By Navani Otero
CLUB PLANET
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She’s more than another pretty face. And she's paid her dues. The former Star Search contestant gave up her cushy job as a pharmaceutical representative to become a starving artist, risking it all to travel traveling to Nashville and record a demo.
The hard work is paying off, as the release of her debut album When the Broken Hearted Love Again hits the racks on April 4th. The title track has already spent 17 weeks on top of Billboard Club play charts and hit #1 on XM’s dance station. The remix produced from Chris Cox has become huge in the club scene.
Speaking of clubs. Danielle knows her nightlife. While embarking on a hectic promotional tour, she was cool enough to indulge us with her views on what not to wear, what not to say, and what not to do on a night on the town:
How did you come to work with Chris Cox on the remix of “When the Broken Hearted love again?"
The label contacted Chris Cox. Esntion contacted him and he was able to do it, which was great because he did a great job and it really did well. It really got a lot of hype.
Let's talk about your start: was there a time when you had to choose between pursuing this and keeping a day job? How was that transition?
When I was on Star Search, I said this is my time. Especially when you're in front of 17 million viewers, so you know if you don’t do some thing now you might I gave up my career, met up with some great people and created my demo, and sent it out to labels all over, and that’s how I found Esntion. That was the absolute turning point.
What was your day job?
I was a pharmaceutical rep. So I had a car, I have a condo, it was a good job. If I wasn’t doing music, which I don’t ever see myself not doing music, I would fall back on that.
Do you contribute to the writing on the album?
I collaborated with the writers to do lyrical changes, modifications; I made sure I put my whole self into that.
What are your upcoming shows?
I am going on promotional tour all over the country. Show back home in Michigan on April 1, and one in NY for the album release April 24th.
What is the worst outfit you’ve ever seen out in a club? Or your least fave fashion trend right now?
I don’t like the Converse All Atars, the Chuck Taylor. Just not on me. My trainer suggested I get a pair to work out and I bought a pair and I am looking down at my feet and I am like ugh, I hope nobody sees me in these.
Latest workout craze?
Kettle ball, it’s a ball of weight with a handle on it, and you take it and do all over body workout. It’s a combo kettle bell, kickboxing, su ball; I am really excited about it. SO I do that 3 days a week.
Favorite Club?
The Roxy! I went to there to see the Pussy Cat Dolls in September and it was so much fun. It was huge; the place is great, so much great energy flowing through. I stayed till like 5 in morning.
Favorite DJ?
In my hometown my favorite DJ is Jeff Z, and power 105 Scoot man
Worst pick up line you have ever heard?
There are two. I had a guy ask me what my sign, I said Pisces. He said can I swim in your ocean? I was like what?! Then the next one was hey have you been in the supermarket lately? I said yeah, he said, well stay out of the freezer section cause you’ll melt everything there. This is why I don’t go out!
Funniest conversation ever overheard in the club?
I like to people watch, and see a bunch of different conversations going on. So you’ll be in the club and see a guy talking to a girl and you just know he is full of BEEP. You are just listening to it and the girl is just falling for it and you are like why? Just listening to the way guys talk, they seriously need to pick up a Cosmo, pick up women’s publications and read up! Nine times out of ten that the way you should do it. We don’t need to be BS’d.
What should guys know about women?
We want someone who is real, not egotistical, and not out for themselves.
Worst hook up ever witnessed?
In a club in Nashville. I saw them really going all the way, the skirt was up, I happen to be walking by that ledge and voila! The sad thing is I knew him! Isn’t that awful, I mean come on you have other options - there’s cars, there is a hotel around the corner. I guess it’s like the mile high club.
What will always guarantee you getting in the club?
Let’s face it; looking sexy will get you in. Girls always get in easier because we can show a little more skin. Guys showing skin, not so sexy.
Favorite celebrity you have met?
Faith Hill, she is amazing. She is so down to earth.
Celebrity you would like to meet?
Kidd Rock. I have seen him, I walked by him a year ago when I sing the national Anthem, and I think he has season’s tickets. He is from Michigan, and he is really talented and had to work really hard to get where he is so I respect that.
Who did you grow up listening to?
Whitney Houston, Madonna, Def Leopard.
What is the last song you’ve downloaded?
Black Eyed Peas, “My Humps” (laughs). My little sisters are 10 and 12 and they love that song. I also sing that on the weekends as a cover song, so I had to learn it but it’s a lot of fun.
Guilty pleasures?
Laguna Beach, American Idol, and the Flavor of Love!
www.daniellebollinger.com