Danny Singh Bets On Himself

Photography by Magda Gamreklidze

Released at the tail end of summer, Danny Singh’s latest album, MAN OF THE YEAR, is a project that further tests how far Punk&B—the sound he coined—can stretch. But Singh’s artistry has never been about chasing trends. Whether pulling from his Guyanese roots or his Queens neighborhood, his sound is as intentional as it is experimental.

MAN OF THE YEAR is Singh betting on himself and inviting listeners to witness the leap with a sharpened Punk&B blueprint into something more expansive and immediate. Tracks like “Mess,” a raw and vulnerable cut featuring rising talent Babykira, show his willingness to put risky emotions front and center, while songs like “Naimsaiyan” lean into the futuristic, synth-heavy direction he’s been chasing. Even in its hardest edges, there’s a sensuality and playfulness that feels built for the stage. A soundtrack to the ‘function energy’ Singh says he wants his shows to capture.

After quitting his job and risking everything for his artistry and craft, MAN OF THE YEAR emerges as both a release and a manifestation—an anthem for risk, resilience, and arrival—one that reimagines his self-coined genre, swapping guitars for synths and layering sub-bass with 808s to create something futuristic, raw, and celebratory. The visuals and storytelling all work together to place him not just in this moment, but ahead of it.

Ahead of the album's release, 1202 MAGAZINE caught up with Singh for a candid conversation on legacy, faith, Queens pride, and what it means to be the ‘Man of the Year.’

Your new album, MAN OF THE YEAR dropped on September 12. Congratulations! How are you feeling right now in the days leading up to the release?

Thank you! So relieved to be honest.

Why MAN OF THE YEAR? What does that title mean to you personally?

Honestly, this year I had to lock in, trust the process, and trust God. I quit my job not too long ago, and I’ve been on the go ever since. I was so anxious about taking that step, but I know God rewards leaps of faith with blessings.

If you had to describe the world around the new record in just a few words, what would they be?

Energy. I want to see people dance at my show like it’s a get-together or a function. I want to see all that ratchet stuff.

Could you take us through the creative process of how it came to be? Is there a side of you that we’re seeing on this record that maybe fans haven’t before? How did the studio energy feel when you knew a song was working?

I will always be that Punk&B artist for my fans. This is my attempt to expand on that. Replacing the guitars with synths and substituting the bass guitar with sub bass and 808s. It’s futuristic. It’s sexy. It’s hardcore.

Photography by Magda Gamreklidze

Is there a track on this album that felt risky or almost too personal to put out there?

‘Mess’ is defined as some light-skinned type-ish. Babykira is an amazing talent. He killed that record.

Growing up in Ozone Park, Queens, and with Guyanese roots and a strong church influence—how do you hear those worlds inside your music today?

I wouldn’t have learn about that good feeling in music if it wasn’t for the praise and worship teams that I’ve played for and heard. When the church’s team gets in their bag, it literally feels like you’re floating. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, let Israel & New Breed take you there.

Your parents were both musical. Do you see yourself continuing their legacy or breaking into your own lane entirely?

I have to continue the legacy. I want to take this gift to another level.

What was the first time you felt, ‘music is what I’m supposed to do’? Can you take me back to that moment?

I feel like that a lot, and I often have dreams about the people I will soon meet and the stages I will touch. But winning the Afropunk Battle of the Bands in 2016 was an incredible feeling. It was like winning the playoffs. The whole of New York came out to support us, and we were underage at the time.

From winning AfroPunk’s Battle of the Bands as a teen to now, how do you look back on your evolution? Maybe even some lessons learned along the way?

Oh man, back then I was just finding my voice. I was still learning about the music industry. Plus, I was having lots of fun with my friends and family. Now, I have to wear many hats because I have to be a CEO in a sense, and a creative. With all the new changes in the world, including new policies, technology, and algorithms, we must be emotionally and musically intelligent to be a rock star in this day and age, with respect to those who still chase their dreams, knowing the resistance that they’ll receive.

You’ve coined your sound as Punk&B. With MAN OF THE YEAR, how are you stretching or reshaping that meaning?

Instead of keeping Punk&B as a niche genre or a bending vibe, I want to go number one, like I’m Superman. It’s been a fun challenge.

How does this new music compare with your previous releases, namely your debut 'Ozonepark,' 'Sensorama,' or even last year's 'F3V3RDR3AM'?

With Ozone Park and SENSORAMA, I literally made treatments and scripts of how I wanted the visual aspect to look before I started creating the music. I also wrote from a place that has happened to me and what I’ve seen growing up as a kid/teen entering adulthood. Man of the Year is me manifesting for the future.

Photography by Ryder Lee

Do you see yourself as not just a musician, but also as a storyteller or world builder? The visuals around your music (videos, artwork, style) all feel intentional. How do you approach that side of your artistry, and what does Punk&B represent in your life beyond sound?

I always have the privilege of working with amazing directors who are inspired by my music. Sabrina, a.k.a. the founder of Childish, specializes in making music videos that look like movies. Whether it’s the specific lens she’ll use or the models she casts, she knows how to make a movie. For MAN OF THE YEAR, I wanted Back to the Future.

Queens has a legacy in hip-hop—do you ever feel like you’re representing your borough in your own way?

 Yes, QGTM (Queens Get the Money)!

Outside of music, who are the artists or creatives (in music, fashion, film, or art) that inspire your vision, and you’d love to collaborate with?

I’d love to just write with skaiwater, Rema, Turnstile, Mansur Brown, Nine Vicious, Jane Remover, Gab3, Underscores, Nine, Pretti Fun, Glare, De La Cruz, Vayda, Baby Osamaa, Cody Man, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Rory in the early ‘20s, Ezekiel, The Garden, Lancey Foux, Tame Impala, Max B, and 2016 to 2018 Justin Bieber. Those are the vibes on this project that I drew inspiration from.

Do fans shape your music, or is it more self-expression first? And with MAN OF THE YEAR, what do you hope they take away from it now and in the bigger picture?

I love my fans so much. They literally boost my energy. But when I make music, I try my best to be present with what’s going on in the now.

What’s next for Danny Singh: a tour, live performance, or anything fans can look forward to?

Yes, a tour + F3V3RDR3AM 2.