2023 has been a busy year for British R&B singer Danni Tesfaye. Following her summer hit “Hit The Road,” she now unveils her newest track, “Believe In Love,” written by herself and progressive R&B songwriter Kemi Ade, and produced by Grammy Award-nominated musician Likklejay. “Believe In Love” is an emotionally resonant offering that speaks to the universal apprehension of plunging into the depths of love, where we see Tesfaye trying to assure her lover that they are safe and secure with her.

“The song conveys the message of providing someone who has been let down by love with the assurance that love can indeed be a haven of security,” she says reflecting on the track. “It’s an appeal to trust and let go, to surrender control, and to recognize that love can create a beautiful safe space if they allow themselves to embrace it. This emotional tug-of-war is a familiar struggle between head and heart, and it is something I can certainly relate to.” Here, we connect with Danni to take a deeper dive into her artistry, discussing inspirations behind the track, the producing stages, and her main takeaways from it.

Listen to the single…

Read the full interview…

Hi Danni! Thanks for chatting with us. Congratulations on your new single. Can you tell us about the story and inspirations behind the track?
The inspiration behind the track stemmed from, well, love—a universal experience that’s wonderfully intricate! My aim was to delve into the pursuit of love after being hurt by it. It’s about the endeavor to release past traumas and heartaches, opting instead to embrace the present moment, open to the possibility of falling in love again.

When and how did you start making music? And what inspires you most?
I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember, but diving into music production? That’s been more of a recent journey, especially in the last couple of years. A significant part of that time was an exhilarating exploration, finding my unique sound amidst the excitement. Life itself is my greatest muse—it’s the driving force behind my music. I see my songs as chapters of my personal diary, pieces of my life that I’m sharing with the world.

How would you describe this chapter of your life and your artistry?
This phase of my life feels like a journey of self-discovery. As an artist, I’m still at the early stages of my development, and it’s all about exploration for me. My primary goal is to experiment as much as I can and produce music that authentically represents who I am.
As for my musical style, I’d confidently say I’m an RnB enthusiast through and through. The versatility within this genre captivates me—the diverse sounds and pathways it offers are endlessly inspiring. Whether it’s crafting a soulful ballad or creating an energetic 2000s-style track, I find both ends of this spectrum comfortably nestled under the vast umbrella of RnB.

Do you have any dream collaborations?
Absolutely! There are a couple of artists I’d love to collaborate with. Victoria Monet stands out to me as someone who’s truly excelling in the industry—I admire her work immensely and would jump at the chance to collaborate with her. Then there’s RAYE, whose artistry has been a profound inspiration for me. Her work resonates with me on a deep level, and the idea of collaborating with her is something that truly excites me.

What’s your creative process when writing and producing new singles?
The initial step for me is feeling the music on a profound level. Making music, to me, is a collaborative journey, whether it’s collaborating with other writers or simply syncing with the producer. Being in tune with each other’s vision is crucial. My process usually begins by crafting the song’s structure melodically. Once the musical foundation feels right, I delve into adding lyrics that complement and enhance the emotion and rhythm already established.

What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I wish for my music to resonate deeply with people, offering them a sense of connection and understanding. If my songs can touch someone’s heart, uplift their spirits, or simply provide a moment of solace or joy, I’d feel fulfilled as an artist. I hope listeners find comfort, inspiration, and a reflection of their own experiences in the melodies and lyrics I create.

This song talks about the angst and joys of love. What did you learn most in the process of bringing this music to life?
The most impactful lesson was the importance of authenticity. To convey the angst and joys of love, I found that being genuine and raw in expressing emotions allowed the music to resonate deeply with listeners. Love is multifaceted, encompassing both highs and lows, and finding a balance between the contrasting emotions was crucial .Lastly, collaboration played a significant role in shaping the song. Working with others and incorporating different perspectives and talents enriched the music, showcasing how diverse insights can contribute to a more comprehensive and impactful piece. Overall, the process taught me about authenticity, emotional balance, and the power of collaboration in creating music that speaks to the human experience of love.

Looking backwards, how do you reflect on 2023?
In reflection, 2023 has been a profound year of transformation—a period where I dared to embrace change, confront my fears, and pursue a life that resonates authentically with who I am. It’s undeniably a year marked by immense growth, both personally and artistically. I’ve dedicated myself to refining not just my artistry but also my identity as a woman, channeling my energy into creating music that aligns seamlessly with my true self.

What were some pivotal moments for your career and artistry?
So far I would say one of the most pivotal moments of my career occurred when a clip of my track went viral on TikTok. It was a watershed moment as, without any promotion, I reached a significantly vast audience. It was a pivotal realization that there exists an audience out there appreciating my music. Additionally, receiving praise from the legendary Timbaland, who not only admired my music but also complimented my appearance, was incredibly affirming. Moreover, collaborating with Platoon has been an incredible opportunity. This journey has introduced me to numerous remarkable creatives, amplifying my excitement for what lies ahead. I’m eagerly anticipating the next chapters and the possibilities that await.

What are you most excited about in 2024?
I’m so excited to share more music with the world. My time in the studio has been a period of quiet dedication, focusing on honing my artistic expression, and I can’t wait to present this to everyone. There’s new music on the horizon, and I’m certain you’ll find something to love in it. Regarding upcoming projects or collaborations, I’m currently planning to curate a small project for the upcoming year—perhaps an EP or a similar endeavor. Keep an eye out for updates as I’m eager to share more details soon. Stay tuned for what’s to come!