“Some day the masses will appreciate Danielle LoPresti's Gifts
Danielle LoPresti is such a tireless booster of the local music scene that it often overshadows her own work. As the driving force behind the Indie By Design concert series and the annual festival of the same name, she has helped spotlight myriad other artists from across the county and beyond.
A champion of independent music and cultural diversity, she is also the co-founder of Say It Records. The 6-year-old San Diego label is the home to LoPresti and her band, The Masses, whose first two albums were 2003's "22 Mountains" and 2001's "Dear Mr. Penis Head." (The latter's title was inspired by a Los Angeles music biz bigwig, who told LoPresti she would never get a major record deal if she didn't emulate Sade or Britney Spears.)
L.A.'s loss is our gain. LoPresti and The Masses demonstrate this yet again on their new album, "Outloud," which...showcases her increasingly assured vocals and songwriting skills. Yet, while she and her group clearly can rock with finesse and fervor, LoPresti shines brightest on the album's ballads.
The deeply moving "Role Mama" and "Sanctuary" are songs Alicia Keys or India.Arie would be proud to claim as their own. Then, there's the bluesy, slow-building "Lean," which comes closer to capturing the mystical qualities of prime Led Zeppelin than anything I can recall by Ann Wilson and Heart. And the comparatively up-tempo "Somebody's Shoulders" and "Patchwork" reaffirm that not copying Sade or Britney was the smartest thing LoPresti could do.
” - George Varga / San Diego Union Tribune Pop Music Critic
“This is an independent release by a local artist. Keep reminding yourself of that while you're listening, because this new album by Danielle Lo Presti and the Masses is so polished, so focused and so very confident that the experience of hearing it is very much like listening to a release by an established star with a lavish recording budget.
Alternatingly moody and powerful, introspective and assertive, tender and angry, "Outloud" is nothing if not poised. Lo Presti's third release (her first recording has apparently yet to be released) has a touch of that swagger that marks an artist with a vision and the know-how to pull it off.
LoPresti is a powerhouse singer, her band endlessly adept at creating a framework for her to work within. Stylistically, the band's approach is broad, inclusive and far-ranging. Listen to the dozen songs on this release, and you'll hear influences ranging from '70s arena rock to punk to industrial to power pop to glam.
Lyrically, Lo Presti and Co. are hard-hitting and frequently political, but always heartfelt and rarely preachy. The end result is that you can disagree with a song's message yet still love the song.
Not to mention the monumentally talented crew that created it.
” - Jim Trageser / North County Times
“Danielle's music is raw and emotive, an impressive album for a new millennium where women will seize the music industry and turn it upside-down
” - Ani Difranco
“After seeing Danielle perform I was impressed with her intensity as a performer. Her ability to get behind a lyric was stunning, she lives every line. As an artistic performer I've yet to see better.
” - Tony Ferguson A&R, Interscope Records
“Her new Cd is awesome. She inspires the dead to walk...
Her motivation, determination, & innovation has inspired me for years now, and it was a real pleasure to be able to collaborate with her on this album. Every time I listen to the song, I'm very proud of what she did with it. The subject matter is unique and cutting edge, we need more of this stuff in the industry...
” - George Pajon Jr, Black Eyed Peas
“...soul bordering on hysteria.
” - San Diego Reader
“...I listen to literally thousands of artists because I HAVE to...I listen to Ms. LoPresti's music because I WANT to... over and over again,"
"...there is something very special about Danielle's music... the compositions, yes... the lyrics, yes... the voice, oh yes! She can make a whisper ...scream!
” - Brent Harvey, Producer, Los Angeles Music Awards
“Danielle LoPresti is a 10 on stage.
” - Michael James, Producer/Mixer, AJ Croce, Hole, L7, New Radicals
“Danielle LoPresti is less than impressed with the state of mainstream music. She's one of the many burned by a system that dangles the carrot ("she's edgy"), only to jerk it away at the last moment ("she's risky").
