Singer-songwriter Danielle Ponder released her new single, ”So Long” earlier this month via Future Classic. A beautiful, powerful hymn that champions resilience, perseverance and finding one’s voice regardless of the struggle, ”So Long” is a ripe and delicate fruit, cultivated by Ponder in just a short amount of time as a professional musician.
Soulful, rich and filled with the influences of rock, blues, shoegaze, R&B and hip hop — ”So Long” digs in with relentless force; the power of impact not matching the effortless delivery of Ponder’s full vocals that denote a breadth of emotional heft and resonate with a timeless quality akin to Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett, Tracy Chapman or Big Mama Thornton (the latter being a big influence on Ponder).
Also tinged from her previous work as a public defender and diversity, equity and inclusion officer — ”So Long” acts as a rock solid platform for anyone who feels as if they are standing on shaky ground; a steady rhythm and encompassing vocals act as a helping hand to pull you back on your feet. As Ponder offers words of wisdom and comfort, she also opens up about her musical journey and the courage it took leaving the security of her established career.
”I wrote this song for the dreamers, the creatives, for anyone out there looking for the courage to live their purpose,” she notes in an Instagram post about the song’s release.
Though she just began releasing music 3 years ago, Ponder has always been a musical person, influenced by her musically inclined pastor father, and the music she found inspiring and substantial growing up. With a mix of guiding voices, her songwriting skills and keen ear for merging genres shines through her small but mighty body of work.
“So Long” was produced by Gianluca Buccellati whose previous work includes Arlo Parks‘ Collapsed In Sunbeams album released last year. Along with her first single of 2022, Ponder’s debut album is due out this summer.
Los Angeles fans can catch Danielle Ponder live at ‘It’s A School Night’ at Bardot on May 9. Entry is FREE with RSVP, but we advise you get there early if you want in! Ponder will Al perform at the Theatre at Ace Hotel on May 10, supporting St. Paul and the Broken Bones, or at Pappy & Harriet’s in Joshua Tree on May 11. Additional tour dates include: Fox Oakland (May 6), Humphreys by the Bay, San Diego (May 7) and more tour dates.
Words: Patti Sanchez
For more on Danielle Ponder, make sure to visit her website and follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
