Dani B has performed with Lizzo, Tiana Major9, Ayra Starr, and Cat Burns, among other renowned gospel and pop artists. All this led to the most exciting phases of her career so far. Building her social presence and putting her talents into the world paid off at the end of 2022. Dani received a message from six-time BRIT Award-winning star RAYE’s team, who sought to secure a keyboard player for the singer’s My 21st Century Blues World Tour. The tour includes a sold-out show at London’s The O2 Arena, followed by a Coachella set—a festival that has been on Dani B’s performance bucket list. Between gigs, the prolific player shares her thoughts on touring with RAYE, finding success in the music industry, and her setup.
When Daniella Bernard’s mother, a classically trained instrumentalist, sat her eight-month-old daughter down to show her the piano, there was no way she could have ever predicted the abundant musical career full of jaw-dropping stages and collaborations that would soon follow for her daughter. Piano, violin, and clarinet lessons began when she was only three years old, followed by studying music at Goldsmiths University in London. Based in Hertfordshire, UK, and going by the stage name Dani B, the multi-instrumentalist wears many creative hats, working as a touring artist, music teacher, programmer, composer, and string arranger.
An Early Start
You were three years old when you started making music. Do you remember if there was a moment or person that inspired you at such a young age?
Yes, absolutely. Coming from a musical family, my mum has always had a strong passion and love for music. She is a classically trained pianist and flutist, so we always had a piano and other musical instruments in the house. One day, when I was about eight months old, she sat me down to play the piano with her, and from that moment, all I wanted to do was play the piano and be a musician.
A RAYE of Opportunity
How did you land the opportunity to back up RAYE on tour this year?
Towards the start of my career, my social media visibility was much more active, opening up several work opportunities. I was blessed to be a top recommendation if anyone needed a female keys player. At the end of 2022, RAYE’s team reached out for a female keys player, and it’s been the best ride ever since.
What’s your favorite part about performing with RAYE?
The best part of being on stage with RAYE is the amount of fun we have. We’ve spent so much time touring now that we’ve become a little family. The love we have one hundred percent translates on stage.
"We’ve spent so much time touring now that we’ve become a little family. The love we have one hundred percent translates on stage."
Roland on the Road
What Roland gear do you use for live performances?
I use a range of Roland instruments for touring and live performances. For major shows, I use the RD-2000 stage piano and synths such as FANTOM 7, SYSTEM-8, JUPITER-X, and the most recent JUNO-X. For smaller, intimate shows, I also use the A-88MKII, my favorite MIDI controller.
With such a vast range of synthesizers and keyboards, I’m able to prepare for shows in the best way possible. My main keyboard is the RD-2000, which provides pianos such as German Concert Grand, EPs, and patches like Bold Beauty. My favorite string sounds are Marc.Str and Symphonic Tron.
Depending on the show and sounds required, for my second keyboard, I’ll go between the SYSTEM-8, FANTOM 7, or JUPITER-X, which have lush pads, synths, and my custom sounds that will make any show I play sound unique. For RAYE, I’m currently using the RD-2000 and the FANTOM 7. Setlist mode is also crucial for me, and the FANTOM 7 has one of the best setlist systems out there.
Off-the-Roof Energy
Do you have a favorite venue or favorite city?
The top two venues at the moment are the 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin, Ireland and Store VEGA in København, Denmark. Incredible venues with equally incredible shows, and every time I’ve performed there, the energy has been off the roof each time.
In your opinion, what’s the biggest challenge of being in the music industry?
A current challenge for me is staying driven. This may sound super cheesy, and it’s always said, but in this line of work, you essentially have to be your biggest cheerleader. If you don’t believe you can achieve something, you won’t.
"The music industry is all about relationships, so the more people you meet, the more work opportunities you’ll be open to."
Dreams Come True
What’s your advice for aspiring musicians looking to break into the industry?
The best advice I could give a younger musician would be to connect with someone with industry experience and ask questions. Soak up as much information as possible and shadow on a few work trips. The music industry is all about relationships, so the more people you meet, the more work opportunities you’ll be open to.
Would you tell us what you have coming in the pipeline?
It’s looking to be quite a busy year full of headline shows and festivals, but I’m most excited for Coachella. I’ve wanted to play Coachella for a few years now, so to be able to play it now with one of the biggest emerging artists is a dream come true. I’m also working on my own music, so hopefully, I’m looking forward to debuting that very soon.