Now she's convinced that the music industry has little to do with music at all. "It's entirely corporate, it's entirely Britney Spears, it's all about units, it's all about dumbing down your music to a place where it fits in with everything else. It's just a constant, tired, recycled thing."
A native of San Diego, LoPresti like many was drawn to Los Angeles to seek that big break. "Say It," a harrowing murmur of a song about child molestation, seemed like it might be it, garnering radio attention and local awards. But what followed was a long year of frustration and rejection from a biz that could not seem to find a place for her.
When a prominent industry attorney told her that unless she could be the next Britney, the major labels would never make room for her, she penned a bristling "thank you note" that began, "Dear Mr. Penis Head. . . . "
Her note became a song, the line became the title of her album, and "Say It" is the name of her new independent record label.
Going indie steepens the uphill climb, but it also gives her the chance to say whatever she wants. Her music -- an electrified folk-rock groove, part Ani, part Alanis -- offers a slick surface for her storytelling, which puts a human face on sexism, racism and abuse. It's an honesty she thinks her fans appreciate.
"When I write as fearlessly and truthfully as possible, more and more people come to me saying they can relate. It's exhilarating to discover that the more personal I dare to go, the more people tell me they're connecting to the songs."
The desire to surround herself with "people who want to feel something, and want to think about something, and aren't afraid to be affected" led her to secure a slot in this weekend's San Diego Lesbian and Gay Pride Festival. "I want to play for an audience that is into thinking for themselves, and I believe the Pride Festival is going to have that kind of audience."
It also has drawn her to a number of musical collaborations: with her band, the Masses, with several songwriters she turns to for musical contributions -- "it usually adds a few spices that I haven't come to on my own" -- and with the Eveoke Dance Theatre.
That last partnership is no coincidence: Eveoke includes her younger sister, Gina Angelique. Danielle writes tunes for her sister's performances; Eveoke choreographs dances to accompany Danielle's shows, often sharing her stage. For LoPresti, their synchronicity is definitely familial.
Being sisters, there are things I do with my voice that she does with her movement, so it's awesome to see that, to see her become the song that I wrote.
” - Tarleton Gillespie, San Diego Union Tribune
“Danielle Lo Presti's Passion
Danielle LoPresti has a lot on her mind. Her songs tackle social injustice, physical abuse, anxiety, and childhood drama with a voice that is part smoothness mixed with cracked glass of anguish and pain.
Imagine Cleo Laine backed by guitars and drums instead of an orchestra. her voice has the range to take the listener from a whisper to a scream.
One of the most intriguing songs on her last CD release, Dear Mr. Penis head, is "Drain Me" - she brings to it a sadness of simplicity that is beautiful to behold. Speaking of the attention-getting title track, "Dear Mr. Penis head," she quite cleverly digs into the music industry primarily run by men. She is refreshing because she does address important issues through song in a music world that at times is so concerned with just the latest booty call.
Danielle LoPresti said of her latest efforts, "I won't say that there is a new CD. I will say that I've been writing a lot and having a great time with the band refining the tunes, and have been getting a great response playing them out, live. Its an important characteristic of our live show that we never do the same set twice."
You can experience her musical perspective and talent on Aug. 12 as she performs live with her band The Masses at Bacchus House.
-Buzz Magzine Aug 8-21, 2002
” - Unknown
“"By the way, since I have your attention, I have never got a chance to tell you how impressed I was with your cd.
I happened upon you at the Adams Avenue Street Fair and wasn't in the mood for music. But I lingered and was completely spellbound. That was one of the most passionate and well done displays of music I have seen on a local stage in the last couple of decades.
I buy and sell cds on the web as a business and was on a buying run up in LA the next week and found your cd. I was totally impressed again. I have written and played in countless groups over the years, as well as solo, and hadn't got excited about anything in quite a while. I just wanted to let you know that you certainly lit a spark with me and keep up the good work, as I somewhat agree with Mr. Penis head in his observations of the disgusting situation in the music biz. I thoroughly applaud your attitude and resolve and think that if anyone has a chance at bucking the odds you certainly do.
