Danielle Ponder is done waiting for a future version of herself to arrive. Now, the Rochester-born, Atlanta-rooted singer-songwriter is unapologetically living in the moment. This realization powers Everything Has Changed, Ponder’s anticipated sophomore album (and debut on Dead Oceans in partnership with Phoebe Bridgers).
The LP is Ponder’s most self-assured statement to date. It was crafted through a period of immense transformation, as the beloved vocalist propelled herself from being a lawyer to a full-fledged musical powerhouse. That artistic freedom threads throughout the album, as heard on lead single “Power,” which serves as both a declaration and an affirmation for the Black diaspora.
Music was always a constant presence throughout her life, but practicality initially took over in adulthood. While performing with her family’s band and later developing her own projects, Ponder pursued a legal career focused on criminal justice reform. It wasn’t until her late 30s that she allowed herself to seriously imagine music as more than a side pursuit.
Her debut album, Some of Us Are Brave, introduced Ponder as one of soul music’s most compelling new voices, thanks to singles like “Someone Like You,” “Roll The Credits,” and the empowering title track.
She has since had four major TV appearances, including Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Ponder has also sold out shows across North America and Europe, including festival appearances at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Afropunk, and the Montreux Jazz Festival.
But if that album documented her arrival, Everything Has Changed documents her evolution.