Dani Linnetz

Artist Information

Biography

“Coming into her own as a distinctive songwriting personality, Dani Linnetz emerges as an empowered and confident artist. Linnetz displays an impressive confidence and control of her craft, having fully harnessed the strengths of her considerable vocal gifts and mastered the dynamic of stripped-down songwriting. She catalogues a series of past and present grievances, yet skillfully avoids painting herself as the stereotypical jaded female.” –Matt Fink, All Music Guide

In the past several years Dani has called Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City all home. Each has inspired multitudes of songs and a serious inability to stay in one place too long. Not such a bad thing when you consider that in the past year alone she has toured through at least 25 of our great states all the while keeping her home cities thoroughly and regularly entertained.

With influences ranging from Ella to The Cure, Patty Griffin to The Pixies and far beyond, Dani’s songwriting is a comfortable mixture of rock, pop, folk, blues, and country topped with her uniquely powerful and soulful vocals. Straightforward, honest songwriting at its finest. Typical female singer-songwriter fare it is not.

Dani is endorsed by Garrison Guitars (www.garrisonguitars.com) and was featured in their 2004 ad campaign. She is also a performing member of Indiegrrl (www.indiegrrl.com), GoGirlsMusic.com, and Women In Rock (www.womeninrock.com). She has released 3 Ep’s and 2 celebrated full-length albums, The Milk (2001), and Caller Seventeen (Sly Dog Records, 2004). You can hear Dani on college and public radio in the majority of the US and beyond and if you haven’t seen her live show yet, chances are she’ll be in your city any minute.

Instrumentation

Dani Linnetz - Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist

Discography

Rhizomes (2006) (The Inklings)
Caller Seventeen (2004)
EP (2002)
THE MILK (2001)
FIVE AND DIME (2000) - out of print
PAPERDOLL (1999) - out of print

Audio

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• AMG Review (The Milk) [+ Show ]
  

  Coming into her own as a distinctive songwriting personality, Dani Linnetz emerges as an empowered a...Coming into her own as a distinctive songwriting personality, Dani Linnetz emerges as an empowered and confident artist on The Milk. Where she was just finding her stylistic footing on previous releases, here Linnetz displays an impressive confidence and control of her craft, having fully harnessed the strengths of her considerable vocal gifts and mastered the dynamic of stripped-down songwriting. Powerful in its singularity, these songs are deceptively simple, with little more than a strummed acoustic guitar, bass, and drums, and Linnetz's soulful vocals carrying the highly melodic mix. Abounding with minor chord changes and gorgeously multi-tracked vocals, the sound is live and warm, perfectly suited for the no-frills arrangements. Similarly, Linnetz's voice as a songwriter is much more apparent, as she catalogues a series of past and present grievances, yet skillfully avoids painting herself as the stereotypical jaded female. Still, an understated sadness saturates the atmosphere of her songwriting, adding a distinct gravity to the wonderfully realized melodies that return on nearly every track. Ultimately neither genre-bending nor genre-defining, Dani Linnetz, nonetheless, emerges as one of the leading lights of female singer/songwriter movement. — Matt Fink

• AMG Review (Five & Dime) [+ Show ]
  

  With a voice that at once recalls the sultriness of country chanteuse Shelby Lynne and the unflinchi...With a voice that at once recalls the sultriness of country chanteuse Shelby Lynne and the unflinching confidence of Fiona Apple, San Francisco's Dani Linnetz makes a strong first impression with Five and Dime. Expertly produced by David Gould, who also handles the lion's share of the backing band duties, Linnetz's voice is beautifully dressed with a down-home symphony of foreboding banjos, mandolins, and Hammond C-3 organ. Whether maneuvering through the slow, soul grooves and swampy slide guitar of "Understood" or descending into the swirling mass of minor chord changes and back porch banjo of "Tried," Linnetz's songwriting creates a sense of uneasiness and danger through a swirling mass of earthy sounds. While voices as strong as hers don't come along all too often, when they do, they tend to get pushed in questionable musical directions (i.e. Christina Aguilera). It's more than refreshing to hear one that is clearly on the right path. — Matt Fink

• Splendid>Reviews>2004 [+ Show ]
  

