Meet Dani Toralla | Singer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dani Toralla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dani, how do you think about risk?
Studying music is already a risk to take; and in my case even more, because I didn’t just choose music, I chose jazz. We are often surrounded by family and friends who encourage us to pursue a career in medicine, engineering, architecture… the traditional paths that are supposed to guarantee you stability and a decent paycheck at the end of each month.

Usually, a musician’s life is full of uncertainty, which is not very comfortable. For me, that risk is what keeps me alive as an artist. It keeps me moving, creating, paying attention to my surroundings. It pushes me to reinvent myself, to build connections, and to search for new paths that let me express what lives within me. I’ve learned that risk isn’t something to fear; it’s the spark that makes creation possible. Risk is movement, and movement creates more movement, like an avalanche that becomes stronger. In the end, risk is the force that allows me to share my voice, my story, and my music with the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a singer whose main goal is to connect deeply with audiences through music. Every concert I give is carefully planned to include songs that move me emotionally, because I believe that when my performance is real, it resonates with others. My influences come mainly from jazz, Brazilian music, and bolero, genres that often shape the sound of my performances, alongside my own original compositions.

Currently, I lead my own project, the Dani Toralla Quartet, performing regularly throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area. I also collaborate in a duo with Houston pianist Tomás Jonsson, called Afina-Dos. We released our debut album, Two Percent, in 2024, and we are now looking forward to recording a second album scheduled for release in 2026. Our recorded work has opened doors to exciting international opportunities; most recently, we had the honor of performing at the Guatemala Jazz Festival in March 2025, and we will perform in New Orleans at the JEN Conference in January 2026.

I think what sets me apart as an artist is my dedication to honesty and emotional connection in every note I sing. The path that I chose hasn’t always been easy, but embracing risk, change, and constant learning has allowed me to grow both as a musician and as a person. Above all, I want the world to know that my music comes from a place of sincerity, passion, and the desire to share stories that touch the heart.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since I’m a musician, my tour would be very artistically driven. I’d start with Bishop Arts in Dallas, a vibrant neighborhood full of galleries, live music, and unique shops, and of course, the legendary Revelers Hall for a night or day of great live vibrant music. I’d also take my friend to the Dallas Arboretum, a beautiful spot to enjoy nature, walk through the fantastic gardens, and relax in between the city rush. Another “must” would be Triumphs Espresso & Whiskey, an amazing venue with fantastic cocktails, great coffee, and consistently excellent music.

No visit would be complete without a trip to Denton. I’d take my friend to the iconic Paschall Bar, especially on a Sunday night for live jazz. I’d also show my friend my alma mater, UNT’s Music Building, where I spent so many hours practicing, and of course the lively Denton Square.

In Fort Worth, I’d take my friend to Scat Jazz Lounge for another unforgettable live music experience, and to explore Sundance Square.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of course! Everything I’ve achieved in my life and in my artistic career I owe to many people, but especially to my parents and my family. I was incredibly fortunate to have their support from the very beginning, and it was never a problem for me to tell them that I wanted to study music. They embraced my dream wholeheartedly. They attended every single concert I performed since I was six years old. They never missed a show. My parents would drive me, pick me up, wait for me, take me to my voice lessons, and they were always there for me, at the good concerts and the not-so-good ones, no matter what.

I also owe so much to the voice teachers I’ve had throughout my life. My foundation began with my wonderful teacher Claudia Samayoa, and years later, when I stepped into the world of jazz, thanks to Rosse Aguilar and her mentorship and friendship. And when I arrived in Texas, my professors here: Jennifer Barnes and Rosana Eckert. They all shaped an important part of my musical journey by generously sharing their knowledge, artistry, and experiences with me.

And last, but definitely not least, I want to acknowledge the entire music community, both in Guatemala and here in Texas (or more specifically, the Dallas – Fort Worth area). I’ve been lucky to find incredibly supportive, talented, and inspiring people who make the musical experience feel like a dream and who continuously enrich my path.

Website: https://danitoralla.wixsite.com/danitoralla

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dani_toralla?igsh=bm10cXdoY20zNTEw&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danitoralla

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17TpEcfb4s/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaniToralla

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5TXdRx3zcevPbUsBuIBAv3?si=w4x1vS5EQAy_d-CS1e3zAw

Image Credits
Franchezka Ambrocio