Danah Denice: Writing from Dreams
Words by Liz Wyatt
Photos by Steve Satzberg
Danah Denice’s band has a special sound: double bass sometimes bowed, sometimes fingered with percussion using wrapped sticks, piano, and electric and acoustic guitars. In their recent sold-out show at Rams Head on Stage, the first intro was an intricate soundscape with an ethereal mood using keyboard and bowed bass, then Danah stepped out in a silver gown and a shimmery white flowing cape draped down her back.
Her sweet vocals stood out against a subtle keyboard and bass line. The band steadily increased intensity as Danah belted out, “I ain’t got no rules” in soulful darkness and a powerful softness.
That was followed by “To Say Goodbye” written two years ago and played on local radio. She has an impressive video of this song on her website that’s definitely worth a watch. Next was “Coffee and Cinnamon,” a country song full of harmonies and audience clap-alongs with lyrics of “you did your best to love me.”
Watch the official music video for “To Say Goodbye” by Danah Denice on YouTube:
At this point on Jan. 16, Danah took a pause to introduce the band — Matt Everhart, Roxanne Wehking, Elias Schutzman, Savino Palumbo, and Shelby Waters. The next song was heavy on keyboard and her vocal crescendo caught us all: whoo-hoos chimed in from all over the audience. Shelby made a change to acoustic guitar leading the intro of the next song. Danah sang about a second chance, “Could you still love me?”
Next, she sang a Dead Pens song she wrote from a dream — “I’m on the edge of myself.” This is definitely a local favorite from her. It’s very catchy. I’ve seen it before and found myself singing along.
Danah announced she had sold out Rams Head at this event. She broke down in gratitude that so many of us showed up. The audience members yelled out support for her. She shared that she’s learned it’s important to show up in case you inspire someone with your lyrics. “You never know what someone needs to hear”, she said. Honest vulnerability sums up her vibe.
She next sang “Grace” to honor her grandparents, who supported her musical talent by paying for classical piano lessons. Grace flowed into a cover of Jeff Buckley’s “Lover, Come Over,” and then an original about finding yourself after an abusive relationship — titled “Last Thing I’ll Think of” — with lyrics like “I hope one day you won’t touch my mind” and “this prison you built inside of me.”
Next was a cover of Alanis Morrisette’s “Uninvited,” a haunting perfection where padded-drumstick-heavy background steadily increased behind her clear emotion-filled vocals. I thought, “Can sound be this big?” We were moved to a half-standing ovation after that. Then Danah switched it up and played an acoustic cover of “The Eye” by Brandi Carlile. Matt and Shelby were in harmony with her. They made me cry. We couldn’t resist a full standing ovation for this polished group.
Our opener at Rams Head on Stage Friday night was Burnsie, an Annapolis local and friend/collaborator of headliner Danah Denice. Burnsie is a champagne blonde angel/fairy blending in with the stage motif (mic stands with glittery white tulle twinkling white string lights). Her set genre was “Love Sick Indie Folk” which included originals and a Joni Mitchel cover.
Setlist
No Rules
The One I Learned From
To say Goodbye
Coffee and Cinnamon
Unaddressed
Little Left In Me
Edge of Myself
I’m Alright
Grace
Lover, Come Over (Jeff Buckley cover)
Last Thing I’ll Think of
Uninvited (Alanis Morrisette cover)
The Eye (Brandi Carlile cover)
Here are some photos of the Danah Denice Band performing live at Rams Head on Stage on Jan. 16, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Steve Satzberg.
Here are some photos of Burnsie opening Danah Denice live at Rams Head on Stage on Jan. 16, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Steve Satzberg.
