Artist description I sing, play guitar and play bass. In some unfortunate situations I play drums - typically I work with various friends who will lay down the thunder. I'm all about making sincere music with energy and feeling, regardless of what the current trend-setters say is cool to do. I've recorded/produced everything here on mp3com at my home 'studio' but look forward to getting into a real studio eventually and working out a real production.

Music Style Song based effects-laden/guitar-driven modern rock with touches of pop and psychedelia.

Musical Influences The Church, Sunny Day Real Estate, Doves, Interpol, Big Country, Silencers, U2, Go-Betweens, Guided By Voices, Van Morrison, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Who, Aimee Mann, Elvis Costello etc...

Similar Artists Similar to elements found in: early U2, Bunnymen, Doves, Verve, Interpol, Bowie, Iggy Pop, Doors, Remy Zero etc...

Artist History Played guitar since age 15, and began writing songs/singing about 6 years ago. I've played a handful of live shows (full band) recently that have gone well, and hope to get a fully committed band together in the near future.

Group Members Daniel Drennan - all songs/instruments except where indicated. Drums typically played by either Mieky Maney or Justin Wallace.

Instruments Recordings made with: Gibson Les Pauls, Ibanez and Gibson ES335s, Gibson SGs, Samick and Fender basses, Boss effects and digital recorder, Pearl and Tama drums.

Albums Another Town's Grey Felt Skies... 1999-2002 compilation cdr - email for details.

