No Shade on Danny
Local rock, blues, and country musician, Danny Shade’s popularity has grown in strides with no less than 40 shows since November last year.
Danny Robson hails from Duiwelskloof but currently lives in Letsitele. He says his interest in music was sparked by his parents and grandmother playing the piano. “I started playing piano when I was eight years old. At thirteen I picked up the guitar and never looked back.”
He studied music at various reputable institutions including jazz at Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) renowned school of music
under John Fourie. “Eric Clapton was once asked what is it like to be the best guitarist in the world, he answered ‘I dunno, ask Johnie Fourie’.” Danny left TUT after a year to start his professional career.
“My parents worked very hard to put my brother and I through our music studies,” he told the Herald. He says in 2015 he started to hone his singing voice and after months of practice, began to book shows as a singer and guitar player. “I am the guitarist for a Johannesburg-based rock band called Lonehill Estate, and I am a founding member of CherryKab.”
He says musicians constantly have to hustle to make ends meet. “It is a constant hassle to manage your budget not knowing when or where the next show or payday will come from. I developed a thick skin and believe I can survive anything. “It was especially hard when I was younger and started out, but I continued to work on my craft even in the future looked bleak at times.”
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Danny has shared a stage with American singer-songwriter, Lionel Richie. “My brother, Doulton, and I played with David Aldo who was personally asked by Lionel if he would like to be the supporting act for his South African tour,” Danny says the Covid-19 lockdown has forced many musicians into directions they would never have thought.
“I took a three-year sabbatical from music, I got married, had my first child, and focussed on educating myself in the basic business behind
performances.” He says late last year the Hoedspruit Brew Co booked five shows with him and it reignited the flame in him. “If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have played 40 shows since November last year.
“In the last five months, I’ve realised that the only thing stopping me now would be me. “I’m extremely motivated and have tasted small pieces of where this journey can go if I keep pushing and keep it professional. “I am very grateful to have found a wife who understands the struggles that lead to success in the music world, as well as my parents and brothers who have supported me since I was a teenager,” he said.
“But big things are coming,” concluded Danny. Call Danny on 078 551 7864.
