Powerhouse vocalist Danielle Ponder journey in the music industry is equal parts brave and inspiring. After 10 years of working in the public defender’s office of her hometown Rochester, she took a leap of faith and decided to pursue music full-time. 

Ponder, who was one of seven siblings, always possessed a natural musical talent. However, when her brother was sentenced to 20 years in prison under the "three strikes" law, she opted to pursue a legal career. Despite dedicating herself to promoting fairness in her community as a public defender and later as a diversity, equity, and inclusion officer in the same organization, her passion for music remained ever-present. She would play in bands and compose songs, squeezing these activities in between her classes and caseloads.

Ponder grew up playing her raggedy yellow piano on her porch and sleeping on the back pew in the church where her father was a pastor. Although she always loved music, she didn’t see it as a career until later in life. 

In September 2022, Ponder released her debut album “Some of Us Are Brave”. The title of the album references the an influential feminist anthology “All The Women Are White, All The Blacks Are Men, But Some Of Us Are Brave." The anthology explores the under-representation of Black women in both feminist and Black studies is addressed, and the discussion encompasses a broad range of subjects, including racism and the need for prison reform. 

Danielle Ponder's debut album "Some of Us Are Brave" was well-received by critics and audiences. The album showcases Ponder's powerful vocals and her ability to blend different genres such as soul, funk, and rock.

Many critics praised Ponder's songwriting skills and her ability to address important social and political issues in her music. The album's title track, "Some of Us Are Brave," was particularly well-received for its uplifting message of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

Stream Ponder’s most recent single “Spiraling” here: https://too.fm/e7odp62