Today I inaugurate a new section in this blog, “Anti-Karaoke Video of the Week”. Once a week, I will post one of my favorite videos from AK, and the story behind it.
The reason: Many times I’ve wanted to comment on something interesting or weird that happened in the show. Yes, Dyk Tornado does a great job in the Anti-Karaoke Chronicles, but nearly every Monday, I’m completely amazed by something somebody does onstage, and I never have a chance to talk about it.
Today’s video is of Dani Metal (real name Dani Claramonte), who began coming to AK-Barcelona towards the end of the Sidecar era in 2008 and sings in a band called Silent Scream. He was one of those people who suddenly appear one day in the show and you think, “Where did this amazing performer come from?” Ever since his first day at AK, he’s stood out with his beautiful operatic voice and command of the stage. When the show moved to the Apolo, Dani was one of those performers who directly benefited from the improved sound and overall conditions of the club: his voice shone more than ever, and his stage presence grew even stronger.
Dani is one of the best singers these days in Anti-Karaoke. Generally, I don’t like to use the word “best” or “worst” in reference to AK. We always de-emphasize the importance of talent in the show — whether you can sing or not, whether you’re musical or not — because it’s really not important in the context of AK. Plenty of people with no musical talent whatsoever give great performances at AK. But when you hear someone like Dani sing, it’s nothing but electrifying.
Another special thing about Dani: his amazing vocal talent is offset by a tremendous likeability. He’s one of those rare performers that possess a crushing talent along with a down-to-earth, humble, even innocent quality. This contradictory combination of elements is just what makes a star.
Dani is not a professional singer (though I think he’s good enough to be one). Curiously, the problem professional singers often have at AK is that they tend to be boring as performers. They focus so much on their voice that they tend to give physically static performances, as if they were in a recording studio. They sound perfect, but don’t connect with the audience.
Not so with Dani Metal. He knows how to connect with the music, with his voice, and most importantly, with the audience. He is a total performer.
I remember HE was the very first pleasure to listen to in my first AK night. He had charm and he loved what he was singing. Once you repeat, you see it’s not a coincidence. The boy is THAT talented. If I were him, I’d take these lovely words he inspired you and hang them somewhere visible, specially on those awful days when you feel so down. They cheered up even me, that I’m not Dani by far!
I think Dyk does a great job at the AK Chronicles, he writes quite well
but having your opinion on the show is obviously, interesting. You have a privileged position and when you write about the show it’s specially worth reading it.
Have a lovely night!
Oh, I missing a lot my AK nights. But Dani Metal is in my top 10 for sure.
But, you know, I´m a big Fabri fan: arrgg!! killing in the name of!!
Pedazo chorro de voz Daniel, today i ‘play the game’ with your honor