Dan Myers is a 29 year old singer/songwriter from London.The term singer/songwriter is thrown around constantly in the music industry – a term often used to describe a style of artist which can mean a number of things.A versatile writer, Dan is both a capable musician and song-smith, creating songs which offer broad possibilities as an artist in his own right as well as to other performers.Dan has never had any formal training although his whole life he has been surrounded by music from birth.
From a father who has been in the industry for three decades (Mike currently has a substantial back-catalogue with EMI) music has always been there. From toying with the violin and piano at an early age, it was clear that Dan had a passion for music and a strength for melody.That was when Dan discovered an acoustic guitar in the loft of his parent’s house. Caked in dust and in need of repair, Dan started to experiment – really by learning chords from guitar bands at that time - Oasis, U2, Lenny Kravitz – anything that stuck in his head was worth the time to learn.
‘By ear, always by ear’ - that was always the way that Dan would learn – never a fan of theory – always a fan of the feeling. ‘It’s so important to leave space for creativity – you can’t immerse yourself in music by always being conscious of what you’re doing’ – that’s something that Dan will always say.Dan started experimenting around 1995 – guitar was the thing. Experimenting with bands through the late 90’s, Dan gained valuable live experience on the London gig-circuit. Playing bass and guitar, it was clear that Dan always wanted to go his own way – but there was one thing that he always wanted to do – and that was to write.
Feeling creatively inspired, Dan left the band scene and decided to form collaborations with various musicians for the next few years, during which he produced his first E.P. in 1999 with another in 2000 (at Eden Studios) – the experience served as a great taster for Dan as an artist in is own right.Then in the spring of 2005, Dan embarked his most adventurous project. Writing for 6 months – he puts together a list of 20 or so songs ready to short list for his debut cd -
‘A Reason To Be’
Spring 2006 – Dan leaves London for Portugal - the location of a fully fledged recording studio set in an incredible location on the south-coast.This marks the beginning of a 12 month project – which serves to be an immense experience.Co-producing with his father Mike, various collaborations were made along the way. The first musician to fit the bill was a Portuguese born and bred drummer, Pedro Gerardo.Going into the studio, Pedro records for the album, leaving Dan to complete the record with the support and experience of Mike.‘I’ve met people who’ve wanted me to change my name’ says Dan in a recent radio interview. ‘One thing I’ve always said is that I’m proud of my name and my history – I’m an artist in my own right – and I plan to establish myself on the strength of the music and if I can do that then I will accomplish what I’ve set out to do.’Dan’s music has been compared to various artists ranging from Jeff Buckley to Elliott Smith to Coldplay and others – but it has to be said that refreshingly, Dan has managed to develop a sound of his own.
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“Dan Myers, a 29 year old singer/songwriter from North London presents his debut release.
There is an unpretentious charm about ‘A Reason To Be’. Fresh, honest observations of life, Dan Myers’ debut shrugs off preconceptions of whimsical acoustic reverie, hearts, flowers an’ all… Dan writes and sings about Life with a capital ‘L’, warts ‘n’ all. Engagingly middle-class – hope and disappointment in equal measures – he’s ambitious but philosophical, bold yet naïve. Each song emanates a touching truth, no pretences, but – to sweeten life’s bitter pill just a little – a hint of optimism that leaves you feeling strangely uplifted… Not sure why… That’s what makes a great songwriter. Nothing specific, but an overall ambience you can’t quite put your finger on.
‘A Reason To Be’ builds with Dan’s astoundingly confident voice for the rocky and atmospheric title track. Then onto the rousing acoustic allure of ‘Pictures’, which conjures up the image of a young man arms outstretched on a city rooftop, howling for freedom. Then we come to the delightful ‘Name And Number’ before moving on to the sway of ‘Lifeline’.
‘Living In Bars’ proves to be irresistible with its Coldplayesque piano chord structures, and then the ‘piece de resistance’, ‘If I Were You’. Delicious, epic, its gorgeous strings lead the whispering Spanish guitar step-by-step to its final desolate violin strokes…‘Back To The Start’ is a simple but alluring ballad that leaves us wanting – as the album drifts seamlessly into the thoughtful and soothing ‘Witness’. ‘Metaphors’, with it’s soaring vocal line, could be considered a future single - and then we fall into ‘What If I’m Wrong’, a beautiful and honest end to what could only be described as a wonderful album.
Dan Myers is not just another string-plucking balladeer with a bleeding heart. With ‘A Reason To Be’, he is already demonstrating a distinctive style of his own that, given the spotlight it deserves, could put a smile on the lips of the masses.†(01.05.2007)
Pippa Lang (biographer and journalist for Melody Maker, Metal Hammer and Mojo to name but a few)
