Hello everyone! I recently had the pleasure of welcoming Danielle Soccio, a singer, performer, speaker, and leadership coach, to my podcast. I was thrilled to learn about her journey, and I'm excited to share it with you today.
Discovering a Passion for Music
Danielle's earliest musical memory takes us back to her childhood, singing along to her mom's ABBA and Barbra Streisand albums in their lounge room. However, it was a trip overseas and joining her cousin's church choir that truly ignited her passion for singing. The positive feedback she received from choir members at the tender age of 12 or 13 made her realize her potential as a singer.
Upon returning home, Danielle began participating in musical activities at school and started her journey in music and performing. She initially took on freelance singing gigs, mostly through friends who booked her for events. As she gained confidence and experience, she joined cover bands and established herself as a freelance singer in Melbourne.
The Journey to Stardom
Danielle's career took off when she started producing one-woman shows, including tributes to Barbra Streisand and Broadway. This led to opportunities to perform at major television events like "Carols by Candlelight," which had millions of viewers.
Her career continued to evolve, and she ventured into musical theatre, even performing in the London Palladium production of "The Sound of Music". Throughout her journey, she also recorded music, wrote songs, and released her own music.
The Challenges and Joys of a Musical Career
Danielle candidly discussed the challenges of pursuing a career in musical theater. It's not just about having the perfect voice or talent, but also about fitting the desired look or having the right skills for specific roles. Despite these challenges, Danielle reflects on a period in her life where she experienced success in appearing on TV shows and performing overseas. She describes it as a wonderful and beautiful experience, especially since she had watched those shows growing up and dreamed of being a part of them.
The Power of Live Performances
Danielle's love for attending concerts is palpable. She recalls memorable concerts, such as the Michael Jackson Bad Tour, where she skipped school to attend and witnessed the frenzy of fans. She also mentions recent concerts she enjoyed, including Harry Styles, Stevie Wonder, and upcoming shows like Lizzo.
When asked about what makes a show memorable for her, Danielle emphasizes the importance of artists interacting with the audience and showing their authentic selves. She reflects on her television experiences where she was able to showcase her voice and sing big epic songs. She recalls feeling comfortable and grateful for the opportunity to be seen and heard as an artist.
Overcoming Challenges and Pre-Show Rituals
Danielle shared a time when she had to stop a show due to a feedback issue with the microphone. She advises going with the flow and not expecting things to go perfectly, as audiences are forgiving. In terms of pre-show rituals, Danielle shares that she prays and stays hydrated but avoids eating too much before performing. She doesn't drink alcohol before important shows because it dries out her throat. Instead, she focuses on vocal warm-ups and an embodiment exercise to ground herself.
The Power of Presence and Connection
Danielle believes that getting out of your head and connecting with the essence or soul of yourself when performing is crucial. She teaches embodiment practices that involve getting still and present, tuning into different parts of the body, and meditating on them. This shift is not just about technique, but also about connecting with the emotional and energetic aspects of ourselves.
Coaching Others to Discover Their Talents
Danielle's coaching work involves helping others discover their talents and potential. She helps singers and performers overcome their internal blocks and find joy in their craft. She also teaches a concept called "presence," which involves being in one's energetic and powerful state. This is particularly beneficial for performers and speakers, as it allows them to understand and control the impact they have on their audience.
The Future and Final Thoughts
Looking ahead, Danielle shares that she is writing a book and hopes to release it in the next six months. She also shares her mindset and approach to her music career. She is focused on creating music that comes from a deep creative place and brings her joy, rather than trying to make commercially successful music.
When asked what song would appear on the soundtrack of her life, Danielle says she would write that song herself. She envisions a song that celebrates her journey as an artist, embracing her true self and not being afraid of how others perceive her.
Our conversation ended with Danielle expressing gratitude for the interview and feeling inspired to continue working on her music. I'm sure we're all looking forward to hearing more from this talented artist in the future!
