Daniel Shipley

Even before I could play guitar I was fascinated with songwriting. I used to write lyrics for a friend and he would put them into music for me. However I was so envious of his musical ability I just had to buy a guitar and try it out for myself! It turned out to be one of the best things I have ever done. From the moment I could string a few chords together I was obsessed with trying to write songs and transform my thoughts and ideas into music. Over the next few years I replaced my electric with an acoustic and began to grow as a singer as well as a songwriter. During my gap year I travelled extensively round europe and managed to pen some of my favourite compositions from this incredible time. In June of that year I worked at a summer camp in new hampshire in the music department. During my time here I taught guitar and songwriting. Some of the classes I held manifested in to small band projects which proved very successful. Getting kids enthused about music and being creative was one of the most incredible things I had ever done. During my time here I also grew as a musician and a performer. Playing to large audiences, challenging myself to write about things I never thought I could and putting my hand to different instruments increased my confidence no end. I even managed to write the official camp song which I hope will be performed, talked about and passed down to new sets of kids each year. During my time after camp, I travelled around the states. A trip to Nashville made me realise how much I wanted to share my music and relaxing in the blues and jazz joints of chicago helped to fuel my passion for guitar and songwriting...Since then, life has been full of ups and downs and its my songwriting that has helped me rationalise whatever's going on. You could say it's my therapy. I hope you enjoy listening!