After teasing new sounds throughout the year, Chicago-based artist Danny G Felix is finally unveiling his long-anticipated album, ‘End of Now’. Marking his first full-length release since 2024’s ‘Konpazouka’, the album showcases Felix’s masterful ability to weave choppy backbeats and lush, soulful melodies into an expansive tapestry.
Featuring collaborations with Rory Brown and Lari Costa, the album highlights Felix’s fearless experimentation and genre-defying approach, solidifying his place as a standout voice in contemporary jazz and beyond. With a background spanning work alongside legends like Gregory Porter and The Blind Boys of Alabama, Felix brings a global perspective to his craft, using music as a joyful, transformative mission.
In this interview, we explore the inspirations behind ‘End of Now’, the creative process that brought it to life, and what lies ahead as Felix steps into an exciting new chapter for 2025.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
When I was small, I sang along and jammed on pots, pans, pillows , tables–whatever I could get my hands on–to records and cassette tapes. My parents realised I loved music, so I was lucky–they encouraged me with classes and live music experiences from an early age. This led eventually to high school and university at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, both part of the public education system in Australia.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
My first big love was The Beatles. I wore out those old cassette tapes.
Then when I was about 14 I heard Miles Davis for the first time. I copied my mom’s Kind of Blue album onto a tape and listened to it on my walkman every day on the bus to school. I became curious about other jazz and one group I really got into was the Sydney acid jazz band D.I.G (Directions In Groove).
When famous Australian jazz trumpet player James Morrison came to my school, it started my love of the trumpet. Also around this time I heard salsa music at a festival and then learned a lot about Cuban music from my friend’s dad. Salsa and Timba music thrilled me and is still a huge part of my musical life. In the past few years I’ve been really into a Haitian style music called Kompa Gouyad.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
In early high school (mid to late 90’s) seeing the impact music had on people’s lives including my own. Back then it really gave you an identity, what music you were into. Also the power and creativity that it induced, it got me hooked. Music quickly became the most important thing in my life. In high school, my best friends and I started a jazz-fusion band. We all became full-time musicians, except for the one sensible guy in the group!
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
It often starts with a riff or a type of groove. I’ve always been very into rhythm. But also when I hear something I like from another artist or band. Especially when I hear it live and something about it inspires me. Then I’ll try to recreate it but in my own way. I love fusing different styles together, and also collaborating with others.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
I’ve never been much of a lyricist. Most of my inspiration comes from the music itself: the harmony, the groove, the melody.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
Freedom, experimentation, sensuality, tension, sounds from real life. The beauty and the ugliness all mixed together. I want the listener to experience all of that. I want people to be moved by my music.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
So many other factors come into it before a lot of people even take in the sound. Too much is about what you look like or what you represent or your background story. I just want people to close their eyes and feel the music. And of course there’s always the challenge of making a living!
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
All the different people I’ve connected with through music. Also traveling and experiencing music in different parts of the world. It’s always unique depending on your surroundings. I love the discovery, it’s what inspires me.
Cali, Colombia, which is known as the world capital of salsa. for many years was my second musical home.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
It’s a challenge for any artist to be themselves in today’s industry. Technology has gotten to a point where practically anyone can pretend to be a musical artist. There is also so much pressure with social media comparisons and competition. I think the best way to stay true to yourself is to strip it back and focus on the essence of what we are doing without being so concerned about perfection or what other people think about it.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
I’m constantly trying to learn and evolve as a musician. I have new records that I’m working on and also just doing my best to establish myself here in the US. I have a residency here in Chicago with my trio at a really cool jazz venue called Le Piano on Sundays (11pm – 2pm) and running a live jam on Mondays (7pm – 10pm).
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
Touring and performing at different jazz festivals around the world as well as collaborating with artists from Haiti, Europe and Africa.
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Listen to Danny G Felix’s new album ‘End Of Now’ below.
