Loui Daniels was born for this. His life experiences performing, writing, and releasing music, coupled with a challenging period through the COVID-19 era and the loss of mentor and musical giant John Tovar, have led to the creation and release of his first full-length titled Genesis. Daniels is celebrating his creation with a special release party and performance at Bar Nancy (2007 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33127) on Friday, November 28 beginning at 8 p.m. 21 and over welcome. Ahead of the celebration, Loui Daniels hopped on the Jitney.
What is your earliest musical memory?
Loui Daniels: Wow I was such a pain in the ass as a kid. I think the earliest I can think of was that one time my father sang me that Billy Joel song. I was two years old and sitting with him in one of those work trucks he used. And I guess one day at a red light he started to sing “Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel)” to me. Apparently, it was horrible to my ears, and I put my hand in his mouth and pushed him to stop. I was whining and his feelings were obviously hurt by that. Since then, he never sang to me. I mean it’s probably for the best. Love you, pops.
What got you into singing?
I think my parents saw that I had a good ear with pitch. I also had a very good tone. I don’t really remember this, but my parents would tell me how I would repeat certain sounds I hear whether it’s on tv or outside traffic noise. I think my ADHD and OCD helped me get distracted hearing and wanting to repeat these sounds cause it was cool and interesting to me. So, they must’ve thought I had something to work with and develop, and they were right. Then shortly afterwards when I became a kindergartener, I became part of my elementary school’s primary chorus. That’s where it all started, and everything went from there.
Who are some of your musical influences?
I almost have too many to name. Growing up I listened to a lot of music my sister and father would hear on their iPods. I got a mixture of classic and modern works I grew up on hearing: Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, The Who. Incubus, System of a Down, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Some of my favorite singers were unique and held their own, like Jeff Buckley and Freddie Mercury. Now for my music in particular, like my album, I borrow influences from Radiohead, Muse, Queen, The Beatles, and The Killers. I appreciated these bands very much as well in my childhood.
Which individual has had the biggest influence in your career?
Well I would say God of course. But here on this earth It would be my dad, and then without a doubt, my late great music manager John Tovar (RIP). He was the one who opened so many doors in the Miami music community for me. It was such a blessing to work with him because I was very green and didn’t know what I was doing at the time. He helped me put together a band. He got me to work in the studio and record my music. He had me travel to various music conferences such as cutting edge in New Orleans. Through all of that, he propelled me to new heights and became a much more experienced performer. When Tovar passed away, I felt even more determined to push myself especially when his friend Jessica Alvarez from Sync Música took the helm and started working with me. We’ve accomplished a lot since then and I’m sure he’d be pleased to know that. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for those two.
What is the most important lesson John Tovar taught you?
“Less is more.” That was what he would always tell me before getting up on stage. He was assuring me that it’s okay to not engage so much with the audience but focus more on playing the music. That advice alone gave me a huge boost of confidence. I used to get cold feet to be on the stage because I felt a lot was expected of me and I didn’t want to look like a fool on stage with how I presented myself. But in order to really be comfortable I just have to be myself and be unapologetic about it. Just be cool and play the songs. Leave them wanting more and it worked every time. Almost all the time. I have my moments, but I try my best to work on it and not ramble.
What is your favorite story about Tovar?
If there’s one thing you didn’t know about John was that he was a narcoleptic. He would fall in and out of sleep throughout the day because at night he never sleeps. I think his sleeping pattern was messed up after all his years working as a manager in the business. I learned also not to be fooled by his condition cause he can hear everything even while he’s sleeping. It’s actually very impressive. Even when a hardcore metal band is out here playing and we’re in the front row, he’s still able to sleep through it but also hear them play apparently which is wild to me. Here’s one example: a friend of John’s was venting with me about someone who didn’t take his job seriously at a music conference we were attending. I guess it was about the sound guy maybe? I do not remember exactly who we were talking about but throughout our conversation John was having his sleeping episode and out of nowhere he wakes up and said, “Oh yeah that guy is a prick!” And then back to sleep he went. We were amazed to witness that. I was completely shocked. From that day moving forward I learned to be careful with what I say around him even while he’s sleeping because no one is safe. That man can hear everything, and it really scared me. Also never try to argue with a guy like Tovar. He will tell you like it is and if you don’t like it you might get whacked in the head by his cane. I mean only if necessary, cause I did have to stand up to him a few times and I think because of that he respected me even more. It’s that Scorpio energy he and I shared. So we would kind of butted heads but then ultimately found an agreement after it all and I think that’s part of why he and I worked very well together.
What is the songwriting process like for you?
My writing process may differ from song to song. Usually, I take a lot of time to make what I feel to be a great song. I struggle with it sometimes because it has to feel right every time so it’s not often. Though lately I’ve been better with trusting myself and to trying out new things; keeping my mind open in the process. Sometimes it may start with me humming certain sounds that capture my attention through the music I hear or even through my dreams which is crazy to me. There was a ring I woke up to a few times and they turned into songs. That just makes me feel lucky to be honest. I play out the chords and add the lyrics that go well with the vibe I’m creating. And that’s usually how I get my songs out. It’s crazy what the human mind can really do.
Which song are you proudest of from Genesis?
I can’t really answer that. I’m proud of all of them equally. I couldn’t have done this album any better without the help of these two legendary producers: Miguel Gonzalez and Ferny Coipel! It also couldn’t have been done without John Tovar’s guidance in creating the product, and Sync Musica for the distribution process and bringing it to life. Shoutout to Jessica Alvarez. I guess when it comes with numbers and analytics, I’m proud that my song of nostalgia “Hide & Seek” has the most reach. And I have no problem with it. It’s a real rocking song and everyone I know loves it.
What else do you do for fun?
Sometimes I like to go for a night swim and relax after a hard day’s work. I’ve been playing some online games lately. Eventually I need to stop that cause I don’t really want it to be a habit. But other than that, I watch a lot of YouTube. I like sports believe it or not. I’m a big basketball fan. And I like my football too even though my own team has been a letdown for many years. I won’t even get into that. But yeah, I like sports. I like to travel. Sometimes I like to go to Bougie’s Tavern on Sunset Drive and catch up with some friends. I do quite a bit. I usually don’t want to stay home.
What’s next for Loui Daniels?
I’m glad you asked! I will be having my album release party on November 28th at Bar Nancy. It’s going to be done with the full band and I recommend everyone to go. It’s going to be my biggest show yet! I’m truly excited to finally honor the album I fought to put together for three years and to honor those that helped me pave the way. We also have two supporting acts to go along with the show and it’s going to be rocking! If you want to know more about it you can always DM me on my Instagram @louidanielsmusic or reach out to me through my website at louidanielsmusic.com
