We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniella Katzir and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniella, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Creating music has always been my greatest passion and way to release. Ever since I was 14 years old I’ve made scribble scrabbles of lyrics and chords. As I grew older, I found myself surrounded by like-minded individuals who were out there playing music and getting paid for it. When I saw that they were doing it, I realized the potential and decided “that should be my path too.” I mainly viewed my first performances as bringing me personal joy, but then I saw my joy mirrored in my audience and that filled my heart to the max and charged me with a whole new type of drive to create and share. In the years since, I’ve used my musical artistry as a way to process all of life’s adventures, good and bad. It has helped me stay in the present and even visualize my future. Even though an artistic or creative career isn’t always the most stable, I couldn’t see myself doing anything different.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I live the life of an active performing musician which includes corporate events as well as my own personal shows. Not only do I write the music, but I also book, market and manage a 7 piece band. My art is unique because it can’t be classified into a single genre of music. Having an eclectic mix of instruments and different styles of music played at the shows sets me apart from other bands. Sometimes I’ll open with a hip-hop groove song and by the time we hit the end of the gig I will have played swing, blues, and end with a song with Latin flavor (to name a few). It keeps the set feeling fresh and totally fun!

It’s true that the music industry can be tough when you are starting out. The line, “you have to pay your dues,” is a real thing! To get your name out there and let people know you exist, you will take low-paying gigs and work hard to make yourself stand out so people can take notice. You will most likely have to supplement your income while you are in this phase, but the great news is that every less desirable gig you take, there are always valuable lessons to be learned and if you’re lucky, some fun, random stories to look back on.

What I hope the world really understands after what we’ve collectively experienced over the past 15 months is the importance of supporting your community, including local artists and creators. As for me, keep a look out for upcoming gigs– I hope to see everyone out there!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Denver is full of great restaurants and cafes! I absolutely love going to The Source and eating at places such as Safta and Temaki Den. Up the road from there is one of Denver’s new hot spots, Number 38. There you can eat food curated by the great Chef Merlin Verrier and hear live music on a huge outdoor patio. I love grabbing coffee and pastries from Little Owl down on Blake Street and strolling dairy block over by the Milk Market.

The Denver Botanic Gardens is always a beautiful place to walk and see all sorts of beautiful trees and flowers. The Denver Performing Arts Complex is also a place that never dissapoints. I have a special place in my heart for the Colorado Symphony. You’ll never hear a bad note with them! Cervantes Masterpiece always has hip music and Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a sight to see. It’s one of the most beautiful music venues in the world. Day hiking around Red Rocks and beyond is one of my favorite activities!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to give a big, huge shout out to the Colorado music scene. There are musicians from all over the country and world that have gathered here and everyone is always supporting each other’s musical projects. I live in a musical community where everyone lifts each other up and gives a lot of love and support. I specifically want to shout out Scott Morrill – Talent Buyer and Club Owner of Cervantes Masterpiece, along with everyone else who works there for creating a space that feels like home for the very special Colorado music scene. I am so grateful to Scott for consistently supporting my music and offering me opporuntinities to perform in this wonderful space.

Website: www.daniellakatzirmusic.com

Instagram: @daniellakatzir

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniellakatzirmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcOzJidCpjuZpY9Jyk64k8w

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.