The 'Soundtrip' of Dannie Boi in Manila
Waden Sadiri
Fil-American Dannie Boi Farmer or Dannie Boi for short is the Philippines’ newest R&B singer and he is introducing his own brand of music to the Filipinos – soundtrip.
This new genre is also the same title of his upcoming album under Viva Records which he collaborated with Dice and K9.
Why "Soundtrip?"
"It is called ‘Soundtrip’ because it is a mixture of house, techno, hip-hop and R&B together. So it’s a very unique sound. So I call it ‘Soundtrip’ because you’re going to have a trip over the sound which is very unique," Dannie Boi explained.
Though he already released an album before in 2007, he considers "Soundtrip" his real debut album in the Philippines.
"My first album is independently produced and distributed by Synergy. I don’t consider that really an album. It was like something I made for somebody to get attention," he said.
But he is grateful that through that album Viva Records noticed his talent. Thus he ended-up with a three-year contract with Viva Records.
"Now that I’m releasing my album under a major label, I’m really excited. It contains more R&B songs and definitly my new album will be better than that," he boasted.
Compared to his first album which he worked on by himself, joining Viva Records opened to him additional resources to create his own sound.
Through Viva Records, he said that he met lots of connections which helped him with "Soundtrip" for almost three months.
"Since I’m with Viva Records, I believe that we’re producing a very good album this summer and it will be surprising for a lot of people who would be hearing House music yet hearing someone singing R&B to it. So it’s like a different new sound we’re introducing to the OPM market," said Dannie Boi.
The 22-year old artist (he is turning 23 on September 25) also revealed that "Soundtrip" is the result of all his musical influences since his childhood. Growing-up, he listened to the music of Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Gary V, Prince, James Brown, and Martin Nievera.
"I’m into all kind of music. Different genres influence my sound but overall my number influence is Michael Jackson. He is the greatest...this is another reason it’s called ‘Soundtip’ because I want different genres mixed into one sound. I’m not only R&B, I’m not only hip-hop and I’m not only house," stressed Dannie Boi.
He added, "I want to be the one who offers something new. I think this will be a hit among club goers...I have faith in God!"
Before pursuing a recording career in the Philippines, Dannie Boi was a sophomore college student taking up Business Management. It was her mother who suggested that he fly to Manila and try his luck as a recording artist.
"I plan to finish school once I’m established here. For example if the album is a success or a hit and I’m gonna be living here for awhile then I’m gonna finish school here...I have nothing to lose. I also plan to bring my music to the States if I can make it big here. I’m molding myself here so I can do it there. I feel like I’m here to be molded as an artist. That’s why I’m focused here," he related.
If he also decided to pursue his musical career here is also because of his Filipino roots. According to him he has always been close to his mother’s family.
"This is where my mom is and I feel closer with my Filipino ties. I’ve always been close to my mom’s side for some reason. I may not look Filipino but I feel like I’m really Filipino. While growing up I was close to my Filipino cousins," he intimated.
At the moment, he has a music video played on MYX called "Shake That Thing" featuring Dice and K9 and Gwen Garci. Though, it is a cut from his first album, what is playing is a new version that will also be included in "Soundtrip." Other noteworthy songs are "I Wanna Be With You" featuring Hi-C of Dice and K9 and "It’s All Right" which is about music taking control of one’s body as they listen to it.
"I’m very proud of my music video because not a lot of people realize it’s OPM until they see Dice and K9 and Gwen Garci... I want to see what happens to this album before I make my next move. I’m just 22 and I’m still young," he shared.
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