Dani Wilde is a blues, country and gospel singer and guitarist from Wiltshire, United Kingdom. Born in 1985, she grows up listening to a wide range of music, including 1960s and 1970s Motown and Stax recordings as well as Chicago blues.

Encouraged by her father, she begins playing the local pub circuit while still in her early teens. At 14, she attends Bishopstock Blues Festival in the UK and sees performers including Sue Foley, Shemekia Copeland and Susan Tedeschi, an experience that strongly shapes her decision to pursue blues singing. She later describes Susan Tedeschi’s performance as inspirational and life changing for her career.

Early performances and breakthrough

Wilde’s first significant break comes when she is asked to sing backing vocals for the British folk singer Maddie Prior. Prior is impressed by Wilde’s voice and invites her to support her at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon, where the concert sells out. Wilde is noticed there for her soulful singing and finger-picking blues guitar style.

In 2003 she moves to Brighton, where she spends four years building her profile in the south of England while working towards a first-class BA honours degree. During her first year in the city she plays larger venues such as the Komedia and Concorde 2. By 2004 she is headlining Brighton Live Festival, giving regular live performances and interviews on BBC radio stations, and attracting favourable coverage in the national press.

Charity work and touring

While studying for her music degree, Wilde sets up a charity project to raise money for County Primary School in Embu, Kenya. Through concerts in the south of England she raises funds for music education facilities, musical instruments and books, and also helps renovate two classrooms. The project continues, with plans stated in the bio for her to visit Kenya to teach at the school and perform a community concert.

In 2006 she performs with her younger brother, Will “Harmonica” Wilde, and a band at venues and events including the Royal Albert Hall, where they support Jools Holland, and the Vibes in the Vines Festival with Gary Moore.

Record deal and releases

In September 2007 Wilde signs to Ruf Records, the blues label. Her debut album is produced by Mike Griot and recorded in Germany in December 2007, with release planned for early 2008. She is also listed as part of the Blues Caravan Tour with Ruf labelmates Candye Kane and Deborah Coleman, alongside additional touring in the UK.

Her singing is described as moving between a strong, rough-edged lower register and high falsetto, and she performs traditional blues material such as “I’m in the Mood.”