Crystal Starr continues her ascension to one of today’s most vibrant pop voices with her latest single, “Danny.” The tune explores love, self-esteem, and emotional comprehension. Building off the success of her previous hit, “Part-Time Lover,” Crystal’s new track depicts the frustrations of ambiguous relationships, speaking a message everyone will be able to relate to.
Written by Grammy-nominated production team Bizkit & Butta, “Danny” is a tightly wound combination of pulsing drums, shimmering synths, and funky guitar riffs. The alluring hook, “Danny, do you want me, Danny, do you want me? Tell me what you want!” captures the psychological give-and-take of ambivalence and unstated truths.
Crystal Starr‘s DIY ethos glows intensely in the video for “Danny” that follows. Shot in an ancient Egyptian-themed universe, the visual work taps into Cleopatra’s timeless strength and magnetism. Shot from start to finish with help from her family and close associates, the video celebrates Crystal’s DIY mentality when it comes to art. From her husband operating drones to her mom operating cameras and cousins handling lighting and makeup, all the elements are tributes to her commitment to being real.
The “Danny” lyrics also express Crystal’s position on self-worth and relationships. “I don’t need a part-time lover, sleeping with another like you; do I look like a fool?” is sung as an anthem for anyone struggling through a poisonous relationships. Her ability to connect with her audience is based on her singing ability and how she tells her stories. Her most recent release, “Part-Time Lover,” also explored unequal love and emotional unavailability.
Crystal Starr has built her career from grit, skill, and straight-up independence. With her 80s-influenced retro-futuristic pop, she’s a solo record label. She composes, records, directs, and markets the music herself. Her entrepreneurial drive has been recognized by the likes of the major players, Rolling Stone among them, that indeed, it’s possible to become independent in music that’s new and powerful.
