Danielle Whalebone is an Australian rock musician, songwriter and guitarist, best known for forming post-punk band Animal Hands and her subsequent solo career. Whalebone wrote the songs for Animal Hands and received acknowledgment for her songwriting and vocals in the press having been likened to that of PJ Harvey but with a more underground punk/wave vibe. Melbournes Beat Magazine described Whalebone as possessing a voice that can carry the band, overlaying her fuzzy guitar riffs, a sound very similar to that of Garbage and Magic Dirt. Whalebone states in an interview with What's my scene Magazine that she is inspired by "unconventional women, poets, writers, film makers and artists". Whalebone gained acclaim for having taken on the daunting task of keeping punk and grunge alive in Melbourne with her distinct early nineties sound. and in a review by The Dwarf magazine as having the "balls to bring back the grunge, a woman with all the strength and grace of Adelita Srsen" . When asked to describe her music Whalebone replies "it's like Black truffles because they are found in the dirt but are syrupy sweet." in an interview with 'What's my scene magazine'.
Career
2011–2013
Whalebone formed Animal Hands in 2011, she began recording an EP with her band in 2012.
The EP was released at Cherry Bar located on ACDC Lane in Melbourne on 19 April 2013. The EP was recorded at Birdland Studios in Prahran with prestigious producer Lindsay Gravina (Rowland.S Howard, Magic Dirt). The EP featured a cover track written by Matt Johnson (The The) the track was considered comparable to The Kills in a Review by Undercover FM/NEWS. Music reviewer Ali Speers also agreed 'This Is the Day' was 'a stand out cover'. Whalebone was praised for her ability to switch between a sweet as sugar voice and a growl in the track 'Defiance' and for showing all the self-abandonment of a punk rocker in the track "Paper Crown" in a review by The Dwarf Magazine. The first track on the EP 'Defiance' received airplay on radio station RRR 102.7 FM and LA talkback radio. It climbed Australias Triple J Unearthed charts. and received a review in Germanys OX magazine. The EP features the artwork of Lucy Hardie an Australian artist who specializes in fine pen and ink drawings.
2014–2015
After undergoing a sequence of line up changes Whalebone's song "Roaring Girl" was released at Yah Yahs on the 13 September, 'Roaring Girle' is based on the life of Mary Frith, a woman who obtained a reputation as a Virago in the early 17th century. Whalebone was asked in an interview by Beat Magazine what it was like recording at Birdland she states "it was an incredible experience. Lindsay encourages us to push boundaries that we otherwise wouldn't have and as a result, we leave knowing we have given it our very best". 'Roaring Girle' debuted on Australian radio station and the band were special guests on PBS "Go for Broke" hosted by Ken Knievel. The single was also given a spin by presenter Ugly Phil O'Neil on Triple M "Homebrew". Whalebone followed the release with her band's first statewide tour. 'Roaring Girle' received national and international airplay and highly praising reviews. "Grunge is not dead! fronted by Danielle Whalebone has returned and the first single is a killer. "Roaring Girle" deep and hard-hitting. This is a track society has been crying for. Female empowerment at its finest."-Lunney, review Punk Globe Magazine. Danielle's song "Edge of the world" was recorded at Birdland Studios and performed by her band Animal Hands, it was produced by Lindsay Gravina and was engineered by Brenton Conlan. It received airplay on RRR 102.7 FM "Breakfasters" hosted by Sarah Smith, Jeff Sparrow, Geraldine Hickey.
2015–2018
Whalebone hosted several residences for Animal Hands at Cherry Bar and was acknowledged for her work being nominated for Cherry Awards in 2015 and 2016 by Cherry Bar owner James Young. In 2016, Whalebone and her band supported The Troggs at the Cherry Bar. She also supported Dallas Frasca at the Northcote Social Club in 2016. Whalebone began recording her debut album Tonic Clonic at Birdland studios. When asked what it was like was recording at a legendary space like Birdland Studios with a producer like Lindsay Gravina? Danielle replied "The best way to describe it is feeling like a tiny little mortal amongst these immortal giants, but over the course of the album, it became like a second home. Never in a million years would I have thought I would have the opportunity to experience a place where so many albums and so many artists that I admire recorded. It's like a pressure cooker, you go in there and come out a different person."- Whalebone, interview Buzz Magazine Australia.