Born in 1970 and raised in Kitchener, Ontario , he began his professional career playing with the Rhinos before beginning a solo career. In the late 1990s, he moved to Ottawa, where he developed a loyal following with a weekly show at the Manx Pub on Elgin St. In his live shows, he often uses looped live samples of his guitar and other instruments to create a richly layered solo performance. While at the Manx he often entertained with cover versions of songs by some of his favourite artists, including David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, and the Rheostatics. At the same time, he began to amass an extensive repertoire of original tunes, and briefly joined local power-pop band Starling.
As a songwriter, he has released six albums, including an album devoted to covers David Bowie songs. His albums have often been recorded in a home-studio with him performing most, if not all, instruments. He is a talented guitarist who is universally lauded for his lyrics, having been compared to Elvis Costello and received accolades from renowned Canadian author Timothy Findley.
In 2004, Danny was nominated for Best New Artist at the Juno Awards following the release of his album "Tales from the Invisible Man" the previous year. The award went to Michael Bublé.
DJ
Danny Michel Lyrics
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Can't turn around, no, can't turn around, no, oh no
I am a DJ, I am what I play
I got believers believing me
I'm home, lost my job, incurably ill
You think this is easy, realism, man
I got a girl out there, I suppose
I feel like Dan Dare lies down
I think she's dancing, but what do I know?
I am a DJ, I am what I play
Can't turn around, no, can't turn around, no, oh no
I am a DJ, I am what I play
Can't turn around, no, can't turn around, no, oh no
I am a DJ, I am what I play
I got believers believing me, oh
One more weekend of lights and evening faces
Fast food, living nostalgia
Humble pie or bitter fruit
Oh, I am a DJ, I am what I play
I can't turn around, no, can't turn around, no, oh no
I am a DJ, I am what I play
I can't turn around, no, can't turn around, no, oh no
I am a DJ, I am what I play
I got believers believing me, oh
I got believers
I got believers believing me
Time flies when you're having fun
Break his heart, break her heart
He used to be my boss, but now he's a puppet dancer
I am a DJ, and I got believers
I got believers
I got believers believing me
I got believers
I got believers believing me, oh
I am a DJ, I am what I play
The song "DJ" by Danny Michel is about the life of a DJ who lives for his music, and lives his music. He is a DJ because that is who he is, and he cannot turn around from who he is. The chorus of the song states, "I am a DJ, I am what I play, can't turn around no, can't turn around no oh no." This shows the DJ's deep commitment to his craft and his inability to turn away from it. The DJ understands that he is what he plays, and his music is a representation of himself, and by extension, the people who listen to him. He has believers, and they believe in him.
The verse of the song reveals the DJ's personal struggles. He is at home, lost his job, and is incurably ill. The reality of his situation is difficult, but he continues to play his music because that is what he loves to do. He has a girl out there who is dancing, and he thinks she is dancing to his music, but he admits that he cannot be sure. He feels like he has lost control of his life, but still manages to find solace in his music. The final line of the verse, "I can't turn around, no, can't turn around, no oh no," reinforces the idea that the DJ is committed to his music, even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
I am a DJ, I am what I play
As a DJ, I am defined not only by who I am, but by the music I choose to play for others
Can't turn around, no, can't turn around, no, oh no
Once I've started playing a certain genre or style of music, I cannot suddenly switch to something else without losing credibility or upsetting my crowd
I got believers believing me
Through my music and my role as a DJ, I have gained a following of faithful fans who trust and enjoy what I play
You think this is easy, realism, man
Being a successful DJ isn't just about playing any music or being a party animal; it requires a sense of realism and hard work that is often underestimated by others
I feel like Dan Dare lies down
I feel overwhelmed and like a failure, just as the comic book hero Dan Dare often felt helpless in his adventures
One more weekend of lights and evening faces
Every weekend as a DJ feels more or less the same, with flashing lights and crowds of people who all blend together and eventually become forgettable
Fast food, living nostalgia
In this world of quick gratification and remembrance of simpler times, the music industry feels like a conveyor belt of throwaway entertainments aimed at a generation that can't slow down enough to really experience or process any of it
I got believers believing me, oh
I have proven myself as a reputable DJ time and time again, which has resulted in a dedicated fan base that supports and admires me with great respect and trust
Time flies when you're having fun
Being a DJ and engaging a crowd with great music and a celebratory atmosphere can make time seem to fly by
Break his heart, break her heart
The music I play has the power to evoke certain emotions and feelings, including joy, sorrow, love, and heartbreak, which can come alive through the lyrics and sounds of different songs
He used to be my boss, but now he's a puppet dancer
I have achieved greater success than some of my bosses or colleagues who used to control me, and now they work under me or follow my lead on the dance floor
I am a DJ, and I got believers
As a DJ, my ability to gain believers or followers is a testament to my skill and talent, as well as my ability to read the room and deliver just what the crowd wants
Contributed by Grace C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.