Southern Oregon singer and songwriter Danielle Kelly is entering September with fresh momentum in her career, announcing the release of her latest solo single while preparing new material and live performances. Kelly, known for her blend of dance pop, funk, and jazz influences, continues to develop a reputation for bold reinterpretations of classics and original projects that draw from both contemporary and retro styles.
Her newest release is a cover of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” reimagined with her own musical touch. Rather than delivering a straightforward pop homage, Kelly has turned the iconic anthem into a ballad layered with jazz undertones. The result is a track that shifts the mood of the original while maintaining its recognizable heart. Available now on major streaming platforms, the song is paired with a music video scheduled to premiere September 5. The release underscores Kelly’s ability to reinterpret familiar material while placing her own artistic signature at the forefront.
Beyond this release, Kelly is also bringing attention to work that has been quietly in progress. One project includes an original dance pop track recorded in Redding, California, in 2024 with producer Jesse Lawson. A video concept and release date are still under development, with an emphasis on making the project visually engaging without excessive production costs. At the same time, she has returned to the studio with producer Age Diamanté, who collaborated with her on her 2024 single “So Good.” The duo is currently working on two new tracks, one aiming for disco pop energy and another inspired by hip hop stylings. Both works reflect her ongoing versatility and openness to experiment with genre.
Kelly’s live presence remains an essential part of her artistry. Under her DJ persona “Sparklepants,” she has hosted themed dance nights across southern Oregon, bringing disco and funk culture to venues such as Legend Cider in Talent and Mix in Ashland. These performances encourage audiences to lean into the playful, costume-driven atmosphere that often surrounds funk music. This fall, Kelly will also step into the role of emcee for a Halloween fashion showcase at Nous Restaurant in Ashland, followed by a Sparklepants costume ball and dance party.
As her performance calendar fills, Kelly continues to connect with fans through streaming platforms and social media, urging them to follow along for future video releases and updates. Her trajectory reflects a balance of careful studio production, inventive reinterpretation of existing music, and community-driven live events that highlight her personality as much as her sound.
The release of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” marks another milestone in her creative path, but it also signals a larger movement in her career. By reengineering classics, collaborating with producers across multiple genres, and curating themed performances that invite participation, Danielle Kelly is crafting a distinctive brand in the regional music scene. As autumn unfolds, both her recordings and her stage appearances promise to keep her audience engaged, proving that her artistic spark shows no sign of dimming.