Musician Dani Meza delivers his first full-length album for the crushedvelvets after surviving two strokes and an aneurysm. His approach to music is all-in with an ever-evolving sound and a heavyweight roster of collaborators.
Dani Meza, a multi-instrumentalist from Southern California, brings his latest project the crushedvelvets to life with a smooth and vibey first full-length album, “I Planted, Apollos Watered, But God Kept Making It Grow,” set to release on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The crushedvelvets will also perform at an official release show on the same date in his hometown of Indio, California.
After releasing four EPs in 2022 and 2023, this album continues the evolution of the crushedvelvets’ sound, offering an intimate window into Meza’s creative mind and spirit. Featuring 10 tracks, including the single “At Ease” (out October 1, 2024), the album embodies Meza’s vulnerability and artistic growth.
The group’s previous releases have received praise from critics, with Stereo Embers Magazine noting that “Dani Meza, the lead singer and braintrust of Indio’s the crushedvelvets, has quietly become indie rock’s Captain of Cool.”
The album commemorates Meza’s triumphant return to music following his recovery from two strokes and an aneurysm in 2016, which led the artist through an extensive healing process and the need to modify his approach to recording and performing. Continual physical limitations include avoiding putting pressure on his vertebral vein—to which Meza’s solution has been designing a guitar strap to distribute the weight of the instrument more evenly than a traditional strap.
Following his life-altering medical experiences, Meza’s music reflects a renewed urgency and a commitment to authenticity. “I Planted, Apollos Watered, But God Kept Making It Grow” captures the essence of classic, mellow grooves, inviting listeners to experience music as it was meant to be heard—through listening to the entire album.
“While writing this record I tried to achieve the tenderness and openness that artists like Minnie Riperton and Roberta Flack captured in their albums,” says Meza. “This album, the past EPs, and any future albums are all concepts. I’m trying to deliver moods and vulnerability.”
Meza worked with a talented collective of musicians, including Ben Lumsdaine (Durand Jones, Anna Butters), percussionist Danny Frankel (Lou Reed, Fiona Apple) and keys player Carey Frank (Kate Hudson, Dr. Lonnie Smith) in collaboration with acclaimed producer Chris Schlarb (Nels Cline, Swamp Dogg, Trailer Parc, Mike Baggetta) at Big Ego Studios in Long Beach, California. With limited rehearsals and recording sheets in place, the album was recorded mainly live – akin to the legendary recording sessions of the 60s and 70s allowing for spontaneous moments and genuine emotion to shine through.
“With this style of recording, the instrumentation and sound are captured in an intimate manner. You can hear breathing, you can feel the guitar getting strummed and the tremolo calmly guides you to the end of the song,” Meza shares. “We recorded this album live as much as possible to capture the most emotion out of each player. They were able to hear me singing and react to the words and mood of each song live. Think Fame, Motown and Stax sessions.”
Producer Schlarb adds “We have a similar ethos about capturing a moment and not fussing over it too much. We try to cultivate the right conditions (musicians & material) and just let things happen naturally. One of the reasons I love working with Dani is that he always wants to try something new. I think Dani’s life experience and medical history have given him a perspective beyond his years. He’s looking to live and create fully today. Not waiting for something to come along in the distant future.”
Meza is keeping an eye on the future while paying reverence to a bygone era. “I’m writing mature music that people don’t necessarily write anymore. Songs about life and love like great artists Leonard Cohen and Serge Gainsbourg wrote. I had no reservations about being honest. My future goals are to keep recording. I want each release to allow me to record the next.”
Meza worked with Los Angeles-based photographer Michael Hernandez (Zella Day, Jesse Woods, Zach Bryan) to capture the visual elements of his vision. “The sound of the album is very intimate and vulnerable and I wanted the artwork component to pay homage to artists I love,” continued Meza. “Additionally, for this album, I drew inspiration from 60’s French album covers.”
To celebrate the release, the crushedvelvets will be hosting a special album release live performance on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Little Street Music Hall in Meza’s hometown of Indio, California where they will perform select tracks from the album and engage with fans. The album “I Planted, Apollos Watered, But God Kept Making It Grow” will be available on all major streaming platforms and for purchase on Apple Music or via the crushedvelvets’ Bandcamp.
About Dani Meza
Dani Meza, a multi-instrumentalist from Southern California, has been a staple in the music scene for over a decade. Known for his soulful sound and dramatic performances, Meza has captivated audiences with his unique style. His past projects have performed at major festivals like Desert Daze and Moon Block Party and shared the stage with notable acts such as Ty Segall, Blake Miller (Moving Units), and Deap Vally. After overcoming life-threatening medical conditions in 2016, he embraced a new perspective, transforming his approach to music and performance.
About the crushedvelvets
Dani Meza’s current project, the crushedvelvets, is a testament to his artistic evolution. Working out of Big Ego Studios in Long Beach, California, Meza and his carefully selected group of collaborators have released three EPs in 2022 and a live in-studio EP in 2023. The crushedvelvets draw inspiration from legends like Al Green, Marvin Gaye, and Serge Gainsbourg, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh. For more information visit thecrushedvelvets.bandcamp.com and follow the band on Instagram @thecrushedvelvets, Youtube @thecrushedvelvets321, Apple Music, and Spotify.
