Music in Her Bones: Dana “Danger” Athens Weathers the Storms

Dana “Danger” Athens, who you may know best as front woman for rock and roll band Jane Lee Hooker, is now on a side journey of her own, releasing solo music.  

Dana Athens Rehearses /photo by Jonathan Curtis /courtesy of the artist

“I grew up originally singing gospel and in church really, which then turned into musical theater, and it’s funny growing up … turning to rock and roll and more folk and singer-songwriter stuff,” Athens tells Brooklyn Roads. “As I get older, I go back to my roots. There’s always a little gospel and soul element in my stuff.”

In My Bones /cover art

A Brooklyn native born and raised, she begins this new journey as her first solo single, “In My Bones,” was released on March 31. The track is meant as a message to understand the importance of taking a moment to let the storms pass, both literally and figuratively.

“It’s about following, taking a moment to listen to that ‘knowing’ in you and the storms of life that come,” she says. “Then the rain breaks and it passes, and it’s really [about] taking the time to appreciate each moment, because it’s going to pass.”

Athens is slated to release a full album of solo tracks later this fall, something that has been very incredible, yet daunting for the artist. Working on these tracks since 2019 with her producers, Athens says this project is twenty-plus years in the making, and something she feels she is meant to be doing. 

On The Streets of NYC/ photo by Rob Carter / courtesy of the artist

“This time in my life is different,” says Athens. “I used to be in such a rush to get it out I was like ‘oh let me just get it out solo acoustic and call it a day’ but I really want to honor these songs because I think that they are worth it.”

While the album is very important to her, Athens emphasizes that the journey ahead of her — as she learns to balance both her beloved band, Jane Lee Hooker, and her new solo pieces — will be interesting, and that it’s important to wear both hats. 

Athens is very proud of the work she is putting out for the world to listen to, and credits her band and producers for being so supportive through the process.  

Find “In My Bones” anywhere you stream music and look out for more shows and upcoming releases this fall.