Dani Josie
This interview was recorded on the 24th of September, 2024.
Pop-punk energy meets academic drive in the story of Wellington’s Dani Josie, an artist proving that passion and pragmatism can harmoniously coexist. At just 19, Dani is already establishing herself with a nostalgic yet modern sound. Her single, “GO GO GO,” channels her love for early 2000s punk, drawing inspiration from the likes of Avril Lavigne and Paramore. Despite the demanding world of commerce and marketing studies, Dani finds time to make music that resonates with listeners in New Zealand and beyond.
I caught up with Dani to talk about her musical journey, the story behind her latest track, and what’s next for this rising star.
From Early Performances to Rockquest Stardom
For Dani, performing started young. “The first time ever was when I was three years old,” she recalls. “It was some singing show, and they brought me up on stage to sing in front of 300 people.” This early taste of the spotlight set the stage for future performances, but her first “proper” music audience came later at the Smokefree Rockquest, where her band came in first place in Wellington.
“Rockquest was a big moment,” Dani reflects. “I’d done a few performances before, but that was the first time in front of a proper music audience.”
This early success was just the beginning, giving Dani a solid foundation to pursue her dreams of making music.
GO GO GO
Dani’s single GO GO GO is a punchy pop-punk anthem inspired by the red flags we sometimes find ourselves chasing in relationships. The song’s concept came from an unexpected source. “I was watching a reality TV show, and one of the girls said, ‘There are so many red flags, but red’s my favourite colour.’ I thought it was such a good line that I had to write a song around it,” Dani laughs.
The track perfectly captures the dangerous allure of bad decisions while blending a nostalgic punk edge with her own modern flair. With catchy hooks and an energetic vibe, GO GO GO feels like a cross between the pop-punk energy of Paramore and the raw emotional honesty of Olivia Rodrigo. Dani’s own vocal style, reminiscent of Lorde, brings an extra layer of Kiwi authenticity to the mix.
Musical Influences and Style
When asked about her influences, Dani doesn’t hesitate. “Avril Lavigne was a big one for me,” she says, smiling. “I loved her style and attitude. I’m also a huge Taylor Swift fan, though that’s a bit more obvious. I used to go to her concerts when I was younger, and it made me want to perform.”
Her love for early 2000s pop-punk is clear in her music, with influences ranging from Avril Lavigne to Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa. “I’m not really punk myself, but I’ve always loved that era of music. I like that my music brings some of that back, but with a modern twist.”
The nostalgic vibe is intentional, but Dani’s youthful energy gives it new life, making it relatable to a whole new generation of listeners.
Looking Ahead
Despite her rising success, Dani remains grounded, focusing on her next milestones as she builds her music career. “I’d love to get on some festival lineups,” she says when asked about her goals. “That, and hitting some good streaming numbers.”
For Dani, the road ahead is full of possibilities. Whether it’s playing sold-out shows or making waves on the radio, one thing’s for sure: Dani Josie is a name to watch in New Zealand’s indie music scene.
Follow Dani Josie on Instagram @danijosie_
*Since this interview was originally recorded, Dani Josie played Rhythm and Vines and released her newest single Lovebomber