Seldom does something strike me as real and authentic, and your music screems that loud and clear."
” - Mick McClain
“San Diego Reader, April 4, 2002:
Letters to the Editor
Homegrown Star
Several weeks ago (February 7), one of your "Blurt" music folks reviewed Danielle Lo Presti's Dear Mr. Penis Head. So I bought the CD, intrigued, ironically, by the provocative lyrics dismissed by your reviewer as too-rich fare. I found that Lo Presti has a strong, agile, and deeply beautiful voice, emotionally matched to her poetic lyrics. Yes, this is no blink-182 or Jewel, even, no In-N-Out or Krispy Kremely sound bite you'll have to purge afterwards. Lo Presti is a compelling songwriter, uniting vocal composition and instrumentation both moody and layered, soulful and ecstatic. So come on, Reader. Why not just insist that your music reviewers listen to the music? Then you could say you were among the first to have heard a true and homegrown rising star.
” - Tara Perla, San Diego
“It started out with a red folder with a black and white picture of a woman straddling a pomegranate that is split open and spilling out. Visuals are not needed, but the symbolism was certain to find its way into the 12-track CD that accompanied this press kit, entitled "Dear Mr. Penis Head." I read the lyrics before even listening to the first track, a habit that makes for an interesting listen. Danielle doesn't disappoint with the overt theme.
There are no questions here, the recording of this album is fantastic. It's fun to listen to from an ear candy sort of loud, in your face, intensity that impacts even the softest tracks. The bass is big and bassy, the drums are in your face and the ambiance is astounding.
Musically, there's a theatrical presentation reminiscent of "Jesus Christ Superstar," with an alternative theme that crosses Concrete Blonde and Ani Difranco. Danielle talks, whispers, scribbles and talks, sings and yells all in the same breath. Keyboards, background vocals and guitar riffs fill all the spaces. The drums groove and the music is upbeat but often dark in tonality. Song subjects range from sexual abuse, childhood trauma, abuse, rebellion, let downs and all sorts of things we've all thought about.
If this album had a promotional sticker telling you what tracks to jump to, it would say track 7, "Freedom,"... followed by the title track "Dear Mr. Penis Head," which is a lot of fun, with subject matter reminiscent of Ani Difranco's "The Million You Never Made," and a musical tie-in with Concrete Blonde. This track is somthing like eloquent chaos and falls into the categories that puts songs like "My Sharona" and "It's a Small World" in your head, forever. Watch out!
There's no question to why this is an independent release. I can't imagine a major label touching this blunt psychological piece of art, but that's why there's a market for independent, innovative music.
” - Article by: Seth S., theLAMusicScene.com
“Danielle Lopresti is part of the revolution. She is an intelligent singer-songwriter who challenges thoughts, ideas in music. Her debut CD features a full band including David Zerman on organ, keyboard and guitars, Brad Cummings on bass, Jason Harrison Smith on drums. Make no mistake Lopresti drives this CD from beginning to end.
Lopresti was a nominee for the 1999 Los Angeles Music Awards, and her history reads of chances tried, and the failures and successes that accompany them. Dear Mr. Penis Head is a full ranked success. Lopresti has a voice that varies from subtle whisper to bold majestic. Her songs are filled with more than subtle sexual innuendo, but also drive with hope for whoever the narrator is.
The songs in Dear Mr. Penis Head are tactile and alive. "Say It" is a stark view on incest through the eyes of a child. "Drain Me" is about the struggle of wanting to end a relationship, with all the anger and bitterness written into it. The title track is a salvo to all the "Holier-Than-Thou" label heads, and image-makers of the music industry. "They Got You" reverberates with almost a rap beat attacking the cosmetic surgery image of the world.
Lopresti, like a Tori Amos, is not for everyone. Her messages are blatant and written in an addictive manner to keep the listener. Few debut CDs stay in the mind long after they're done like Dear Mr. Penis Head.
