In the back alleys of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, there is a door that leads to an artist who attracts one of the most diverse audiences I have ever experienced. Men in their 60s dancing and singing every lyric, alternative women with the coolest hair and makeup you’ve ever seen, middle-aged women in suits and heels, a man with long dreadlocks crying along to the lyrics.

There is something magical about an artist who can bring together so many different people and remind us that we have more in common than what divides us — this is what authenticity attracts.

On the top floor of AATMA, I had the pleasure of chatting to the man behind the audience, Pop-Punk solo artist, Danny Wright.

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Dressed in Full Black

Tanned, with tousled hair and model-good looks, I did not expect to have one of the deepest, most genuine conversations I have had with an artist in a long time.

Follow me to unlock the secret garden door and discover the world of Wright.

The room felt like a blast from my drama school days, with mirror-adorned walls for dancers, stage lights on the beamed ceilings, and random band stickers peeling from every surface, still desperate to be seen. Chosen. Adored.

An electric aura filled the air, which I only ever seem to notice when I am in the company of other neurodivergent creatives—the bleating mix of dreams, hope, despair, trauma, and want for a better world. A safe outlet.

“That connection with a crowd, it’s the only time my brain actually shuts up.”

Interview

Hannah: What are you most excited about tonight?
Danny: Honestly? Just playing. It’s such a cool venue — great sound, proper vibe. I’ve been here before for soundcheck and it already felt good. Plus, it’s Friday, so I might even treat myself to a beer after.

Hannah: Have you played Manchester before?
Danny: Yeah! There was a whole thing last year because I said I was playing Manchester, but technically it was Salford. People were like, “That’s not Manchester!” But come on, it’s all Greater Manchester, innit? I’ve played Factory before too — that one was wicked. Manchester just has this energy, like a compact version of London but cooler.

Hannah: What’s your pre-show routine like?
Danny: Depends on the night. I use a little nebuliser to steam my throat, but sometimes I just put on Blink-182 and jump around until I’m hyped. Other times I meditate, or have a quick tequila. No middle ground — it’s zen or chaos.

Crowd Connection & ADHD

Hannah: What goes through your head when you feel that connection with the crowd?
Danny: Honestly? Nothing. That’s the magic bit — my brain finally shuts up. I’m not overthinking or analysing, just there. It’s probably why I still do this — it’s the only time I actually stop thinking.

Hannah: You’ve talked about ADHD — has that changed the way you make music?
Danny: Definitely. I was diagnosed last year. The meds calm me down a lot, but there’s a part of that chaos that I kinda need. It’s probably why I love pop-punk and emo — it moves at the same speed as my brain. I’ve had times where I’ve been medicated and calm, and other times where I’m off it and buzzing everywhere. I’m like, “Yep, this is why I write fast songs.”

Band History

Hannah: What did your band days teach you that you still carry as a solo artist?
Danny: So much. My first band, Dissolved In, gave me everything — touring, writing, the lot. It also taught me that the impossible can happen if you actually graft. Going solo later on was terrifying, but I wouldn’t have had the guts without that band background.

Going Solo

“I realised I didn’t need a band to make music, I just needed courage.”

Hannah: Was there a moment you knew it was time to go solo?
Danny: Yeah, 100%. After the band ended, I stopped playing for a while, and it actually hurt, like my guitar was judging me from the corner of the room. Therapy weirdly brought me back to it. I realised I didn’t need a band to make music. So I just grabbed my acoustic and started gigging solo around London, and it felt right.

Musical Influences & Sound

Hannah: Your sound clearly nods to Blink-182 and Green Day. How do they influence you now?
Danny: I’m a massive Blink fan — everyone knows that. But it’s not the silly songs; it’s the darker, more emotional ones that hit me. Like “Adam’s Song” or the deep cuts. It’s about finding that sweet spot between catchy and meaningful. My new track Never Getting Better leans into that rawness.

Hannah: What changed most for you from band life to being solo?
Danny: It’s more about being me now, not fitting into a scene. I’m not trying to be Slash on guitar — I just want to be the best version of me within my ability. I’d rather be authentic than technically perfect.

Writing, Fans & Live Shows

Hannah: Do you write with live shows in mind?
Danny: Always. I started out playing live, so I naturally imagine how things will sound in a room. If I wrote metal, I’d probably write a breakdown just picturing people losing it when it drops.

Hannah: How do your fans influence what you do?
Danny: They keep me sane. Some of them have my lyrics tattooed or travel miles to shows — it’s mad. When you’re doubting everything, seeing that kind of support makes it all worth it.

Hannah: What makes a gig truly resonate after the night’s over?
Danny: It’s that shared time. That moment. Time’s the most valuable thing we have, right? If someone chooses to spend theirs watching you, that’s special. The shows that stick are the ones that feel real — no ego, just connection.

Style, Image & Authenticity

“If I like my look, that’s enough.”

Hannah: How do style and visuals fit with your music?
Danny: I like things to look cool and cohesive, but not forced. I’m not a fashion guy, I just like stuff that looks sick. If I like it, that’s enough.

Hannah: Where do you sit in the current UK pop-punk world?
Danny: Probably more on the pop side of pop-punk — American-influenced but with a British twist.

Hannah: Has social media changed how you connect with people?
Danny: Completely. Most of the people who’ve found my music came through TikTok or Instagram. It’s weirdly personal now — people feel closer.

Hannah: What does authenticity mean to you?
Danny: Just being honest. Seeing the world your way and putting that across without sugar-coating it.

Future Plans

Hannah: What’s next?
Danny: New single soon, more touring, more videos, the usual chaos.

Hannah: Dream collaboration?
Danny: Travis Barker. Obviously. He’s just the guy. Killer drummer, producer, everything.

Hannah: What do you want people to take from your music?
Danny: Be yourself. Keep evolving. Don’t shrink yourself to fit in.

Hannah: What keeps you going after all these years?
Danny: Bit of delusion, honestly. You have to be. But also, music’s been my lifeline since I was a kid. It’s who I am. It wouldn’t make sense not to do it.

Words & Photography – Hannah Price