THE GRAHAMS – A sensational sibling duo
A sensational sibling duo
The Grahams Duo is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the UK’s top cabaret acts, thanks to their undeniable talent and infectious chemistry on stage. This year is shaping up to be an exciting one for the brother-and-sister duo, with a string of high-profile events lined up and a few surprise performances in store. Represented by Quinn Artistes, the Grahams are set for even greater success. In this exclusive feature, we take a look at when they first discovered their talent and explore the dreams and aspirations they have for the future.
Where did it all start?
The Grahams were born and bred in Liverpool.
For Dani, it all began when she was just 13 years old, a little older than her brother Jonathon. She was on holiday in Turkey with her Nan and “Gaga” (Scouse for Grandad) when an unforgettable moment unfolded. One evening, during a karaoke event hosted by the hotel, Dani turned to her Nan and asked if she could get up and sing. Without much thought, she chose an ambitious song—Jennifer Rush’s “The Power of Love,” a challenge even for seasoned singers.
To everyone’s amazement, including her own, Dani’s voice captivated the audience. The crowd erupted into applause, cheering wildly for her performance. Yet, in her youthful innocence, Dani didn’t think much of it. She simply returned to enjoying her holiday, blissfully unaware that her voice carried a remarkable talent destined to shape her future.
Jonathon’s first steps into the world of entertainment came at the tender age of four, when he would perform “Happy Birthday” at family gatherings. Even at that young age, he proudly sported what he describes as a “little posh accent,” a stark contrast to his sister Dani’s strong Liverpool tone. To this day, the siblings marvel at how their accents developed so differently.
Dani, meanwhile, discovered a passion for performing early on and joined the dance group at her primary school, St. Pascal’s. Jonathon, ever the adoring younger brother, watched her rehearsals with fascination and eagerly tried to mimic everything she did. If Dani performed, Jonathon wanted to perform too.
Their shared love for the stage led to a significant moment when they performed together at the Liverpool Empire for the Roy Castle Foundation.
When did you both realise you could both sing so well?
Dani recalls that Jonathon was quite shy as a young boy and didn’t sing much at first. He hadn’t yet found his voice, though he was always happy to dance. Dani, on the other hand, had already begun exploring her talent for performing.
Their friends and family, who had always been their biggest cheerleaders, saw potential in both siblings and encouraged them to enter the Cannons Cup, a prestigious national competition. This moment marked a turning point, pushing them to embrace their talents and step into the spotlight together.
Jonathon was still developing his confidence and performance skills when the siblings entered the Cannons Cup, a national competition. While Jonathon didn’t place at the time, Dani excelled and took home first prize. This victory boosted Dani’s confidence but also highlighted the journey ahead for Jonathon, who would soon find his stride.
With the right songs tailored to his voice, Jonathon began to shine, and people started noticing his incredible talent. Together, Dani and Jonathon began performing at local social clubs across Liverpool, earning accolades such as “Entertainer of the Year.”
While performing brought them immense joy, Dani and Jonathon also faced challenges within the entertainment industry. They noticed how nepotism and cliques often dominated the scene. Established sibling duos, whose parents had connections in the industry, seemed to have an advantage. Unlike them, Dani and Jonathon’s parents were not entertainers and had no prior knowledge of the industry. However, their parents’ supportive yet non-pushy approach allowed the siblings to develop a genuine love for performing, free from unnecessary pressure or expectations.
As they gained experience, they built a repertoire of “signature” songs—Jonathon’s included Ben and I’ll Be There, while Dani captivated audiences with The Power of Love. These songs helped them refine their range and deepen their understanding of their vocal abilities.
When they returned to the Cannons Cup competition, the dynamics shifted. Jonathon’s confidence had soared, and he went on to win his section and the overall title. Dani, however, struggled with nerves and a loss of confidence, feeling judged by her peers. She decided not to compete in the finals, and the experience left her shaken. Some performers’ mean-spirited behaviour further eroded her confidence, creating self-doubt that lingered for years.
