different
full-ride scholarships for theater from two different
universities. I actually wanted to be a film actress,
which was an abomination to my fellow stage actors!”
Egnew’s college and theatrical journey was
sidelined after receiving a record deal in Seattle
in the early nineties, she explains, “so I
was on the music track for years with Pope Jane,
then I got into TV and soundtrack composition, got
a radio show, and a screenplay optioned. Eight years
into music I got asked to be in the movie Changing
Spots -- so here I am, full circle, being a film
actress, which is what I wanted to do in the first
place!”
Changing
Spots is a love-and-life story about two queer women
– one, a former child star, the other a former
rock star -- and the way that each of their pasts
intersects with their present-day realities. The
movie is slated for release in May. Egnew confesses
that she loved the opportunity of being able to
challenge herself by acting in such a weighty role.
“Changing Spots is extreme drama, and my character
Peg is riddled with obstacles, from crushing physical
problems to horrible career failures to wrenching
emotional difficulties. You know -- a day in the
life of a typical lesbian! This type of character
is like a fabulous all-you-can-eat-five-star-buffet
for an actor, and I ate a LOT of Peg!“
Her
involvement with the film came in many forms,
from producer to actor to composing the film
score and soundtrack, and she admits when
asked that she couldn’t possibly |
choose
a favorite task. “This is a really tough
one to call for me, because I LOVE all the
aspects of acting, composing, and the behind-the-scenes
strategizing of being a producer on this project
-- but I would have to say that for Changing
Spots specifically, my favorite part has definitely
been the acting. It's the most artistic, and
the most organic. Composing the score is creative,
but it's a lot more structured.”
Fans of Egnew’s music will be thrilled
to note that not only is she playing a musician
in the film, her melodies can be found throughout.
In fact, writer/director Susan Turley –
when becoming aware of Egnew’s interest
in the project -- changed the script to make
it more Danielle-like. “Peg's character
was re-written by Susan to be a former rock
star, in order to incorporate my pop music.
The soundtrack is comprised of my music, in
different
|
|
| forms,
and since I have done so many different types
of music, from the pop and roots of Pope Jane
to my own more acoustic tunes, there is a really
varied emotional and tonal character in the
soundtrack! Not to mention, I am also composing
the orchestral score, and that is an entirely
invisible character that truly shapes the feel
of the film.” |
On
a personal note, the multi-talented Egnew admits
that she is only partway through her creative journey
and has a deep desire to dive into other interests
on a professional level. “There is still so
much more I want to do -- I still want to finish
my novels I've started, and get my film production
company up and running to produce my own screenplay,
Imogene's Waltz. As soon as I can find more hours
in the day, I'll get right on those!” Life
isn’t all blood, sweat and tears, however:
she admits to enjoying her downtime, and one of
the ways that she likes to relax is to spend time
on the ‘Net, including Dramanonymous.com.
“I absolutely LOVE Dramanonymous! What a hysterical
and rejuvenating pit-stop on this long road trip
called my life! It's an honor to be included with
you guys!” She also admits that she finds
herself drawn to nature to slow her own pace down
when the world moves too fast. “I'm wired
to pick up teeny little variances in the ethers,
and these vibes can really cramp my style. I have
a host of things I do to balance that out, from
running to the ocean, which sucks up a lot of contrary
energies, to teas, to walking or composing meditation
music. But sometimes it just knocks me flat on my
butt, and I just deal with it with the least amount
of drama until it passes.”
Egnew’s
future contains everything from working on her next
CD -- an adult alternative disc entitled Red Lodge
-- to fronting a new musical group entitled Junkie
Cousin, whose first release, entitled JC Superstar,
is expected this summer. Additionally, a reality
television program showcasing her clairvoyant abilities
is in the works. She also enjoys spending time as
a rotating co-host on talk/music radio show “The
Music Highway with Sheena Metal” hosted by
her girlfriend, former Howard Stern on-air sidekick
Jenny Sherwin. Egnew admits that, however, that
all things to do with art, life and love are most
appealing and rewarding to her when they come with
queer nuances. “I have to be honest and say
that I am more drawn to projects that reflect my
sexuality, especially if they have a romantic storyline.
It's refreshing and exciting for me to see intelligent
stories involving two women, mostly because there
is such a lack of them. I'm not saying that I won't
do non-gay projects -- I do a ton of projects that
have nothing to do with sexuality, especially in
music. But overall, I do feel drawn to contribute
to the art in our community, and the message that
the art, whether it is music, film, or stage, has
the power to convey.”
For
the latest Danielle updates, streaming audio, screensavers
and more, head to www.danielleegnew.com.
Additional
links:
Visit
Danielle on Myspace
Check
out her band Junkie
Cousin
Learn
more about the Clear Pictures film Changing
Spots
Denise Sheppard (scribe at shaw dot ca) is a
self-employed journalist/editor who likes long walks,
candlelit dinners and writing for U.S and Canadian
national mags and websites. Her fave topics are
human rights-related pieces and entertainment journalism.
|
