West Caldwell Teen is Rising Music Star

To folks in the Caldwells, Danny Spadaro is a neighborhood kid who grew up on Harding Road, loves eating at Chipotle, and spent his summers going to the Jersey Shore.

Local residents may have seen him performing with his band "Don't Look Back" at the Kiwanis Street Fair over the last three years, or taking part in the Rotary Club of the Caldwells' The Gift of Life Talent Showcase fundraiser last year.

But 18-year-old Spadaro is much more than that. An aspiring vocalist, and guitar player, he recently released his first single called “Tightrope," a professionally-produced song, after becoming one of the winners in the DISCOVERED Unsigned Artist Competition at Mercy College last year.

Though his single came out in January, Spadaro has already been featured in an ad in Seventeen Magazine and is performing this week at New York City’s fashion week for a fundraiser to combat malaria in developing countries.

“I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember,” he said. “Mercy College provided me with an opportunity to produce music and learn first-hand from professionals in the music industry. The experience was amazing and made my dream a reality. I would urge anyone who has ever wanted to chase their dreams not to miss the chance to be discovered.” 

Spadaro is a good-looking kid with dark hair, reflecting his Italian heritage. But he's no Jersey Shore wannabe. He's got a clean-cut fresh look, that is reminiscent of pop idol Justin Bieber. But Spadoro said his musical inspiration comes from Jimi Hendrix, John Mayer and Maroon 5.

"My goal is to be a performer. But I'm also happy with songwriting, producing and managing," he said.

Spadaro appears at home with a microphone and a guitar on Bronxnet Television performing his single, “Tightrope,” which can be downloaded from iTunes, Amazon and other digital music sites.

“Danny is an extremely talented singer/songwriter and we’re very excited about his potential,” said Paul Steinman, Mercy College Music Industry and Technology Program Director. “That is the beauty of the DISCOVERED contest: not only does it showcase new performing artists, but it provides the winners a rare opportunity to work with music professionals in our recording studio and then share their work with the world.” 

Unsigned artists between the ages of 14 and 26, who are interested in submitting a YouTube video for this year's national competition have until March 1 to be included in the first round of competition. For more information, visit www.discoveredauditions.com.

When he’s not performing, Spadaro is a full-time college student at William Paterson University, studying a new major—Popular Music Studies.

He said he plans to continue his songwriting and performing and dreams of winning a Grammy one day. You can read more about him at: www.dannyspadaro.com.