Seeking to regain her footing, Dani enrolled at The Liverpool Theatre School on a full scholarship. Although her teachers saw her potential, they grew frustrated with her lack of confidence. Around this time, Dani and Jonathon faced a personal tragedy—the loss of their beloved Grandad, “Gaga.” This heartbreak pushed Dani to step back from singing entirely.
The turning point came when British actor Ricky Tomlinson encouraged Dani to start performing again. Over countless cups of tea and biscuits, Ricky gently persuaded her to sing at a charity event he organised in honour of her late Grandad. Dani’s performance reignited her love for singing, and Ricky, impressed by her talent, encouraged her to take on a Dolly Parton tribute and even audition for Stars in Their Eyes.
Thanks to Ricky’s unwavering support and belief in her abilities, Dani rediscovered her confidence. Ricky remains one of her biggest fans and continues to champion local talent like hers.
Does the talent run in the family?
Music undeniably runs in Dani and Jonathon’s family. Their dad was a member of the school choir, though he never pursued singing professionally. Their Aunty Eileen also had a talent for singing, and family gatherings often turned into impromptu performances at the local pub. Their beloved Grandad, “Gaga” Lloyd, was a multi-instrumentalist who could play just about anything, adding to the family’s rich musical heritage.
The Beatles connection
As proud Liverpudlians, Dani and Jonathon also share a fascinating link to The Beatles. Their great-uncle, Pete Best, famously known as “the fifth Beatle,” was an early member of the legendary band. Both Dani and Jonathon describe him as a lovely man who enjoys a drop of tequila and carries a deep passion for music. Pete’s influence helped expose them to the world of singing from a young age, further fuelling their love for performance.
Who inspired you?
Jonathon makes no apologies for saying that his biggest inspiration has always been Dani. Watching her perform from a young age motivated him to follow in her footsteps. Dani, on the other hand, believes her inspiration may have been Barbra Streisand. Her grandad was a devoted fan of Streisand’s voice, and Dani has cherished memories of singing for him during her childhood. While Dani isn’t entirely sure who her main influence was, those moments with her grandad hold a special place in her heart and undoubtedly shaped her passion for music.
Your support network?
Both agree that their biggest support is each other. Alongside this unshakeable sibling bond, their dad, partners, and family have always been pillars of emotional and physical support. Special recognition goes to their Nan, who couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments. However, Dani and Jonathon can’t help but laugh about Nan’s occasional confusion over their gigs. She often has them performing on the West End stage, no matter where they’re actually working!
It’s heartwarming to hear Jonathon talk about how Dani was a huge source of encouragement for him during his early years as a performer. She guided him through the process of developing his skills, from choosing the right songs to teaching him how to create that elusive “stage presence.” While neither of them can fully explain what makes stage presence so powerful, they both agree that you know it when you see it.
Any formal training?
Jonathon trained for three years at London College of Music, where he earned a BA degree in Musical Theatre. Dani, on the other hand, trained at a local stage school, though her memories of the experience are mixed. She recalls the strict environment, which even involved being hit with a stick for mistakes, a practice she’s happy to leave firmly in the past.
What are your favourite types of bookings?
Jonathon loves performing for an engaged audience, one that truly appreciates the effort and artistry behind a show. He thrives on the buzz and energy that comes from a receptive crowd.
One of his favourite experiences is performing onboard cruise liners, where he finds it incredibly rewarding to know passengers have chosen to spend their time watching his shows.
Dani, on the other hand, finds joy in any setting where people are there to have a good time. For her, the venue doesn’t matter, whether it’s a small local pub or a massive festival; if the crowd is happy, she’s happy. The siblings often receive amazing feedback, with guests cheering or even being moved to tears by powerful numbers like I Will Always Love You. The best gigs, they agree, are the ones where they feel appreciated and can see that their music has brought joy to the audience.
Funny experiences?
Every time Dani and Jonathon perform together, there’s bound to be an adventure. They share a natural chemistry and sense of humour that makes every booking memorable, especially when reflecting on their younger years filled with hilarious moments and unexpected mishaps.
What would you do if you didn’t sing?
