Introduce us all to the yourself and your musical history?
My name is Dan James, I’m a singer song writer from Macclesfield, I’ve been playing for around 15 years in and out of bands. I started my solo project over lockdown and released my first single on the 9th April. I will be releasing some more over the course of the year.
It’s been a bit of a wild last year, how have you guys managed to pass time and stay sane during lockdown?
Yes its been a very wild year! Its kinda felt like a horrible film I am stuck in, I’ve just been writing and recording really that has kept me sane and focused through this time.
How positive are you feeling now we are in 2021?
I’m kinda 50\50 at the moment, I do feel positive about this coming year! I’m hoping for a lot more gigs and for more music to be released. I have missed it very much.
How has 2020 effected your mental health?
I mean I struggle with mental health so it has took a told on me, there’s days when I’m just not motivated at all! But writing music is like therapy to me so it helps a lot!
How are you feeling now the road map has been announced and live gig can return?
I’m feeling excited about gigs coming back not only to play but to actually go to a gig! I can’t wait for that day to come.
What support is out there for new artists in Manchester ?
I would say we have some really good promoters and unsigned labels in Manchester who put on really good gigs. Obviously all the music venues who put on really memorable nights to!
Who is inspiring you at the minute on the Manchester unsigned scene?
There’s a Manchester solo artist called Josh Wood who is making really interesting sounds at the moment. There is a band called The Working Mens Club that are making waves at the moment.
If your fans could remember one thing about you what would it be?
A lot of people have said to me my voice and passion for music really comes across on stage.
What useless talent do you have / party trick?
I can make my ear squeak! Not something I’m proud of but I can do it …
Name a four piece band made up of legends – who would be in it? (drummer, bass, lead singer etc)
I would say Jimi Hendrix on guitar and Vox. Bass – Jack Lawrence and on drums John Bonham. Just to make it a four piece I would chuck in Jack White on Guitar.
Who would you like to work with on the Manchester circuit right now?
I would love to work with the Doves, they have just brought out a new album and its amazing! Funnily enough the singer (Jimi Goodwin) lives in my home town.
What advice would you give someone going into the music industry?
Just to have patience and just get your name out as much as you can and gig gig gig.
Whats your biggest achievement as a band/Artist?
I would say playing at Gorilla in Manchester. It was sold out and the atmosphere in there was amazing.
What makes you stand out as a band/Artist?
My dreamy sounds and my voice that sounds like I’m eating glass while singing… That was a review from a few years back.
Whats your favourite song to play live and why?
I have a song called Falmouth which is not out yet but it has so much energy and gets the crowed going every time.
Thanks for your time today, keep in touch.