Danny Louis:  Never Stop Learning by: Jeff Hightower (with guest interviewer Serena Matthews)

“Then let us all do what is right, strive with all our might toward the unattainable, develop as fully as we can the gifts God has given us, and never stop learning” – Ludwig Van Beethoven. The truth to a real musician is to never stop learning. This school of thought is undeniable and eternal. Danny Louis joined the power house band of Gov’t Mule back in 2003 and he hasn’t stopped since. He plays multiple instruments and is a composer/producer whose works have appeared on TV, commercials, films, records and any venue that is lucky enough to have him play there. As an avid golfer, one could say… that he is an incredible musician. (Sorry about the rib DL). In all seriousness, Danny is a perpetual musician who is willing to take chances and experiment. He himself actually says it best; "The vibration of energy is the language of the universe. Through the expression of our lives and our arts we all speak. I hope there's no shame in being enthusiastic or multi-lingual. Rock n roll, jazz, blues, bluegrass, country, classical, factories, construction sites, race tracks, all of nature: the wind, the rain, the surf... to my ears it's all music." This makes Danny a natural fit in Gov’t Mule, which consists of guys who try to think on the purest levels when dealing with their music. Revolutionary and at the same time keeping things true to their roots, they create a brand of rock that is enjoyed everywhere they go. And with that being said, we are please to welcome Danny to the Hornet’s Nest. HM - What got you into music? DL - IT HAPPENED SO YOUNG I DON'T QUITE REMEMBER, BUT BETWEEN MY PARENTS WHO WERE MUSICAL, AND THE BRITISH INVASION WHICH WAS SO BIG FOR ALL THE KIDS HERE IN THE STATES, I GOT THE BUG. EITHER WAY I COULDN'T HELP IT. HM - How did you end up playing for Gov't Mule? DL - I MET WARREN WHEN HE WAS GETTING READY TO TOUR HIS SOLO ALBUM "TALES OF ORDINARY MADNESS" IN THE EARLY 90'S. I PLAYED WITH HIM THEN AND WE STAYED FRIENDS AND SOMETIME WRITING PARTNERS. AFTER WOODY DIED, MULE WAS USING KEYBOARD PLAYERS AND I GOT ASKED. THEN IT TURNED OUT TO BE SUCH A GOOD FIT THAT WE KEPT ON DONG IT. HM - What influences did you have that shaped you into the musician you are today? DL - I LISTENED TO EVERYTHING AND SAW ALL THE LIVE MUSIC I COULD. I PLAYED WITH OLDER MORE EXPERIENCED PLAYERS AND JUST LET IT HAPPEN. HM - What is your favorite venue of all time to play? DL - VISUALLY SO FAR RED ROCKS. ACOUSTICALLY I STILL LOVE LITTLE BARS BUT I DON'T GET TO DO MUCH OF THAT. HM - We know you play trumpet and keyboards, what other kinds of instruments do you play? DL - SOME GUITAR AND SOME DRUMS. HM - Whose idea was it to bring back using a talk box the way Stevie Wonder originally concepted it? DL - JUST AN IDEA I HAD TO CHANGE UP MY RIG A LITTLE BIT. HM - What is life like on the road with the boys from Mule? DL - WE'RE ALL FRIENDS, WE ALL LOVE TO PLAY MUSIC TOGETHER. WE ALL MISS HOME AND FAMILY, WE ALL WORK HARD AT OUR LIVES AND GET ALONG WELL. HM - What do you think is the most important lesson you have learned from all your experiences? DL - KEEP LEARNING, THERE'S ALWAYS MORE TO LEARN. HM - What side projects do you have going on & what's in the works that we can look forward to? DL - TOURING WITH STOCKHOLM SYNDROME COMING UP IN FEB. AND ALWAYS NEW STUFF ON THE HORIZON. Fan Question: Serena Matthews - If you could only play one song on your keyboard for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why? DL - TOUGH QUESTION. I DON'T THINK I LOVE THE IDEA OF PLAYING THE SAME SONG FOREVER. I QUIT! Ambient Level Music would like to thank Danny for taking a little time to entertain and educate us about music and his endeavors. Without a doubt Danny is a musician to the bone and his wide eyed view of music is what makes his abilities limitless. From the Nest… Jeff

Click here to visit Danny Louis on myspace

Back to the nest...