Arkansas singer/songwriters Justin Patterson and Laura Lynn Danley had
been writing and performing separately as solo artists for years, when
they decided to form the Folk/Americana duo Ten Penny Gypsy in 2017.
That decision changed their fortunes immediately, and put their musical
careers onto a new and exciting trajectory.
In 2018, “Ten Penny Gypsy,” their self-titled debut album, was nominated
for “Album of the Year” at the Arkansas Country Music Awards. The group
garnered additional Arkansas CMA nominations for “Americana Artist of
the Year” and “Vocal Group of the Year” in both 2018 and 2019.
For more information on Ten Penny Gypsy, please visit
www.tenpennygypsy.com
http://www.facebook.com/tenpennygypsy
http://www.instagram.com/tenpennygypsy
What first got you into music?
Justin: My father had Merle Haggard records when I was a child, and I used to listen to them
while lip syncing in the front of a mirror. That got my parents attention, and they bought me my
first guitar when I was 6 years old. It was a little red and black Stella Harmony which I still have
today.
Who inspired you to make music?
Laura: My family. Music was always me growing up. My first recollections are my Mom putting
me on the church stage to sing at 4 years old. I also sang in a family quartet with my brothers.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Ten Penny Gypsy tunes are an eclectic blend of Folk, Country, and Americana – deeply
influenced by the acoustic singer-songwriter sound of the 1970s.
What is your creative process like?
Laura: I write a lot of poetry. Most of my songs read like they could have come straight from my
journals. Turning those thoughts into melodies is always a magical process for me!
Justin: I start with a finger-picked chord progression on guitar from which I can extract a melody
line. I’ll sometimes have a short-list of song titles handy, things I’d like to write about, and the
process evolves from there.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Justin: John Hiatt. He is the most interesting songwriter I have ever heard. His songs are so
clever, addressing any subject and crossing all genres.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Laura: Joni Mitchell in her heyday. She set the example for women singer/songwriters to follow,
and opened so many doors for us that came after. And those songs!
What is one message you would give to your fans?
A huge thank you!! Our current album “Fugitive Heart” recently won a national poll for Favorite
Album Release of July 2020. Our song “Your True You” reached #1 in South Africa on the
iTunes Country Sales chart. Having Ten Penny Gypsy music heard worldwide has been a
gratifying experience for us, and the support of our fans along this journey has been invaluable!
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Laura: I’m not a shower singer.
Justin: I might hum a little in the shower, not sure I’ve ever caught myself singing there.
Does this make us losers?
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
We are extremely blessed! It’s been a very difficult time for musicians without gigs to play and
tours to go on. We’ve been able to remain employed – Justin in the transportation industry, and
Laura as a licensed social worker.
Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Recent highlights include Arkansas CMA Fall Fest, Arkansas CMA Awards Red Carpet, Kulak’s
Woodshed (Los Angeles, CA), Yadaloo Music & Arts Festival (Nashville and Little Rock),
National Shrimp Festival (Gulf Shores, AL), and the Arkansas Roots Festival. Our favorite
venue is the “Sounds of Unity” songwriter showcase, for which we are curators. We’ve brought
in great writers from all over the country to share the stage with us, which has been a very
rewarding experience.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
It has provided more avenues for artists to get their music heard, and at the same time created
so much more competition! Technology changes so fast, you really must surround yourself with
tech savvy people to effectively and profitably navigate the new distribution landscape.
What is your favourite song to perform? “Road to Memphis”, from our latest release “Fugitive
Heart.” It’s a song celebrating the diverse musical heritage of Memphis,TN. It has been in our
set list for a while now, and audiences are still energized by it.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Justin: I have never gotten into any trouble that anybody knows about.
Laura: I can’t really say in front of Justin.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Your songs have a unique sound. Be yourselves.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
Without question, better compensation for songwriters and performers.
What’s next for you?
Tirelessly promoting our album, “Fugitive Heart,” that we are so proud of! Hoping for a return to
normalcy, so we can get back to performing live for our fans, hugging their necks, and
continuing to build the Ten Penny Gypsy brand.