Danny Parker, known for his successful career as a pop songwriter for icons like Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears, and Shawn Mendes, showcases his true passion in his dance-pop project, Model Child. His second album under this moniker, titled ‘Get There!’, has just been released via Pop Can Records.
Parker elaborates on the album’s inspiration, explaining, “In late 2021, I was living in New York City, feeling pretty isolated and disconnected. I was looking for something to slingshot me out of my lonesome introspection and back into the arms of the world. I thought, what better way to do that than to make a dance record? I holed up in a studio in Dumbo with producer Rusty Santos and a rotating cast of musicians, and over the course of 10 days, we made Get There!. The whole approach was to embrace whatever happened in that time and space and just roll with it. Be cool with messy takes, write down the first thing that pops into your head, don’t overthink it. Listening now, I hear so much of NYC in the record—the unpredictable rhythm of everyday life, the people coming and going, the emptiness I was feeling, and the longing to not feel so empty. It’s a very American strategy to look for happiness everywhere outside of yourself. I can’t say that I’ve left behind my loneliness and arrived at a place of true connection, but I do believe it’s something we can all continue striving for together.”
The Model Child sound is a dynamic blend of punk, art rock, indie, and electronic influences, reminiscent of acts like Talking Heads and Fischerspooner. This eclectic style has evolved over the years, especially after Parker ventured into pop songwriting. His work in the pop industry, co-writing hits for major artists, sharpened his skills but also reinforced his desire to create music that transcends commercial constraints.
“Get There!” embodies Parker’s desire to reconnect with the world and capture the spontaneous energy of his creative process. Tracks like “Headlights” and “Overdrive” exemplify the album’s vibrant and raw approach. “Headlights” is a high-energy rock song with shades of early Phoenix and The Strokes, capturing the feeling of being overwhelmed yet exhilarated. “Overdrive” starts off delicately before building into an anthemic declaration, mirroring Parker’s own journey of finding salvation through music.
The album title, “Get There!”, reflects the frenetic energy of New York City and the broader American drive for constant movement and self-improvement. However, it also critiques this relentless pursuit, urging listeners to find contentment and connection beyond the chaos.
Parker’s work on “Get There!” highlights his ability to blend introspective lyrics with danceable beats, creating an album that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. It’s a testament to his artistic growth and his commitment to exploring the full spectrum of his musical talents. Stream it below: