'Discovering A New Shining Star'

There is an undeniable division in Danielle Peck's voice. A bluesy pull, a reluctant smokiness that, when it breaks, yields soaring, ringing, soul-stirring power and clarity. That tantalizing slow-pour tension is a fitting reflection of the artist herself.

Is she an exuberant young country singer or an experienced and purposed entertainer? Is she the self-described "plain Jane girl next door" or a statuesque brunette bombshell? Is she a former waitress fighting for her big break or a prolific songwriter who contributed eight of 11 songs to her upcoming album?

Trust us ... Danielle Peck is all that and much more!

That self-titled debut release, preceded by the chart-rocketing first single "I Don't," reveals all the complexities associated with being a young woman making her way in a new millennium. As a songwriter, she's grounded enough to write a glowing affirmation like "Isn't That Everything," and honest enough to acknowledge the emotional despair of a breakup in "Fallin' Apart."

As a vocalist, she offers shades of her influences, sounding by turns as rooted in country as Reba McEntire or as slyly sexy as Shania Twain and Faith Hill. The sum of those seemingly divergent parts is, ultimately, a message, sound and style unique to Danielle Peck.

Chatting recently with Danielle, and noting that it had been stated in her press that her voice has a "bluesy pull" and a "reluctant smokiness," I first wondered just how one achieved such a natural mixture? "I guess the sound that I have has been with me all of my life. I didn’t really learn it anywhere. I just give it what I’ve got."

You also (supposedly!) self-described yourself as the "plain Jane girl from next door"! Sorry, but I have never had a next door neighbor in 40 years look anything like you! Do you not have any neighbors to actually compare to, perhaps?! "I haven’t met my neighbors. But seeing them come and go – they look pretty normal like me."

For the Average Joe who may not have heard of you and was thinking of buying the new CD, how would you yourself describe your sound? "Good fun. High energy. Country. Something for everyone on the CD. Sounds like…me.'

Your self-titled debut album is an interesting choice, but is usually born of running out of time, lack of creativity, or that you were just too plain lazy to name the bloody thing! So, which is it?! "I know of plenty of debut albums that are self-titled. I think it’s great to get your name out there, don’t you?"

If there was one track on this new album that truly encapsulated Danielle Peck at her musical and lyrical finest, which one would it be? "'Isn’t That Everything' – It’s about who I am and who I will always be."

Having first been a struggling waitress fighting for her big break, what would be one of your more interesting/funny stories of life serving food? "I didn’t do it long enough to have many stories. But since timing is everything – I did meet the right people while I was there."

Noting that one of the first songs you learned to sing was Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues," I'm wondering why that particular song back then? "My dad is a Johnny Cash fan and he taught it to me.'

Back at aged 10 you wrote your first song and even went as far as to make cassette labels and cover art for your imaginary Danielle Peck records! Does this record 'label' still exist today, perhaps?! "Only in memories!"

If you could cover any '80s (possibly cheesy!) pop song, which one would it be ... and why?! "'Lucky Star' by Madonna."

Lastly, I like Penguins ... do you?! "Sure. What’s not to like?!"

Interviewed by Russell A. Trunk

If you would like to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of Danielle's new CD, and you think you know all there is to know about her, just answer this easy question: Soon after her Nashville arrival Danielle met a publisher who recognized her talent and helped secure a songwriting deal with Barbara Orbison's Still Working Music. But what was the name of theat publisher?!

Send me your answers and if you're correct you'll be in the running to win one of these great AUTOGRAPHED CDs! Just send us an e:mail here before November 1st with your answer and the subject title 'CONTEST: DANIELLE PECK SIGNED CDs' to: exclusivemagazine@flash.net

www.DaniellePeck.com