Press Reviews COMMENTS ON DEMOS From Online Listeners (send me an email to add your comments) Hey! I like Summer Century Meltdown! Yes- very cool, very cool. I can imagine this being an Echo & the Bunnymen song - dark and somewhat quirky. Love the guitar effects! Thanks for sharing it! danny, the lyrics to those 2 songs are really, really good - i especially like "summer century meltdown" i can tell how inspired you are right now it shows in the words - they're excellent. i hope you have lot's more where this came from take care (comment - Salim Nourallah of Moon Festival/Happiness Factor) Hey I enjoyed all of your MP3s, it's just great stuff! Down To This reminded me of a cross between David Bowie and Iggy Pop I think this was my favorite of the bunch followed by SCM then "In Balance Again" - this one kinda had... almost a funk edge. Like Love doing something like "Little Red Book" or something. That's fantastic. Anyway, great job! Let me know when you have some others up! (comment – Brian Wright of Sweet Harriot) On “While You Can” the mood is set early in the song. I’m not quite sure how it makes me feel - it teeters on sadness and disorientation… (“while you can”) I like the guitar use and the arrangement of the vocals within the song. Sounds like the Doves - an eerie mood. Daniel, I listened to a few tracks and I like your direction. Your voice sounds a little Peter Murphy and a little like Richard Ashcroft (of Spiritualized ). I really can't get the full feel/quality from these mp3s - do you have anything on cd I may be able to listen to? Cool, interesting music you have made... Reminiscent of the Cure, Only Ones, and even quasi Bowie-ish. Melodic, poppy and publicly digestible too. Daniel has made some brilliant contributions (to the compilation). His voice surfaces as the aural equivalent of a smoking velvet jacket draped with a sandpaper scarf. Daniel - you have probably the most distinctive voice of anyone on the CD (HERESY – the CD compilation of artists covering songs by the band THE CHURCH). Tristesse is absolutely stunning.The EBOW and effected electric guitar are perfect. This version is equal to the original in my opinion and I can see it was the lead off track on the CD. Your voice reminds me of Neil Diamond when he was still a great songwriter (Solitary Man, Sweet Caroline, Cracklin Rosie, Monkees hit singles era).Your version just has a beautiful melancholy ache but still leaves the listener uplifted. This is energetic and earnest like some emo bands I've heard but the lyrics and vocals are better and more mature. This also reminds me of Britpop - no accent or anything but the overall feel. I think your song would be perfect college radio material, if you haven't been pushing for college play you should really consider trying that. Beautiful! This song While You Can absolutely rocks! Each section of the song kicks it into a higher gear than the previous section. Great guitar interplay, great melody and great vocals. You definitely have talent both as songwriter and performer. Can't wait to hear more music by you...keep up the good work! Daniel Watkins / Tristesse- A classic sound very respectful of the intentions and spirit of the song. One of the best covers of a Church song I have ever heard. What a perfect start to the cd. Talent exudes, and is apparent from the vocals to the instruments. Just gorgeous. I can't tell you how impressed I am. Daniel's Tristesse is beautiful. Great arrangement and his voice is great here. Superb. Brilliant. Hi Daniel, I listened to your MP3s and am very interested in what you’re doing. I'm always looking for something different and in line with my musical influences like the Strokes, Blur, BRMC and Pete Yorn. Anyway I very seldom email anyone local because it seems so few people in Dallas have their s*** together, but I'm impressed with your sound and voice and your songs are great. I completely agree with this - Daniel has a really strong voice, direct and full of presence… To me the quality that makes his voice work so well is the confidence in the singing… I saw your add and visited your web page. I’m a big fan of The Verve, U2, and Remy Zero as well as the Who, The Doors, and Van Morrison (who is one of my all time favs) and can see where these artists fit into your music. I really like your songwriting and the vocals were really impressive too. i love the song down to this - it's very catchy and i think it’s my favorite. i love the contrast between your voice and the guitars, and the falsetto (is that how it's spelled?). i wish you'd send a copy to Josh on the EDGE’s Adventure Club. your voice is so smooth on summer century meltdown the lyrics are the best: "we're falling into a burnt out sun-we're flying closer than anyone” or when the music quiets down "just let the world dissolve-just break off and fall" and on while you can "my words fall like stones into our conversation down cobbled streets and lanes"-what a way to start a song. something in there is reminiscent of the Verve. i think you have some brilliant stuff here! Danny, I have been listened to your CD a few times and like more at each passing. With even minor fine tuning i hear good if not great things. Finally someone with good taste and well written songs. Daniel, I just listened again tonight to the 10 songs of yours I have. Man, I love your sound! You f___ing rock, man - Seriously! Of all the music I've heard by list members, you have the best voice - awesome. I honestly like your songs - I want more, I crave more. Anymore demos, old band bootlegs, etc lying around you wouldn't mind sharing? Even if it's on cassette, that's cool. Daniel - It's