Meet Dani Mako

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dani Mako and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dani, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think risk can be one of the most empowering things in life. A lot of times we get stuck behind fear and choose to stay where we are because it feels safer, but then we end up living a life we don’t truly love. Taking risks is about choosing to build your life based on doing what you want, not avoiding what you’re afraid of. Stepping into that mentality changed everything for me. Growing up, I was always told to go to school, get a degree, start a career, move out, whatever. So I did all that – and I was stable and “successful” sure, but I was miserable. Deep down, I knew music was my calling and conforming to the life I had just felt like a splinter in my soul. So I quit my job to focus on music and develop myself as an artist. I really had no idea what I was doing and so many people thought I was crazy for it, but I just had a gut feeling that everything would work out. Stepping into the unknown like that rewired me to just go for what I want in life without caring too much about fear or what anyone has to say. Taking risks has always either put me closer to where I wanted to be or taught me the lessons I needed to learn to get there.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art comes from not really fitting in one lane. I grew up around a lot of different cultures and listening to a lot of different genres so my music really reflects that. I make reggaeton but I’m very influenced by rock, rap, and all sorts of alternative music. I’ve never been interested in blending in and everything I create is just an extension of that.

What sets me apart is that I’m not trying to fit into a box or be more easily understood. I’m just focused on being as authentic as possible and making music that reflects my experiences and my community. What I’m most proud of is that I’ve stayed true to myself through everything and I’m excited to keep growing and creating.

Professionally it hasn’t always been easy. I made the decision to step away from a more traditional career path to focus on music which came with a lot of uncertainty, a lot of sacrifices, and a lot of betting on myself before anyone else did. It’s all a process and at times things haven’t happened as I expected, but I keep creating, learning, and trusting my vision.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that showing up authentically and consistently is key. Also who you’re around and how you think changes everything. Finding yourself, your purpose, your vision, and your community takes time but it makes all the difference.

What I want people to know about my brand and story is that it’s about having the courage to do what you want with your life unapologetically. I make music to help people feel confident, empowered, and fully themselves. I want people to listen to my music and feel like a baddie that can take over the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Got to hit a couple beach days, of course. Start the day with breakfast at Palacio de Los Jugos or Moises Bakery then hitting Publix for a sub and some fruit to eat on the beach. Some thrifting at Szyn Thrift or Flamingo Plaza. Maybe hitting the local library to do a cool class or just hangout for a while. Definitely have to throw Flanigan’s, Pinolandia, and Steve’s Pizza into the mix somewhere. Soon as Thursday hits – we’re outside! The Always Lunes and PPTM pages on IG are always posting dope events around the city so we’d slide to a couple of those or just hit Las Rosas or the Boombox.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Huge shoutout to my family for all their love and support. My siblings especially – all I do is in hopes of being a good example for them.

Also shoutout to Bryan Noko, my partner in Worth the Ride 305. Working on the series has given me a chance to connect with the city and the local community in a completely different way and it’s become a really meaningful part of my life.

And of course, shoutout to everyone who has showed love and collaborated with me. I’m very grateful for every person who’s been a part of the journey.

Website: https://danimako.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsdanimako

Image Credits
Mari (my little sister)
Bryan Noko (@brynoko)
MEIRA (@meira2u)
Enigma Labs (@_enigmalabs)
LIVIA (@liviarosejohnson)