The Many Layers oF Dani Zam: Songwriting, Travel and the Art of Feeling

Manila, Philippines — A vibrant blend of contradictions and creativity, “Dog mom, bookworm, homebody; pero mahilig rin mag-travel. A juxtaposition of life,” is how Dani Zam, an artist from Manila, introduces herself playfully, setting the tone for a conversation that dives into her artistic and musical journey as well as her refusal to be boxed in by expectations.

Roots and Influences

Growing up in a household filled with jazz, Dani’s musical influence started with her parents—her father a saxophone player and her mother a former professional singer. “My first influence growing up. Medyo cliché but for sure it’s my parents,” she shares. Yet, her exploration of music didn’t stop there. Growing up as a competitive dancer exposed her to hip-hop and R&B, folk, and even alternative rock allowing her to embrace various genres. “I love that genre. Hindi siya pasok sa branding ko, but what can I do? I found as I grew up, to love different genres on my own,” she says, appreciating how each style marked different milestones in her life.

Power of Storytelling

For Dani, songwriting is about relatability and connection. “Yung storytelling is the most important part,” she emphasizes. She aims to convey messages that resonate with her audience, making them feel seen. “When people DM me... saying that they've heard my songs, parang it helped them through certain parts of their life,” she reflects and looks back reading through messages of fans that shared their own stories with her, appreciating how her music becomes a shared experience.

Her travels have significantly influenced her songwriting, bringing diverse perspectives into her work. She recalls writing a song inspired by a friend’s situationship in New York. “I just was very inspired by... I’m rooting for that person,” she explains, turning personal stories into relatable art.

Embracing Vulnerability

Vulnerability, she admits, isn't her default setting. “It's very hard to be vulnerable when it comes to that,” she admits, noting how different genres require different approaches. Her approach to songwriting often incorporates a mix of personal experiences and broader themes, allowing her to maintain a layer of distance while still being candid. “In a lot of ways, in my own quiet, subtle ways, yung vulnerability comes with the production side... [In a way] It’s still a persona. It’s me, but a different shade, a different layer. ” She strives for her lyrics to be approachable, saying, “I try to write it as plainly as possible so that it can be as approachable as possible.”

Creativity flows for Dani when she immerses herself in different environments, drawing inspiration from her surroundings and the people she meets; how New York brought out her most confident self, while London asked her to sit with the rawer parts of her spirit.

Empowering Others

Part of Dani's mission is dismantling the narrow expectations for women in music. “I want to keep exploring and keep evolving so that there are also no expectations,” she states, eager to defy and challenge the limitations placed on female artists that they should be confined to specific genres or roles. Her dream? “I would start with having an all-female band behind me,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of representation for women and queer artists.

“I feel like we don't talk about that enough,” she notes, advocating for greater accessibility in music. For Dani, it’s about creating a space where everyone can feel connected through song, resonate regardless of their background.

The Essence of Music

At the core of Dani Zam’s philosophy is the belief in music’s power to evoke emotions. “I would rather that people who listen to it feel something that makes it relate to them,” she says, highlighting her desire to create a shared experience. “The point of music really is to make you feel something no matter who you are, where you are.” It’s not just about her journey; it’s about creating a shared experience that transcends individual stories.

That's the thorough line in everything she does—not just her sound, but her way of moving through the world. And as she continues carving out her own lane, she invites you to walk alongside her: exploring, feeling, and maybe finding a piece of yourself in her songs.