Episode 4: Dani Markham

I discovered music at a young age, and I feel really lucky to have found a passion, something that really drives me. I connected to Rhythm. It made sense to me and I was like, oh, this is mine. So I think initially it was sort of a selfish, fulfilling thing, but now it's amazing that I can influence other people and inspire other kids. 

The place that I'm in right now is creating a space with music where people can connect and build bonds and relationships. Like this is a lifestyle. This is how I've traveled the world. This is how I've met my best friends. This is how I self-Express. I had missed that connection of playing with other musicians. Being here with the Blue Devils was a great blessing because the team is so open to different styles and different influences. I was in a lot of different ensembles growing up through high school and college, but I've stepped away from it for a bit because I've been in this pop world playing as a percussionist with Tune Yards and Childish Gambino to come in and seeing the behind the scenes with the kids, setting up helping each other.

It brought back this feeling of like, oh wow. This is a team. I need to step into my part. I mean, these kids are incredible. We come in and we're hoping to inspire them, but they inspire us too. Coming here and meeting the other guest artists, I don't know if the styles of music the other artists play, if we would be in the same room without Ludwig Musser putting this together, and now we're Family for Life. 

I have always felt super supported with Musser, and I think they have the best quality instrument. First of all, they have the best Glockenspiel in the game. The Glockenspiel is such like a penetrating sound, but with Musser it is robust and it's big and it's warm. You feel like some resonance there. To be able to also play a Musser Vibraphone, not only does it sound good, it looks amazing. And then on top of that, working with a company that you have a personal relationship with, it's incredible. I just feel very lucky to have them.

Follow Dani Markham: https://www.instagram.com/danimarkham/