Born in Bournemouth, September 1983, Dan has grown in and around the South West.
He started to learn to play the guitar at the tender age of 10, Dan began by picking up his Dad’s guitar one day and never putting it down.
Lessons followed with Chris Hardcastle, now of Arena Sound & Vision, where subsequently Dan quickly progressed his playing style and influences, whilst beginning to take singing seriously.
A keen and talented music student at Somerset College of Arts and Technology, Dan utilised the opportunity to front a college band, playing local pubs and clubs around the town of Taunton. In 2001, Dan’s early writing and recording was spotted by Brent Treloar of Upbeat Music who encouraged him to form a band with bassist Alan Bray (Ska’d For Life, Squid 58) and Roger Luxton on Drums.
After a couple of rehearsals, the trio were busy recording a demo at Trident Studios, Torquay, owned by the MTA desk developer and engineer to the Beatles, Malcolm Toft. Under the supervision of producer and engineer Tim Powell-Morris, the group went on to record a further EP.
Dan, Alan and Roger quickly secured regional gigs and a local following as the 3 piece alternative rock band, ‘State of Fury’ . They developed their strong and distinctive sound, regardless of the heavily competed market space.
This collaboration linked with a chance introduction to Martin Barre, lead guitarist ofJethro Tull gave Dan the encouragement to develop his own distinctive writing & vocal style. A series of acoustic gigs featuring Dan, Martin and bassist Alan Bray followed, including a sell out performance at Exeter’s Phoenix Theater.
Following this success, early demo tracks of new acoustic music were produced in the ASV Studios, Wellington with support of Chris Hardcastle - Dan’s original music teacher from 10 years ago. This coinsided with some experimentation with the band, which now featured drummer Robin Guy (Rachel Stamp, G.M.T.)
By mid 2007, Dan had finished writing the bulk of a possible album, and agreed to have this produced by Mark Tucker at his own Studio and Woodworm Studios, Oxfordshire.
The resultant album embraces 12 tracks depicting the life and key events of a fictional character - tackling challenges such as - rebellion, falling in love, getting a grip on life, winning and losing and the realization of one’s place in the world.
For this project, Dan is joined by some of the country’s leading musicians from the likes of Fairport Convention and The John Martyn Band. They include Gerry Conway (Percussion), Arran Ahmun (Drums), Spencer Cozens (Piano), Alan Bray (Bass) and Chris Leslie (Violin).
The album, ‘Far From Here’ was released in August 2008 and is now available at many local music stores throughout the South-West, Amazon and iTunes.
In December 2008, Dan concluded remarkable year with a hugely successful tour around the South-West with legendary Jethro Tull duo, Martin Barre and John O’Hara, as well as Alan Bray and Robin Guy. The 5-piece sound sold out their 3 locations in Devon, Somerset and Cornwall. The landmark tour was capped off with a special guest appearence by Devon superstar, Joss Stone!
The future looks very bright for singer/song-writer dubbed the ’Hottest Sound from the South-West’ ...