wonderful! Seriously! Wouldn’t say it if I didn't think so...and apparently lots of folks think so - great job! It (Tristesse) happens to be a favourite of mine! i heard your mp3s.........your sound is like a cool blend of emo and 80s pop sounds.........i think your ideas are very original. Daniel Watkins - Tristesse I knew from the minute I heard this song that I had the lead-off song for the entire HERESY set. I think Daniel has the best singing voice of any of the musicians I've heard online. He always adds very nice guitar textures to his songs, even an acoustic-driven song like this version of "tristesse". I downloaded the songs you recommended and I like them. You sound like you're an awesome guitarist and I can hear a classic feel mixed in with dark overtones. You definately have a great and unique voice that doesn't coincide with any mainstream or modern music that we're hearing on the radio today. To me, that's really important in the genre of music that I have been playing and listening to. i really like all of your songs. i dont quite have words to describe it yet. its nothing like whats on the radio unless you count the college radio b/c they play everything. it sounds like things are turning from whats pop to what new and different, and i think that there will be a place for your music on the radio pretty soon. the mainstream norm is not as hot as it used to be and underground music seems to be taking off. these new "obscure" bands (like the strokes the vines the hives the white stripes) and the heavy indie have basically paved the way for a different sound. I think you ought to be getting great responses to your music soon and i think it would be a great time to look for band members and send off demos and such - really i think change is due. Message to all... Danny is one of the great unknown talents of Dallas. A great singer/songwriter with the voice of the anti-Creed. if just one bassist and drummer will choose quality over quantity and follow his lead they would all be contenders on the Dallas music scene. (Comment – Mike Maney of Origami) Hey Daniel, Sorry for not emailing yesterday as promised, but I was able to listen to some of your songs and I'm very impressed. I heard a mix of Peter Murphy and Bob Dylan in your vocals, but that's my perception. I'll be listening to the rest today, take it easy man! I think these are very good for first draft home demos. Down To This almost seems like a meeting of American indie pop/60’s pre-punk garage rock with a hint of Richard Butler (Psychedelic Furs) in the vocals. While You Can is very cool, and smooth – it could probably be better with the guitars brought to the front. Great song though possibly the best of these songs and reminiscent of the Verve as well as various British bands. Summer Century Meltdown is mindbending lyrically and of course in the guitar effects- and almost Bowie-ish during the ‘I try to remember what could’ve gone so wrong’ part. Very simple riff and framework and it works perfectly – almost a Church kind of feel to it in the vein of their recent releases. This would be perfect if re-recorded with better drumming. In Balance Again… underground minimalist rock with an almost funk bass. The only time I’d probably ever like this style bass in a song but it pulls the song in just the right way. The guitar solo middle section could be dropped, or redone with something less conventional. Despite my dropping names of these older greats, I think your stuff definitely has a contemporary edge to it also, a cool combination of old and new influences. I’d like to hear what others think of this stuff… Daniel, I checked out "Let You Know". Some nice sounds, especially for doing it all yourself on eight track. I dig the Ocean Rain-era Echo & the Bunnymen influence. Not many people pursuing music like that, unfortunately. The only advice I'd have is to make some songs that are shorter, with simpler arrangements. In rock, usually the dumber the better! (comments Mike Graff – Course Of Empire/Halls Of the Machine) hey daniel, just wanted to say that your songs are great. i had to check out your music after seeing your influences (i have at least one album by everyone of the bands you listed except for the go-betweens). very pleased to hear that someone is making good music in dallas and not necessarily following a trend. good luck and please let me know if you end up playing out, i'd love to see the songs live. wow. i really like the songs. thanks for sending the link, it took me a few listens to really form an opinion but then some of my favorite bands had the same effect on me. the first time i heard MERCURY REV, i didn't exactly know what to think but i knew i had to give it another listen. so far "while you can" is my favorite. i think it's the overall melody with the strings that does it for me. From your sound I’m guessing you must listen to Mercury Rev and other such bands?? This ‘Basement Tapes’ stuff was cool in a lo-fi sense like a few other bands I like. One of the songs “Untold” definitely reminded me of the Doors. The last song kind of had me thinking early Pink Floyd; really psychedelic and surreal. And ‘Luminescent Night’ was like really laid back– but still had an edge to it and an almost classic feel… Nice mixture of styles and sounds. While You Can - it's a good song but I think a more brilliantly produced demo would go a long way - more high end is all it needs. Also I think an upbeat or harder bridge would add a lot. Or... maximize on the "drone" a bit and make it a bit longer and set into a groove. A cool groove with a nice hook in there... listen to songs like "Magnificent