By: Max Kelly
Danica Bryant just dropped her latest single, ‘Libra,’ which is already making an astronomical
impact. I got the opportunity to preview the track early and ask Danica questions about her new
release, artistry, and what is coming next!
Opening the track with an anthemic echo and the lines “‘Cos you’re a Libra, Need me just to
need ya, Playing out the horoscope you pulled off the page,” Danica Bryant masterfully utilizes
her vocals, the lyrics, and production to tease the 2000’s pop masterpiece that is about to
unfold.
While Danica describes having curated her past releases as “a tight modern pop-rock sound
with a bit of grit,” she says that Libra is the first time she’s incorporated that “cheery Y2K sound”
into her work.
While the title might lead some to believe that the track is about Danica herself, upon first
listen, it becomes clear the track is actually inspired by someone else. “I didn’t even consider
people might think it was about me! In my mind, it was always just a cathartic targeted track on
people who take astrology one step too far.”
When asked about her star sign, Bryant shared, “I’m a Gemini! I don’t think this makes me two-
faced like they say, but confirmation bias leads me to agree I’m definitely playful, passionate,
and intellectually curious, as they say.” Getting back to the track,”‘Libra’ was inspired by an ex-
friend who’d treat others terribly and justify it by their star sign. They’d also brush it off
whenever I raised concerns because I’m a Gemini, and that allegedly made me controlling.”
Hearing these lyrical insights from the artist herself makes the lines “But I’ve got two faces to
work against you, So curse the Gemini who speaks your name” have even more impact than
they already did.
The layering of Danica’s vocals in tandem with the production is done expertly within the track.
As she sings the line, “So curse the Gemini who speaks your name,” the beat rolls through and
then ends with the strum of an electric guitar. This adds a bit of flare to this section of the song
and pulls audiences in for the airy-pre chorus ahead.
Overall, ‘Libra’s’ mixing balances Bryant’s vocals and the production well, allowing Danica to
shine while still making the track feel full and immersive to listeners. The quality of the track
really shows through in the attention to detail shown, making it even more of an earworm.
One of the first lines of the track, “Goodbye to the future you prescribed me,” is especially
interesting not only in relation to the backstory of the track but also its essentially universal
application. It’s not only on theme but also represents a fresh start for listeners, reminding them
to follow their prerogative.
The concept of the record is further emphasized in lines “It has to be the stars that tell you what
to do, The blame could never fall on anybody like you” and “Isn’t it a pain to live by prediction?
Born beneath the sun of indecision”. These lyrics indicate Bryant’s distaste toward using a star
sign as an excuse and tie back to her previously mentioned outlook that it’s a “cathartic targeted
track on people who take astrology one step too far.”
Regarding the songwriting process, Danica shared that ‘Libra’ was unique in its origins. “I chose
the title first and initially wrote it as an entire indie-folk style guitar ballad. I didn’t like it enough
to release so I thought I’d forget it entirely. Then, when I next met with my producer, I was
ranting about the ex-friend the song talks about. He found a beat and guitar loop to toy around
with, and we decided to repurpose much of that original sad version of ‘Libra’ into the eventual
pop anthem it became!”
When asked about her sonic direction and artistry, Bryant describes herself as “a pop artist with
a rock bite! There’s also a good deal of folk, indie, and singer-songwriter influence, especially in
my lyrics.” This description lends perfectly well to the creation process of Libra and showcases
Bryant’s clear vision within her artistry. As she previously mentioned, the track was originally an
indie-folk-style guitar ballad that morphed into the pop anthem we have today!
Regarding her collaborators, Bryant shared that the “track was written with my producer Jonny
Avery and drummer Tyler Blythe, both of whom I wrote several songs on my last EP ‘Ego Death’
with. We usually go into the studio together with an intentional idea to flesh out, but this time,
we just had a random throwaway session to see what would come of it. The demo came
together in only a few hours.”
“We thought we’d abandon it, but just for kicks, we submitted it to the New Zealand
government’s music funding company NZ On Air to see what would happen, and shockingly, it
became my first ever funded single!”
In our interview, Danica revealed how much securing this funding meant to her: “It took close to
ten song submissions to get this funding, which has taken years and so much emotional energy.
But finally accomplishing that support is a testament to the persistence it takes, learning to
network, pitch myself, score more public support, and finally make the best song possible. That
funding has allowed us to make a better-quality music video than the bedroom stuff I’ve made
in the past. It’s gotten top-notch mixers and masterers involved and helped me work with a
publicist, so I’m not totally in this release alone.”
It ”made it possible to finish up the song and give it a big, exciting promotional cycle, the likes of
which I’ve never been able to pull off before. It was so exciting to share that with two
collaborators I’m so close with, and so grateful for.”
Speaking of the abovementioned music video, Danica shared some exciting news about its
theme and production! “It’s a clip I made alongside some amazingly talented students I learnt
during my time studying my Bachelor of Arts. It’s all about tarot cards, bad omens, and chaotic
behavior from the titular Libra. Very visually inspired by feminine Y2K aesthetics and witchy
vibes.”
Musical influences are essential to any artist’s love for music, Danica being no different. She
shared that “Alanis Morrissette, Stevie Nicks, Kate Bush, and Sheryl Crow are all big influences in
how gritty and wild their vocal performances are. They all explore their singing in such
interesting ways that really represent the feminine rage at the heart of my music. I love how
visual Lorde is with her lyrics, too.”
Beyond all these iconic artists, Bryant said she is “the world’s biggest fan” of the undisputable
Princess of Pop, Britney Spears. “I admire her carefree attitude so much and try to incorporate
that same energy and dramatic pop sound in my material.”
As it’s been established, Danica Bryant has a clear artistic vision and great music to back it up.
When asked about her goals as a musical artist, Danica shared, “My goal has always been simply
to make a sustainable career living off my work; however that ends up looking. I want to make
fun, accessible music with lyrical meaning, offering a queer feminist perspective on topics that
don’t often get covered in pop. Everyone loves a good love song or break-up ballad, but I find
other aspects of life more interesting. Friendship break-ups, celebrity culture, mental health…
there’s so much to talk about, and I want my music to explore the full human experience.”
It’s clear Danica Bryant has something unique to bring to the world of music and continues
showcasing this through her new song ‘Libra,’ which is available everywhere today!