For Jonathon, creativity is essential. If he weren’t singing, he believes he would have pursued something equally artistic, like photography. Dani, meanwhile, sees herself taking on a nurturing role. She and her husband are considering becoming foster parents in the future, particularly offering respite care for children with autism or special needs. The idea of giving parents some much-needed downtime is a cause close to her heart.
Who is the most organised?
Jonathon. They both agree on this.
What is your favourite song to sing? And why?
Both Dani and Jonathon love singing songs that resonate with them emotionally, with songs like I Will Always Love You being among their favourites. These powerful ballads allow them to connect with the audience and showcase their vocal abilities. For both, the key to a favourite song is how it makes them feel and the reaction it elicits from their listeners.
Dream jobs?
They’re already living their dream! Performing together and sharing the stage is everything they’ve ever wanted. They couldn’t ask for better singing partners and are grateful for the opportunity to do what they love as a duo.
Advice for other budding performers?
Dani and Jonathon have some solid advice for aspiring performers:
- Always be yourself.
- Do the work and earn success on your own merit.
- Don’t fall into the trap of people-pleasing, as it can cloud your vision of what you truly need or want.
- Always be kind and try not to be difficult.
- Ignore negativity and trust yourself.
- Understand that not everyone will like you or your work, and that’s okay.
- DON’T SIGN ANYTHING until you’re sure of what you’re agreeing to. Get contracts looked over by a trusted professional, well-established agent, or experienced performer.
Do’s and Don’ts – Industry Tips?
- Audition tips: Preparation is key. Be confident, but not arrogant. Their motto is: “Fail to prepare – Prepare to fail.” Always stay authentic to who you are, don’t try to be someone else. The world already has one of them. Stand out by wearing something that reflects your personality, but still stays true to who you are.
- Be prepared: If they ask for two songs, bring four!
- Be punctual: Arrive early for auditions or bookings. Plan ahead to avoid stressing about travel and timing, especially when you’re already feeling nervous. If necessary, stay overnight near the venue. Once you arrive, make sure to warm up properly.
- Stay positive: Prepare rehearsed affirmations or even create visual boards to manifest success.
- Keep it to yourself: Don’t talk about potential work in the pipeline until it’s confirmed. Keeping things private can help reduce unnecessary pressure.
How do you find social media? Pros and cons?
Pros:
Social media is undeniably a powerful tool. It’s quick and efficient for communication, reaching a broad audience, and advertising your “product” to the world. It serves as a fantastic networking platform, allowing you to showcase your performances to a wider audience. The more people who see you, the more likely you are to secure work and grow your fan base.
Cons:
However, there are downsides. Be prepared for criticism; not everyone will like what you do. Negative comments can often stem from jealousy, so it’s important to see beyond them. Social media can also be incredibly time-consuming, and the constant pressure to stay active online may take a toll on your mental health. It’s essential to monitor and manage your social media use to maintain a healthy balance.
Who are the best people to work with? (Obviously, Quinn Artistes)
Dani and Jonathon emphasise the importance of working with people who are not only skilled and knowledgeable but also kind, real, and genuinely invested in your success as a performer. The ideal collaborators are those who maintain positive attitudes and want the best for you. Life is too short to focus on negativity.
Unfortunately, like any industry, there can be some backstabbing. But the key is not to let it affect you. Keep your head up, stay grounded, and work hard. Remember, it’s essential to be natural and down-to-earth offstage. Once you’re done performing, don’t continue the act. It’s just irritating!
Finally, they stress that networking is different from performing, so it’s important to separate the two and not blur those boundaries.
Where do you see yourselves in ten years’ time?
In ten years, Dani and Jonathon envision themselves as part of a highly established show, performing together in fantastic venues alongside a team of dedicated and hardworking professionals. They dream of continued growth in their careers, creating memorable experiences for their audiences while staying true to their passion for music and performance.
Thank you to Jonathon and Dani for taking the time to answer our questions.
Here at Quinn Artistes, we are thrilled to be able to offer you the chance of watching both Dani and Jonathan perform! View The Graham’s profile and allow them to create a memorable experience at your next event!
