Lady Danville Climbs to Indie Rock Success

It doesn't take a hipster to appreciate the indie-ish sounds of Lady Danville, a local band composed of Michael Garner, Dan Chang, and Matthew Frankel. The trio has made a name for themselves in the indie rock circuit and has often been described as Simon and Garfunkel meets Death Cab for Cutie.

After forming in 2007, the guys have managed to consistently sell out venues, including and . They have toured with industry notables, such as Ben Folds, Dashboard Confessional, and Jack’s Mannequin. And their song “Cast Away” was featured on MTV’s The Real World Washington DC, with “Love to Love” appearing on Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

Mike Garner took a moment to chat with Patch about Lady Danville's formation, favorite tunes and places to play. 

Weho Patch: How did the band form and how long have you guys been playing?

Michael Garner: We all met in a UCLA a cappella group four years ago. We started jamming together, mostly in my dorm room or in different music rooms on campus—wherever we could play music for few hours before getting hushed by the collegiate authorities. None of us were out there looking to put together the next best indie rock band.

Patch: What bands influence your sound?

Garner: Band of Horses, Death Cab For Cutie, Two Door Cinema Club, Local Natives, Crosby Stills & Nash.

Patch: When you guys aren't doing shows, what are some of your favorite places to hang out at in West Hollywood? 

Garner: Bar—, food—Taste of India, shopping—.

Patch: What are some of your favorite venues to play at in Weho?

Garner: We started playing a lot on the Sunset Strip. Our very first gig was at the , then we played the , ,  We actually just played three shows at  back in January (opening up for Dashboard Confessional). I love that venue so much. I think I want to be exclusive.

Patch: What's the best show you guys have ever played?

Garner: Bardot (for School Night) in Hollywood, opening up for Ben Folds… When he jumped on stage with us and we started playing music together, there were definitely tears in my eyes, the good kind.

Patch: What was the worst?

Garner: There was this one show in Iowa where Dan and Matti were both deathly ill, but being the hardcore troupers they were, we decided to play the show any way. Right before our set, both Dan and Matti were vomiting in adjacent public restroom stalls, almost in harmony. I remember Dan closing his eyes during the show, focusing all his will power to keep the puke inside. We ended up making it through the end, but it wasn't pretty. The guys ran off stage before the audience was even done applauding, and I didn't know what to do, so I took a formal bow.

Patch: What's the craziest thing that has ever happened to you on the road?

Garner: When we were driving over the Appalachian Mountains last year, we witnessed a guy in a pick-up-truck hit a fawn and then speed off. We pulled over and found the baby deer wiggling on the ground—maybe a few broken limbs, but luckily still alive. We couldn’t just leave her there to die, so we contacted the local wildlife services, and...brought her carrots we had in our van. Eventually, the vet showed up, and we actually helped him set one of the fawn's legs and she was able to stand up. I think we saved Bambi!

Patch: What is coming up next for Lady Danville?

Garner: We're planning on focusing on our full length in the next few months, but we will play some local shows here and there.