Q&A: DannyLux Makes His Hometown Debut at Coachella

 

☆ BY SHARON LAZO ☆

Photos By Sophie Gragg for The Luna Collective

 
 

MAKING WAVES IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY BY PAVING HIS OWN PATH THROUGH MEXICAN REGIONAL MUSIC — Palm Springs based artist DannyLux is making his Coachella debut! Roughly 4 years ago, DannyLux was posting covers on TikTok, and now he's taking on one of the stages at one of the most iconic music festivals! For him, this journey was a long time coming, with many sacrifices made, as well as overthinking and doubt. However, it is an inspiring story that comes from such humble beginnings and as a listener of his music, you can't help but feel so much happiness for him and his family.

For DannyLux, Coachella was always something he heard of growing up, living so close to the grounds, but never attended. His father on the other hand worked cleaning the grounds once all the fans and artists had left, which is where DannyLux’s story starts. While cleaning, his father often brought home different items left behind and one day he discovered a guitar in good condition and figured he’d bring it home to 7 year old DannyLux. Once he learned how to play, it was evident to him just how passionate his love for music was. Music was always heard at his home, from traditional corridos, to classic American rock, DannyLux used all this surplus of inspiration to create the music he is so well praised for today. 

Coming from a family of immigrants, it can be difficult to choose to not go down the traditional path of going to college, and getting a job in the career you studied— essentially achieving what your parents couldn’t. However, he’s not only living out his dreams now, but also making his parents completely proud with his success. So much so his father surprised Danny, with the help from DannyLux’s label, by buying out billboards around town stating, “My last time at Coachella I was picking up the trash, now I’m back to see my son perform this Friday. Te amo DannyLux. Tu papa”. It is a very full circle moment for the 19 year old who never thought his first time at Coachella would be performing. Leaving behind good vibes and an emotional impression on his fans and festival goers, he also left his mark along with all the Latin acts that represented Latin America in their sets proving there’s no ignoring their voices as they continue to dominate charts internationally. 

Keep reading to catch a glimpse on DannyLux’s Coachella experience and what interesting projects he has lined up for the rest of the year!

LUNA: It’s day one of Coachella, and you're from the area. It's your first time, not only being here, but playing, which is a huge flex. How are you feeling? 

DANNYLUX: I'm honestly excited. It's such a crazy thing to even be here like literally where I grew up and I'm really going to be playing here. I don't know how to explain the feeling. It feels like I’m reaching my goals, like my prayers are being answered. 

I feel like it's just going to be such a special moment. And I  know this day will always have such a special place in my heart.

LUNA: There are gonna be plenty of fans that are pulling up who know your music, but this is also a huge opportunity to play for people that have never heard of you. What can they expect from the set for those that are just stopping by?

DANNYLUX: Honestly, that's what I'm most excited for.  To see people that have never even heard of me before, see how they react to my songs. And honestly, we’re just going to put the best effort we can and hopefully they feel those good vibes we want to transmit. More than anything just make sure we have a good time. Enjoy the music. That's the real reason why I like making music, just so people can enjoy it.

LUNA: How do you prepare for a festival set versus one of your normal shows where you know every single person there is there for you? 

DANNYLUX: I feel like each song we chose in a way where the whole setlist will feel more energetic. There are of course some slow songs the crowd could listen to and vibe with, but most of the setlist is just fast-paced. Some of my favorite songs are on the setlist.

LUNA: This year’s line up is a huge year for Mexican American artists, yourself included. What general advice would you give for someone that wants to get in the industry, but doesn't feel like there's a place for them? 

DANNYLUX: Honestly I feel like patience will always help you. My voice is not really heard and is not really common in the regional Mexican music industry. 

When I first released my song, like my first ever song, I remember I got so much hate. Just right off the bat released something and it sounded different, and I remember I didn't have patience. I was like “Damn, people are hating on me?” and I’d cry every night. 

LUNA: It's hard to go against the grain when you're the first

DANNYLUX: I really put in my heart and soul into this first ever song. I was always so focused on those that didn’t like my music and I would start getting impatient. I feel like that impatience leads to unnecessary stress and that unnecessary stress leads to you just getting unmotivated. The number one thing is to be patient because when I released my first song it didn't blow up until a year after.

I sucked at school and didn't plan on doing college. I was like, “if it's not music, it's nothing.” So that's why I would be stressed and I wouldn't know what to do. Now I've learned to just have patience. Keep writing songs you want to, do whatever you want to do. Once a song is out,  just let the world do its thing. 

LUNA: You’ve got a lot coming up - what intentions do you have for the upcoming months?

DANNYLUX: I'm planning on releasing so much more music. I just want this year for people to get the best version of me. I’m working on this big album and it's going to be sick. I'm just excited to keep finishing all these songs.

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