  On opener "The Library", warm organs and down-homey electric guitar welcome us into Dani Linnetz'...
  On opener "The Library", warm organs and down-homey electric guitar welcome us into Dani Linnetz's world -- a hip coffee shop on the lower west side, walls covered in faded Polaroids and Day of the Dead bric-a-brac. Strumming standard-issue chords on an acoustic and snapping out her lyrics like an alto Jewel, Linnetz initially comes across as overly-conscientious, determined to get all of her clever words in. "The Library"'s melody hovers around fourths and sevenths -- two notes that exist, for better or for worse, to allow verbose poetesses to magically transform into troubadours. Though Linnetz is cute, her material -- with lyrics like "Hey, how did you get in here? / I was doin' fine alone. / Hey, how did you get in here? / When you comin' back around?" -- isn't very challenging.
  However, this is a poor introduction to a genuine singer-songwriter. "Metal Boxes"' hard chorus and "Like a Ghost"'s waltzing lament are much more attention-grabbing, and with "Would you Promise", Caller Seventeen really begins to improve. Suddenly, Linnetz moves away from Jewel and closer to Kristen Hersh territory, more interested in creating a well-crafted song than in sticking a few chords together to frame her lyrics. Her strong voice, backed by menacingly unstable organ notes, rumbling bass and swaying guitar, echoes slightly until the chorus hits, and the guitar zigzags downward as her voice pegs a high note and riffs confidently thereon. "If That's What This Feels Like" doesn't drop the ball, and introduces Linnetz's affinity for switching tempo and time signature from verse to chorus -- a technique that makes certain tracks more memorable than others. "I Can't Wait" is truly charming. In this straightforward appeal, Linnetz sings of her longing for New York City: she mentions "the big city lights and the life movin' overtime" and her dream of making it as a musician there, and asks her loved one to be patient while she pursues that dream. "In Response" starts out slowly, threatening to be a sappy ode, until the up-tempo chorus cuts in and Linnetz sassily asserts, "In response I don't give a shit who wins; I would rather let it all fall through."
  
  From there, we are bombarded by waltzes and simple but effective lyrics such as "Why do we rush to grow up when we're just afraid of being old?" The album's middle section is the brightest -- particularly "Truth", a plucky ballad swaddled in dreamy major sevenths. Denouement tracks "Bedroom Fort", "Like to Lose" and "Apologize" make less of an impression.
  
  Linnetz is an engaging vocalist who has garnered many comparisons to Shelby Lynne. She emotes just enough to be endearing, but there's a distinct coolness to her voice that makes her sound aloof and unobtainable. Hopefully she will continue to explore various genres and challenge herself.
  
  
  
  -- Sarah Silver
  

• Dani Linnetz - Caller Seventeen [+ Show ]
  

  Our Rating: As a native of California, DANI LINNETZ should know all about sweet and su...Our Rating:
  As a native of California, DANI LINNETZ should know all about sweet and sugary country pop music. And so it proves with this, her second long player, the mysteriously titled “Caller Seventeen”.
  
  Cutting her musical cloth in the Anti-Folk surroundings of New York’s East Village, Linnetz has blossomed into a confident, well-travelled songwriter who, if she keeps this up, will soon be playing on a radio near you.
  
  Opener ‘The Library’ has a lovely electric-country feel to it. Pete Imbres' guitar playing holds it all together, while Mike Stark’s ever-reliable Hammond is also prominent. But it’s on tracks ‘Would You Promise’ and ‘I Can’t Wait’ that she really shines in this 13-song collection. Here Linnetz shows she has the vocal strength, and dexterity, to suggest a promising future beckons.
  
  Lyrically, Linnetz also proves to be coming of age. Lines such as “Give me drugs, I’m not tough enough without” (‘Metal Boxes’), and “You’re good at pretending, you already know how this ends, You’re good at demanding my attention, but it’s a scam” on the Lucinda Williams-like ‘In Response’, prove she has the capacity for deep and intelligent wordplay.
  
  Other standout tracks include ‘Like A Ghost’, ‘If That’s What This Feels Like’, and the aforementioned ‘Metal Boxes’. On the down side, there are, of course, some fillers to be found here. ‘Bedroom Fort’ sounds like Nanci Griffith on a bad day, while ‘Capture’ and ‘Like To Lose’ feels like country music by numbers. But hey, nobody’s perfect. Right?
  
  In the past, Dani Linnetz has been compared to Shelby Lynn and Kirsten Hersh, as well as the two artists I have already mentioned, but, on this occasion, that certainly doesn’t detract from what is essentially an excellent introduction to a rising talent in her own right.
  
  
  

• Caller Seventeen 12/04 [+ Show ]
  

  Dani Linnetz - "Caller Seventeen" - Well...first let me say I really dig the CD disc cover made to l...Dani Linnetz - "Caller Seventeen" - Well...first let me say I really dig the CD disc cover made to look like the dials on the phone :). Can chick singers get any better? This is Dani's 5th release and I'm just wondering when the other's will arrive. In an age where angry chicks are taking over the stage for women in music, it seems, an artist with the depth, spirit and creativity of Dani is a very welcome addition to anyone's collection of favorites...including mine. The "telephone line" style sound production in the cut "If That's What This Feels Like" was interesting and added something extra and enjoyable. Dani pulls of some really cool lyrical phrasing and melodic flow with her music and it seemed every measure had a gift to offer either musically or vocally. The production mix is fabulous and really showcases Dani's voice dynamics very well. Who says you can't bitch about stuff with good taste and substance? Dani does it...incredibly well :) I like it...allot.
  
  
  CHT Pick: "In Response" reviewed by- Annette Warner
  
  Artist Website: www.DaniLinnetz.com
  

• Beyond the Crowd - Faces to Watch [+ Show ]
  

  Dani (pronounced "D-o-n-n-y") Linnetz is a petite woman with a giant voice. The sound that comes fro...Dani (pronounced "D-o-n-n-y") Linnetz is a petite woman with a giant voice. The sound that comes from her throat is truly astounding. She belts acoustic-rock tunes that have drawn comparisons of her music to Fiona Apple and Shelby Lynn by reviewers. They are valid comparisons but she brings something unique to her songs, characterized by simple but powerful lyrics and clean arrangements backed by her own layered vocals and acoustic guitar. She sings about a woman's life, about relationships and self-perception, pairing longing and reminiscence with optimism and self-assurance.
  
