Interview with DANYL JOHNSON (08/07/2010)

Wind back the clock to August 2009 and a 27 year old Drama Teacher from Arborfield was fast becoming the most talked about person in the country. Performing what Simon Cowell described as 'the best first audition I have ever heard' on The X Factor, Danyl Johnson was shooting his way into the public eye...and in a big way.

I knew I had to get Danyl to perform here at The Jazz Cafe at some point, and on June 10th we finally got our man! Headlining 'The Robbie Variety Performance' - www.thejazzcafe.co.uk/danyl_johnson.asp - in conjunction with @getreading and @reading107fm, Danyl took to the stage for the Royal Berkshire Hospital's fundraising event to try and keep the pneumatic drill that treats cancer sufferers 'Robbie the Robot' in Reading.

Depressingly despite organising the event I was on holiday for the showcase, but each and every single member of staff made the point of informing me of not only how well Danyl performed (proof to be seen here - 'Danyl Johnson live at The Jazz Cafe') but also how humble and generous he was. The volume of thank-you notes received from people who attended the event via my e-mail, Facebook and Twitter account were testament to this. Photos from the evening can be seen below or by clicking here.

One month on from the event, this was my first direct contact with the man...so I was keen to find out for myself exactly what Danyl Johnson is all about. I discovered his admiration for Plan B, his affection for gingerbreadmen and his plans for the future....

Chris:

Firstly I hear you're feeling under the weather at the moment - everyone at The Jazz Cafe wishes you a speedy recovery...

The Robbie Variety Performance held here was a big success, raising into the thousands for the hospital (exact figure still TBC), and you were on top form in front of a packed audience. Did you enjoy it?

Danyl:

I loved it! The audience were so good and I'm so glad that we raised so much money. We need to make sure Reading keeps Robbie!

Chris:

You performed a lot of your own songs which I know was appreciated by your hardcore fans – do you get more enjoyment playing your own material than you do with covers?

Danyl:

I just love playing, it's great when the fans like your own stuff but who can resist a good old sing along to Man In The Mirror?!

Chris:

Did you get the chance to see any of the other acts on the evening such as Has Reading Got Talent winner Donna DeFazio (this link also having been filmed here at The Jazz Cafe in 2009) and RBH rapper 4Fingaz amongst others? If you did, what did you think?

Danyl:

I made sure I saw everyone - it's all about supporting local talent and I'm glad I did as they were all so talented.

Chris

You performed locally here at The Jazz Cafe, and following your success and fame from The X Factor you’ve made sure that you perform local to your Arborfield origins on regular occasions. Is it important to you to give your home audience frequent opportunities to see you perform live?

Danyl:

Of course, I love playing in 'my house' as I don't get the chance to do it that much - so when I do I give everything.

Chris:

Along those lines I've had a question sent in from Bernice Canning who wants to know "When will you be doing another local gig....and you owe me a cup of coffee!"

Danyl:

(There will be) a few in the future, and I do owe you coffee. Soon...

Chris:

Ha, I'm sure she'll be delighted! You’re active on twitter – do you enjoy communicating to fans on the site?

Danyl:

I'm addicted to twitter. I like what people have to say, good or bad!

Chris:

Your fans are very loyal, how would you describe your relationship with the ‘Fanyls’?

Danyl:

I love my fanyls, their support and love is amazing.

Chris:

With that in mind - once news got out that I would be chatting to you I've been inundated with questions and requests from your fans! So I hope you don't mind answering a couple of their questions as well:

Q What does it feel like to see familiar faces at most of your gigs? (Lauren Kearton – Number 1 fan)

Danyl:

It's great to see everyone at the front singing along and enjoying themselves. I'm getting (to know) everyones names now, so I always do shout-outs at gigs.

Q How long have you been dancing for? (Georgia Taylor)

Danyl:

On and off since I was 19 - I miss it sometimes. It means now (that) I don't do it anymore I have to go to the gym, and I hate the gym!

Q Are you planning on releasing "Beautiful Life" by yourself, even without a record label? (Danyls Fanyls)

Danyl:

There are a lot of plans and work going on. I want to write loads more songs first. Just watch this space.

Q Do you like gingerbreadmen??! (Mustang Emily)

Danyl:

I love them, can you make them?? If so I'll have 4 please.

Q Who is your favourite artist and band at the moment? (Abigail Tomlin)
Danyl:
Plan B.

Q Are you happy? Because that is all that matters in life. (Moll41)
Danyl:
I'm very happy thanks. Always smile, that's what I say.

This not so much a question but Lauren Cross wants you to know that she is "without a doubt your number one fan! I spent £250 voting for you on The X Factor and cried when I saw you on The X Factor tour!"
Danyl:

Thank you so much for the support and I'm sorry I made you cry. Just watch this space.

Chris:

That's great - I know you've made a lot of people very happy there! As your Fanyls alluded to, ‘Beautiful Life’ was a success with your fans – what next for Danyl Johnson?

Danyl:

Writing more and getting some good music out there.

Chris:

And finally…following your gig here there have been large calls for you to come back and perform again at The Jazz Cafe. What do you think....?

Danyl:

Anytime, just call...

Chris:

Ha great, I definitely will! Thanks for giving up your time to answer our questions.

During his time on The X Factor Danyl was tarnished with allegations of arrogance and being two-faced - each single member of The Jazz Cafe staff noted exactly how kind and down to earth Danyl was on the night. For me Danyl has always been contactable, always willing to talk to us - my experience of Danyl Johnson is of someone who just wants to perform music and for people to enjoy listening/seeing him doing it. As he said himself, hopefully you'll see him do that again here at The Jazz Cafe very soon - in his words 'watch this space'.

Chris Gillett

See http://www.thejazzcafe.co.uk/ for up-to-date info on what's going on here.
0118 9681442.

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