Birth name Daniel Campbell Smith Years active 2008–present Role Singer-songwriter Music group Bastille (Since 2010) | Occupation(s) singer-songwriter Name Dan Smith Genres Alternative rock | |
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Instruments Vocals, piano, keyboards, percussion, melody Similar People Will Farquarson, Kyle J Simmons, Chris "Woody" Wood, Madeon, Naughty Boy | ||
Daniel Campbell "Dan" Smith (born 14 July 1986) is a British singer, songwriter and record producer. He is the lead singer, record producer, songwriter and founder of the British rock band Bastille. The band formed in 2010 and gained mass popularity in 2013 when the song "Pompeii" was released. The band recently released their second album, "Wild World" in September 2016
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Solo career
Smith was educated at the University of Leeds in Leeds, West Yorkshire, where he gained a degree in English Language and Literature. At age fifteen, Smith started off writing songs on the piano and his laptop in his bedroom, but kept it secret from his friends and family. That was until his secret was discovered by a friend who stumbled upon him producing music from his student digs. This friend entered him for a local competition for which the prize was studio recording time and performing a gig. Some of his recordings included "Alchemy", "Words Are Words", "Irreverence", and "Dictator". His bandmate, drummer Chris "Woody" Wood, described his earlier music as "left wing". Smith did not achieve mainstream success in his solo career, but continued writing songs both alone and with his close friend, and roommate, Ralph Pelleymounter from To Kill a King. The two formed a side project called "Annie Oakley Hanging", which was described as "cowboy like" by Pelleymounter.
After finishing his studies Smith returned to London where he continued pursuing his solo career. After a leaflet came through his letterbox, and at the urging of his mother, he called up Wood, who was looking for drumming students. Smith went to meet Wood in hopes of being able to start a band with one of his students, but Wood was so impressed with Smith's songs that he was willing to become the drummer of Smith's band himself.
In 2015, Smith featured as vocalist for the song "La Lune" produced and written by the French electronic musician Madeon for Madeon's 2015 album Adventure. In the same year, Dan Smith co-wrote "Better Love" with Foxes and provided vocals for the song that was released on 4 September 2015.
Smith, along with his band, has released two albums called "Bad Blood" and "Wild World".
Influences
Smith is a fan of the TV series Twin Peaks, and of one of its creators, David Lynch. The show inspired one of his first recorded songs, "Laura Palmer" and Bastille's first Virgin Records single "Overjoyed". Smith has previously said that his earlier work was heavily influenced by artists such as Regina Spektor.
Personal life
He writes and arranges all of Bastille's songs, apart from remixes and covers, and worked with friend Mark Crew to produce Bad Blood and Wild World (album). He plays the piano, keyboard, percussion, and melodica. Smith's parents come from South Africa and his song "Durban Skies" is said to be dedicated to them. The song tells the story of how his parents met, fell in love, and got married.
Side projects
Dan Smith is collaborating with Ralph Pelleymounter from the band, 'To Kill a King,' this side project is called 'Annie Oakley Hanging,' and it is hoped that new music will be released from the duo soon.
Songs
PompeiiBad Blood · 2013
Good GriefWild World · 2016
FlawsBad Blood · 2013