Interview with Danni Leigh

AF: When did you arrive here?
DL: Yesterday. We came from Aviano, Italy. So there is no jet lag and I am ready to play.

AF: Do you like to come to Switzerland?
DL: I love it, it's one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It is wonderful because last year I had a different band. I have new band members with me. They are called "The Souveniers". They also have their own CD out, they are wonderful. They have never been out of the country before. They are just walking around with their mouths hanging open. It is really a great experience for us.

AF: You don't have big mountains where you come from?
DL: We have mountains but nothing this spectacular.

AF: I saw you 2 years ago at the Albisgüetli when you came down from the stage to mix with the people.
DL: That's what I love about it. It is great fun to mix with the people.

AF: After Decca closed down you now split with Sony. Why?
DL: We basically sat down at one point. I felt there wasn't enough enthusiasm after the first single. They were kind of frustrated so we just decided the best thing is to split. But we parted very well and we are still friends.

AF: You have a new record deal now?
DL: I have an independent record deal. The record label is called Audium and they are very, very strong. We are real excited about the new album. We have just finished the third album. Hopefully in late fall we get the third album out. It is so new, we haven't even got a title for it. When I get back to the States I will hear the final mix. I actually got the producer of my dreams to record this third record and that is Pete Anderson. He does Dwight Yoakam's music.

AF: So you are in the family?
DL: Yes, I am in!

AF: Your second album ‚A Shot of Whisky and a Prayer' is great. Did you do your prayers for tonights concert?
DL: I will as soon as we are ready to walk on stage.

AF: Do you live what you sing?
DL: Yes! Everything that I sing about I have been through. I am not very good at telling a lie, so I can't sing about one. I like to sing abou things I know of.

AF: Do you write your own songs?
DL: Some of them. I don't necessarily record everything that I have written. I just look for the best song. There are some many fantastic songwriters that I am not always are going to be the best. I am far from the best, actually. Sometimes I have two songs, sometimes I have seven of my songs on a record.

AF: How do you select your songs?
DL: It is actually a process. You want the best song and you want the lyrics to mean something.

AF: Do you choose a song because you think it might be a success?
DL: Not really, I am choosing a song because I feel it in my heart, it touches my soul. I don't record a record because I think radio is gonna like it. I record it because it means something special to me. That may get me into trouble. But it's OK, it wouldn't be honest.

AF: You get good airplay with your music!
DL: Over here! Because you like country music.

AF: Danni, thank you very much for the interview.
DL: I thank you. I appreciate it.