead to a fuller, richer sound and a relaxing musical experience. Her lyrics have meaning, unlike a lot of today’s music, which sometimes seems to be a bunch of random words thrown together.
While she does have videos on YouTube that are covers of other artist’s songs, Dani’s album contains only music that she wrote herself. Between hearing the lyrics she wrote, the music she created, and her voice as she sings, it’s easy to see how amazingly talented she is.
I’ve listened to this album with the volume cranked up, and I’ve listened to it with it turned down low. Either way, it still sounds wonderful and is the music I turn to when I’m looking to be soothed and get rid of stress.
Her final track on the album, New World , was recorded live and is one of my favorites on this album (Butterflies Never Lie andMy Humble Plea are the others). That it would be a favorite came as a bit of a shock to me, because in this song, Dani raps. I am not a fan of rap at all, but Dani’s is clear and I can hear and understand all the words – which is wonderful, because the words are incredibly insightful and really capture what the world has come to and is continuing to become. (Parents should be warned that she does use a few four letter words, although it is not for shock factor, but because they actually work with the message behind the songs.)
In My Humble Plea, Dani asks you to “see me now”, and “show me how I can get to you.” For me, her music gets to me. Unlike most music these days, her music inspires deep emotions and provokes serious thought.
Once you lose yourself in her music, you will no longer see that superficial resemblance to Justin Bieber. You will see Dani Shay, the beautiful, talented singer/songwriter. America’s Got Talent let her go, but her fans have not. Dani Shay will go very far, with all her fans right behind her, supporting her every step of the way.
Yes, Dani, we see you now.