Adopted from South Korea at the age of five, Daniel knew very little English, much less anything about music. Daniel's new adopted parents didn't know much about music either. They only knew of a dream that their children would experience by playing a musical instrument, because they never had that opportunity. So two years later, Daniel began private lessons to learn how to play the violin. The violin began to mesh well with him, eventually leading him to join orchestra in his middle school and high school. Daniel eventually learned English, and soon learned a love of singing. Never taking any choir classes or voice instruction, he only sang for fun. In high school he picked up the guitar for kicks, and soon enjoyed playing it more than the violin. Since then, Daniel has not looked back, for "the love of playing music is overwhelming," he says.
Daniel has played with a couple of groups in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Some include the band Live Bait, which won the local college radio station KRUXFEST for "Best New Alternative Band" in 2005, and local Las Cruces band Kiss to Betray, which won the Las Cruces Battle of the Bands in 2006. Kiss to Betray has also played at some well known venues around the nation, such as Headhunters in Austin, Texas, and The Viper Room in Hollywood, California. But Daniel is now on his own, promoting his first record, "These Illusions" which will be released in the later months of 2007.
Daniel has also played many shows by himself. It is a truly unique experience, being that he plays both the guitar and the violin in his sets. He uses a looping machine that loops his guitar while he jams over the riffs with his violin. "It's always funny to watch everyone's reaction when I stop playing the guitar, but it still sounds like I am playing through the speakers!" You may catch him playing at different places around, such as QTime in Las Cruces, Johnny Carino's Italian Grill in Las Cruces and El Paso, Mix Pacific Rim in Las Cruces, The B Lounge in Farmington, a couple places in Albuquerque, and many weddings and receptions. Look at Daniel's calendar to see when he will play next, you will not be disappointed!
Daniel has now joined a partnership with the Forgotten Foundation ( www.forgottenfoundation.com ), who help kids in South America and India who are in need. By purchasing Daniel's new cd "These Illusions", a portion of the proceeds will be donated to help those children. You can also help by buying a tshirt which $10 of every tshirt purchase goes to help the kids, or by donating money .
