Birmingham is fast becoming one of the most promising UK cities for emerging talent – according to Billboard Magazine (Jan 6 2007 issue).
With platinum talent making their way out of the industrial city, it is the place to watch in 2007.One young Birmingham native and aspiring producer, Daniel ‘2Dark’ Richards decided at 13 that music was his calling, he spent many hours in his music class perfecting his gift and set his sights firmly on one day winning a MOBO and a Brit Urban Award. Now it looks like this could be his year.
‘One of Ronnie Herel’s two tips to break through in R&B is a hot young British producer called Daniel ‘2Dark’ Richards.’ – Time Out Magazine
At 18 whilst attending the Urban Music Seminar in Birmingham, Daniel met UMS founder and artist manager Kwame Kwaten, and offered him his demo CD. Kwaten asked with raised eyebrow why he should listen to Daniel’s CD? Without missing a beat the young producer smiled “Because mine’s sh*t hot.â€
With Kwaten behind him, he scored success immediately being chosen for a nationwide TV and cinema ad campaign for a leading drinks company, Vodka Reef.
Daniel’s music is way ahead of itself in terms of style, with an instantly recognisable digital signature sound. Suddenly every A&R and Major label head in London wanted an audience with him. Daniel moved to London and won the commission for the music for London’s bid for the Olympics 2012 through one of the world’s largest advertising firms M & C Saatchi, as well as writing, producing and remixing with the following; Sony, East West, Virgin, MTV (Hip Hop Candy Theme), Caron Wheeler (Soul II Soul), Angel Vee, Javine, Lemar, Rhian Benson, Dwele, Slum Village, Erick Sermon, Redman, Fatman Scoop, Shelia Ferguson, Omarion, R.Kelly ft Game, J-Kwon, Amerie, Doctor, Rukus and Taz among others.
With years and hundreds of tracks to his name, Daniel’s worked with the UK’s most gifted singers, writers and rappers, the kind that any A&R man worth his salt would be desperate to secure, all found themselves under Daniel’s wing with his gifted touch nimbly giving a beat to their voices.
Daniel’s debut release The Re-Invention of Daniel 2Dark is ready to be heard, utilising the wealth of gifted new British artist he has enrolled. Flowing from track to track like an outstanding and perfectly formed pearl of British soul, R&B and hip hop encased in futuristic beats and rhythm laced melodies, the album captures the best of new artists like Angel Vee, Daniel DeBourg, Natty and Taz with support and collaboration from established pros like Caron Wheeler and Fatman Scoop.
With the first single Give Me Your Love gaining impressive heat and support in the later part of 2006 from Choice and Galaxy right across to BBC Radio 1Xtra.The Re-Invention of Daniel 2Dark featuring an array of singers and songwriters, famous and fresh, all set to cause big waves for the Birmingham prodigy this year.
Daniel is currently working on new music for A-Jay Brothers (X-Factor), Doctor, Daniel DeBourg, Filly, Angel Vee, Shola Ama, Shaun Escoffery and Soundbwoy and will be announcing some live shows with the album artists soon.
There couldn’t be a more likely MOBO Best Producer or Brit Best Urban Album contender from the UK than Daniel 2Dark - Billboard Magazine’s prediction looks set to materialise.
www.myspace.com/2darkbcity
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Touch Magazine