  With the release of her 2001 album, The Milk, Linnetz gave her fans a collection that made indiemusic.com's top ten list and formed the blueprint for her untitled 2002 EP and her upcoming full-length album, due February 2004. She tours throughout the year primarily in the West and Southwest, performing before mostly male audiences at pubs, coffeehouses, and small venues.
  
  As impressive as her music is the fact that Linnetz handles every aspect of her career herself. She writes her own lyrics and without the support of a record label has managed to record and release CDs, book tour dates and promote her music. Linnetz has recently joined the rock band No Name All-Stars as their guitarist and resumes her solo tour in January 2004. Visit her Website to purchase her music, receive up-to-date tour information, and learn more about the woman who simply makes good music.
  

• The Milk [+ Show ]
  

  "The Milk" by Dani Linnetz a Review by Amy Producer of Collected Sounds This is Dani Linnet..."The Milk"
  by Dani Linnetz
  
  a Review by Amy Producer of Collected Sounds
  
  This is Dani Linnetz' first full-length recording and I am looking forward to hearing more.
  
  Some time ago a friend had told me to keep an eye out for this musician knowing what kind of music I like and also knowing that Dani's CD would be out soon. So I was elated to find it pop up in my mailbox!
  
  The melodies are far from ordinary. She uses dissonant chords and alternating rhythms. The vocals are stunning. She has a really solid voice. But she also layers it with backing vocals (her own, I believe) to add another dimension.
  
  Her lyrics are clever and well thought out.
  
  Stand out songs are "An Excuse"; which shows the layered vocals well and "I Will Believe Again" with it's radio friendly vibe.
  
  "Most Beautiful" is also a great song and is a nice ending to this CD.
  
  When I close my eyes
  I look just like you
  Wouldn't have to work so hard
  When the mirror breaks
  It can no longer haunt so
  why won't it break
  And set me free…
  Well, I for one thinks she and her music is beautiful.
  
  (For similar sounds check out Anne Deming and Triangle Park.)
  
  Posted on June 12, 2003
  
  

• The Milk [+ Show ]
  

  Dani Linnetz - The Milk Singer/songwriter Dani Linnetz has a stellar voice, with inflections like a...Dani Linnetz - The Milk
  Singer/songwriter Dani Linnetz has a stellar voice, with inflections like a mellower Sheryl Crowe with maybe a touch of Joni Mitchell. The folksy but sultry emotion in her voice drives passionate lyrics that obviously come from her soul. The acoustic music backdrop is simple but tasty fare, augmenting her vocal work wonderfully from the sweet guitar strumming on "Love Song" to the subtly dynamic rock of "Hip Shake."
  URL: http://www.danilinnetz.com
  Email: dani@danillinnetz.com

• The Milk [+ Show ]
  

  From the opening strains of "Big Shoes", the listener is aware that they are in for a rare treat. Si...From the opening strains of "Big Shoes", the listener is aware that they are in for a rare treat. Singer/Songwriter Dani Linnetz
  
  has given us a collection of nine gems for our listening pleasure.
  
  
  In the true spirit of the troubadour, Dani has woven complete songs with strong lyrics of emotional depth and life's experience that rings true and adds a spirit to her songs that has become a rarity in music since the passing of the early "grunge" scene.
  
  She shares the female experience in such songs as the aforementioned "Big Shoes" and "Hip Shake" with heartfelt honesty without the overbearing and sometimes alienating anger that has become a trademark of other female artists.
  
  
  "The Milk" is an album that showcases the artist's excellent voice. She has a clear, crisp quality that is highlighted by her outstanding harmonies. Her strength shines through in her delivery; equally suited to the folk inspired songs like "Love Song" and "Miss Divine" or the more bluesy "An Excuse". Her song writing is original ; excellent hooks, great flow and perfectly crafted harmonies. Her guitar work was very strong, she is an excellent musician and this coupled with her voice have allowed her to present these songs with a pure, clear simplicity that only further serves to highlight the complexity and power of emotion that her skill and depth bring to her songs.
  
  
  Supporting musicians Alex Kinnell on drums and Kyle Christner on bass add just the right amount of body to the songs and together they complement each other well. Production values were excellent. Dani Linnetz has very high commercial appeal and is far superior to many of the singer/songwriters pushed by major labels today.
  
  The songs are radio ready and Dani certainly projects the visual appeal to capture a share of the video market.
  
  
  The Milk is highly recommended listening. Give this artist a listen and you'll hear why she certainly won't go unsigned for long.
  
  Dani closes this album with the song "Most Beautiful." It is most beautiful indeed.
  
  

Setlist

A typical set, what's that?
Most of the time it's solo, sometimes it's with a trio which includes upright bass, and other times it's the full band. Sometimes it's 30 min, sometimes it's 2 hours. It's always all originals!

Basic Requirements

Calendar