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The Heat Interview - Danny K, 22 January 2005

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Unseen Star Trapped In Herself	Posted: Jan 23 2005, 08:48 AM
Administrator Group: Admin Posts: 291 Member No.: 1 Joined: 30-October 04	Danny K's one of our best ecports, so the boy's busy but Katharyn Williams pinned him down to talk about life, Lee-Ann, going gold and his dodgy acting career. Watching Danny K looking like the king of cool currounded by a bevy of FHM's Homegrown Honey's we were sceptical when he told us he was a horrible dresser in his youth. But he had proof. "My wardrobe consisted of horrible late 80's clothes like Mickey Mouse tracksuit pants." Eeeuw. But Danny's managed to style his way into his 20s and was even acknowledged as our most stylish star in last year's SA Style Awards. Add to that an uber-sexy model girlfriend and a staggeringly successful career - his latest album a collaboration with Mandoza called Same Difference, went gold in just three weeks - we were a tad nervous of meeting him. But we soon found out he's just a normal boy with big dreams... Wel done on that gold album! Were you expecting it? Our record companies were predicting big things, but Madoza and I found it quite a risky project as we weren't sure what our fans would think. So it's come as a bit of a surprise, also because it reached gold so quickly. Although my other albums both also went gold, it happend over a much longer period of time. It's incredible - this album sold 17 000 just in the first week! You seem to be quite the achiever - music-wise as well as style wise. Do you see yourself as a fashion icon? Nah, I don't think I'm the most stylish person. I'm usually very casualy dressed in baseball caps and T-shirts. So you win a fasion award and are actually really a casual dresser. Any other misconseptions people have about you? Probably that I'm arrogant. It's only after people have met me that they realise how chilled and down to earth I am. I think sometimes it's misinterpreted as confidence, because when I'm on stage I'm very confident and passionate. You must like being in the spotlight... When I was little I used to think it would be so cool to walk into a restaurant and have people stare, but now that it's happened it's almost become a curse...but I do like being in the spotlight. What's the best part? You dont' have to do queues, and you get free clothes. But then there's the flipside. How do you handle groupies? My first ever signing session was announced on radio, and the only people who showed up were my family. It destroyed me thinking that I'd made it, but no one was there. So when people ask me for autographs now, I'm just grateful. Just like Heinz Winckler you studied law. What made you go from law to singing? After my studies, I worked for a big investment bank and recorded my first album at the same time. When the bank offered me a permanent job I had to make a choice - I could either market my album and believe in myself, or I could take the position at the bank. I thought I might kick myself one day, but I chose to follow my dream. And my boss at the time encouraged me to do so. So it's been tough for you... I busted my ass to get where I am today. I was rejected for many years by all the major companies. In fact, Gallo - with whom I've got a joint partnership now - rejected me three times. I still remember dropping off demo tapes and they were like "Who are you trying to be? Trying to compete with American artists? There's no space for this in SA." So what pushed you? I had a feeling South Africans were going to want a local pop star. Someone who could make music as good as the American artists. You sang in the states recently - at Oprah's 50th birthday. How did that come about? Ladysmith Black Mambozo always invited me to sing Paul Simon's parts whenever the performed at shows. So when they were invited to perform at Oprah's party, and Paul Simon couldn't make it, I was the natural stand-in. That really must have been pretty amazing... Yeah it was like crazy. When we walked out, Oprah screamed my name. It was amazing. Did you share a dressing room with anyone? With Stevie Wonder's band. And I got to chat to guys I grew up idolising. Did you feel like a small fish in a big pond? Whenever I perform with overseas guys I realise it's a big world out there. But I must admit we held our own on that stage. I don't believe we should think of ourselves as second rate. Besides singing, you've also done a bit of acting. You even got a part in the crazy monkey movie. Tell us more about the experience. It wasn't really acting. I was playing myself in the movie and performed in one of the nightclubs. I chose to perform in a leather jacket, and because of the continuity I couldn't take the jacket off and it was about 35 degrees inside. i had this hectic dance routine and I just poured with sweat the entire time. We also saw you in the local drama Backstage a while ago... I wanted ot see what the whole soapie thing was all about. It's hard work. I have a hecting amount of respect for the people at Backstage. So acting isn't something you see yourself taking seriously? I'm a much better singer. Maybe I'll take some acting classes if I wanted to do the whole Will Smith thing. - acting and singing Someone you do seem quite serious about is Lee-Ann Liebenberg. Are we going to be hearing wedding bells anytime soon? No, no, no, no... I think Lee-Ann and I have sort of realised that's not a prospect at the moment. We're just enjoying what we have now for now. You're a high-profile, gorgeous couple. How do you deal with drooling fans? I know she can get almost any guy she wants and I have to believe that I'm the guy and no-one else. It's take a whileto develope that trust. Without it, there would be just too much jealousy with girls coming up to me and guys going up to her. Come on, you must get jealous sometimes... At the FHM party, there was a line of guys flirting with her and hugging her for pictures. Most guys never experience a whole line of guys wanting to hug their girlfriend. I told myself that I could either laugh or cry, so I just laughed... What made you fall for her? I saw her as a Miss SA contestant, and I was totally blown away. I thought she was really amazing. When I finally got her phone number, she didn't answer my calls for the first three weeks. Did she know whose calls she was ignoring? She knew who I was. Apparently she told my sister that she was going to marry me oneday. ANd I hadn't even met her yet. Do you have any big plans for the next five years? If I could grow and develope into an international artist, that'd be great. Ultimately to also develop J23 records and hire other artists and sit behind a desk with a cigar and a cheque book. Le the new troupe of artists fly the J23 flag! -------------------- .:!iReality is a nice place, but I wouldn't like to live therei!:. Alicia Keys - Best RnB Artist I LUV USHER'S ABS RJ Rocks

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