"Embracing Creativity and Shaping PUNKNB": An Essay by Danny Singh for Black History Month - Atwood Magazine

      In recognition of Black History Month, Atwood Magazine has invited artists to contribute a series of essays exploring themes of identity, music, culture, inclusion, and more.

      Today, emerging singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Danny Singh presents his essay titled ‘Embracing Creativity and Shaping PUNKNB as a Guyanese Kid from Queens,’ featured in Atwood Magazine’s Black History Month series.

      Danny Singh’s musical journey began before he turned ten, when he began mastering instruments like the piano, bass, and saxophone. By thirteen, he was creating his own recordings, using music as his way of communicating and helping to keep his brothers focused. Growing up in Ozone Park, Queens, Danny’s Guyanese background influenced his sound. His church upbringing, with his mother as a lead singer and his father as a multi-instrumentalist, instilled a strong work ethic in him. As a teenager, he created a band that triumphed in AfroPunk’s “Battle of the Bands,” infusing the dynamic and diverse sounds of his neighborhood into his music. Danny continues to develop his unique sound by coining a new genre he calls “Punk n B,” which blends punk rock with R&B. Today, he produces compelling works inspired by his childhood, merging augmented sound and virtual reality to create an immersive experience. With influences such as André 3000, Sa-Ra, JPEGMAFIA, and Frank Ocean, Danny is establishing himself as a trailblazer, redefining a new realm of alternative creativity.

      Read Danny’s essay for Black History Month below!

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      **as a Guyanese Kid from Queens**

      by Danny Singh

      I found my passion for music by playing instruments with my brothers in church, honed my style at art school, developed my distinctive sound, PUNKNB, as Danny Singh, and hope to be remembered as someone who challenges the norms in music, fashion, and design while remaining true to the voice of an underground Guyanese kid from Queens who simply loves creating art.

      Being a “city boy” from 2014 to 2017 was a fascinating time for music. From my perspective, it seemed like ASAP Mob and Chicago Drill were dominating the landscape.

      Simultaneously, men’s fashion appeared to be in the spotlight, gaining attention thanks to figures like Ian Connor and Luka Sabbat. They inspired me immensely, prompting me to do photoshoots with streetwear brands in Soho and the Lower East Side alongside my buddy Indigo Bill. This led to meeting my friend Frank from Poland, who launched the brand Homies Wonderland (@hswld), which briefly became a popular hangout at 15 Essex. People from Kehlani to Poster Boy—and many other artists and creatives—frequented the spot.

      I made a lot of amazing connections during that period, as they helped sneak me into bars and introduced me to hidden thrift stores with designer finds. This was before 2nd Street came to NYC, at a time when people wore Supreme to show off. Now it's all about Balenciaga. It’s incredible how times have changed. Those experiences led to me signing with Red Models at 17 and becoming a producer with New Lane, all while my band #RAAA had just won Battle of the Bands at Afropunk.

      I met Alton Mason, Danny Brown, and SZA with her orange hair. I caught live shows by Erykah Badu, The Internet, and Miguel, all within a year! It may sound cheesy, but that’s when I realized I was destined to be a rockstar. I was hitting milestones in this video game we call life.

      Now, here we are in 2025. A quote from Nina Simone that has remained with me is: “It’s an artist’s duty to reflect the times in which we live.” I dislike revisiting old songs just to “correct the mix.” There’s something enchanting about the present that can never be duplicated. I prefer capturing that essence in an MP3 or WAV.

      In a way, I see myself as a news reporter. I closely observe the weather, social climate, trends, and the underground movements. I keep tabs on stock trends and sustainable solutions. Throughout it all, I strive to be honest. You have to deeply care for someone to be completely honest with them—or even with yourself.

      Life is good, God is great, and I eagerly await the chance for you all to hear the new vibes I’ve been crafting with my friends. – F3V3RDR3AM

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