QUARANTINE PROFILE: Danny Black
We’ve launched a profile series to highlight how artists are spending their time during the quarantine. Several times a week we’ll highlight a new artist across the globe and see how they’re keeping busy during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Philadelphia guitarist Danny Black has been touring for years, mostly as part of Indie-Folk trio Good Old War, or alongside Anthony Green…to name a few. As a solo artist, Danny has released two super adventurous instrumental records. In the Fall he took a new venture in his solo recordings. Teaming up with Vacationer’s drummer Ryno, the duo paired up to make Danny’s third album Black Ryno featuring vocals for the first time in any of Danny’s recordings. Read on to see how Danny’s been spending his quarantine since the album release and what’s up next for him.
Where have you been spending your quarantine?
For the first few months I stayed home but over the last month or so, I've enjoyed travelling around the country in my van. It's been a dream because it has pretty much all the amenities of home but I get to be out in nature.
How have you been staying busy during quarantine?
I have been making a lot of music. I've done virtual collaborations with artists from all over the world, played a few live streamed concerts, recorded an entire new album, done scores for short films and trailers and I am teaching online guitar, bass and ukulele lessons. Recently I've been recording music in the van on stops as I travel. My wife and I also played this game where we each made up a bunch of activities and every day we'd pick one out of a jar and try it.
Anything new you’ve learned? / Something new you’ve done:
Trying to get better at ping pong and cooking.
What quarantine trend have you fallen prey to?
I definitely watched Tiger King
What’s something new you’ve cooked/baked?
Suddenly I can cook a mean chili
Go to quarantine snack:Apples and peanut butter
Song (or album) you’ve had on repeat:
Gregory Alan Isakov-Evening Machines
What’s your go to song to make you feel less alone? / What’s a song that is your go to comfort jam?
Radiohead: Paranoid Android
If you could only watch one film or TV show for the rest of time what would it be?
Probably Breaking Bad.
What is keeping you happy?
My wife, dog, family, friends, music
What’s something you miss the most right now?
Hugs
What do you hope we take away from this?
How much we depend on human contact to stay happy. being afraid to see our friends and family is incredibly unnatural.
What’s a puzzle you’ve completed during quarantine?
We did a jungle scene that was so hard I quit. My wife ended up finishing it for us.
Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?
Well my new album, Black Ryno just came out and I'm working on a new album with a friend that I can't wait to share. I also will have a new solo album out early next year I hope. It's quite a productive time!