” - Femmusic.com
“Danielle LoPresti's "Dear Mr. Penis Head" will grab you, shake you around, and when she's done you won't be the same. Her lyrics will force you to think about things that may make you uncomfortable, but better for it. Not for the faint of heart but it will take yours if you give it the chance. Will you?
” - Brian Gary, cdlimits.com
“...Of course, some of the music was politically powerful. Danielle Lo Presti and The Masses ... were not to be missed. This dynamic diva sang from her soul, about emotionally charged issues of feminism, equal rights, racism, and succeeding from struggle. With expert lyrics and a ferocious voice, phenomenal musicians, choreography, and a lioness presence, Lo Presti embodied all that I'd hoped to experience in a celebration of life and overcoming oppression. Without her deserved standing ovation, my experience at Pride would have been just average...
” - Update Newspaper: Tea Time with Tryce - August 2, 2001
“Danielle and her band rocked The Lounge, this woman's got a rock-and-roll heart--and a PhD mind.
” - Dirk Sutro, host, The Lounge KPBS
“Danielle's cross-pollination of her R&B and Alternative styles lands her squarely into new territory that is a hybrid unto itself reflecting her most intimate thoughts in a way that we can all relate to.
She is crafting songs that make us both think and feel.
” - Eddie Gomez, Senior Creative Director, Bug Music
“Danielle Lo Presti is one of the best local artists we have featured on our show. She's more than just another "chick singer". Listen to what she says. It's all in the words.
” - Bill Hartew, Producer, The Local Licks Show, KLOS 95.5 FM Los Angeles
“THERE'S NOTHING 'LO' ABOUT THE LO PRESTIS:
Speaking of high-octane events, you'd have to go pretty far to top Friday night's CD release party and performance for Danielle Lo Presti and the Masses. If you missed the hip, highly energized event, your lossÖ. But you can still catch the new CD, which has been praised by none less than Ani DifrancoÖ It's called "22 Mountains," and the title song, among others -- like "Get Over It," "Never Going Back," Come to My," "Growing/Old" and the one written to/for John (presumably Lennon) but on this night, dedicated to George W., "Imagining" -- are gritty, sensual and often inspiring.
” - Pat Launer / KPBS On Air Magazine
“Dynamite Dynamics
I was in a club recently, but escaped outside while a typical rock band showcased their wares at about 110 decibels of volume and what seemed to be about ten percent talent. A member of another band approached me and invited me to see their performance, which was scheduled later in the hour.
"Are you anything like what we're enduring at the moment?" I asked. The artist hesitated a second, not wanting to knock a fellow performer, then said, "We play with a lot more dynamics, so you can distinguish all the voices and instruments."
Good answer. "Okay," I said, "I'll give a listen." Good move on my part. The band was Danielle Lo Presti and the Masses, and there are no drawbacks to their artistry -- assuming you like superb playing, passionate songs, whisper-to-a-scream song design, lovely harmonies, and a lead singer who seems to project her presence from the stage to the inside of your head.
Danielle Lo Presti and the Masses (DLPM) also have the kind of interlocking instrumental/vocal propulsion that engages the human nervous system on several levels, leading to a room full of bouncing bodies as the band percolates, rolls, and rocks their way through songs full of heart, grit, soul, and more than a dash of social commentary. DLPM are a stone solid gas.
” - The G-Man / NoHo>LA Magazine / Immedia Wire Service
“The socially conscious and musically rambunctious Danielle LoPresti and The Masses have once again unleashed a rattlesnake of an intellectually and emotionally driven album with 22 Mountains...
The work has been nearly two years in the making, and has much to live up to following the success of the feisty Dear Mr. Penis head. As gritty as its title may sound, the inaugural CD encompassed a flurry of human emotions ranging from fear, love, independence, and strength.
When Danielle wrapped her white-knuckled fists around her microphone and growled her first few notes in 2001, the world met its next musically sexy and lyrically poetic darling.
” - Ren Petty / Update Newspaper