Seventies" by American Analog Set - the songs are pretty simple, but you get entranced by them because they become almost hypnotic - all in 4 minutes. Pretty amazing. Just some ideas... for what it's worth. Yeah, I really like that "Summer Century Meltdown" tune... Great guitar effects, how'd you get em? I was playing along with it on Monday but my home system just couldn't download more than half the song at a time so I will try here at work... It really reminds me of some Kitchens Of Distinction stuff, the tone of the guitars and the structure of the song is very reminiscent. I like the drum sounds too, stripped down- no BS.... I will give the others a listen as well. Thanks for sharing.... I did get to listen to those demo's, I think they are excellent! Hey Danny, I downloaded the demos. They sound great! You got a great drum recording considering it was just those three pieces. Cool effect on SummerCenturyMeltdown. Take Care Listened to your CD today and quite enjoyed it - keep up the good work! Forward a CD of more of your stuff anytime. Daniel, just had a chance to listen to a few of your songs - Summer Century Meltdown (and) In Balance Again. You have a beautiful voice. It's very appealing. Slightly reminiscent of Steve Kilbey (of the CHURCH). If you're sick of that comparison, sorry. The next comparison that comes to mind is Bauhaus. Have you made any connections in Dallas as far as a band? It seems you definitely have the right talent to do so. The demo's are very well crafted and extremely well played. There's some great energy there. Would like to listen to a few more. Hey Daniel - loved your songs! I checked out all of your mp3s and I must say I am very impressed! I really like your style, your ideas and your voice! Before I had even read the other reviews I had already thought that you sounded like a really cool cross between Richard Butler/Psychedelic Furs, The Church & David Bowie. Are these the obvious influences I think they are for you? I hope I can get the chance to hear some more of your work--I truly enjoyed it. Dan, I've been listening to your demos- I think they're very good. I play guitar and it seems we have similar taste. If you're ever in the Northern VA/DC area, we should hang out and jam. Your mp3 of “In Balance Again” reminds me of some cool indie rock stuff like the Minutemen. Daniel - I was curious, are you a big fan of Peter Murphy? Your voice and music are very similar to his. I think our tastes are pretty similar. I really dig your material. I've downloaded all 5 songs, and they are in heavy rotation at the moment at my place! Your old LIGHTNING WALTZ ‘Basement Tapes’ demos have a very unique feel to them… I’m reminded of bands like Screaming Trees, Lords Of The New Church and Grant Lee Buffalo/Phillips. Despite the poor recording format there is some real promise in the songs and style. Good work and nice writing. Hi, Daniel. I've been listening to your music, and I like it. Your voice reminds me somewhat of Peter Murphy (Bauhaus) in a good way, and the music is excellent- great guitar tones and nice breaks. I'm still absorbing it, but it's good stuff. Was wondering…what guitar and amp (you used)? Danny, I liked your songs – your singing reminds me of Grant Lee Philips. If you knew how big Grant Lee fan I was and how beautiful I think his voice is you’d know how big a compliment that is! I want to hear some more some time. Hey - just got home and have been listening to your CD. I must tell you I think it's very good. I can hear many influences like the Smiths, Echo & the Bunnymen, Psychedelic Furs and other bands that I grew up on. Concerned is very nice Dan!!!!!! A bit of a Marty Willson-Piper influence I think(?) and good singing! I'd say your music is quite accomplished-the first piece While You Can reminded me of Bill Pritchard (who you probably haven't heard but would likely enjoy) while the second song Down To This seemed to echo Smashing Pumpkins' ‘1979’ quite favorably. I hope it's not belittling to throw comparisons at you--I quite like both of the above! Thanks much! Wow… I finally got a chance to listen to your demos. I LOVE Concerned; beautiful melodies and music blend well and your voice has really improved! While You Can is missing something to smooth it and blend it all together. Maybe it is just something in editing, maybe some background vocal harmonies. I like the mellow rock of Luminescent Night. It rolls well and interesting key changes add to the overall effect and round it out. Wow...Danny I am impressed. I heard your demos...I like ‘em. You're making music the way *you* make music Daniel and that speaks in volumes to *me*! If that's (my never so humble opinion) worth anything at all to you. Go make some more music, damn it! I listened to your cd and really liked a lot of it, especially tracks 3 and 7 (I think). I've never heard you mention Japan or David Sylvian as an influence, but I thought I detected some rather similar licks/vocals throughout, which I thought sounded quite good. Of course he got it from Bowie, so maybe that was it! I went to your website. I listened to a few of your MP3' s and was very impressed; also I really liked the lyrics that were posted in that review. I liked your CD a lot, it's really cool to listen to that and know that everything was pretty much played by one person. Daniel I listened to your two new songs in depth today – very, very impressed. The songs are great – you are a great songwriter. Lot of neat little guitar parts in Swan Song. And the acoustic song Not To Save is really pretty. I can understand your desire to have pro-recordings of these songs because they really are good, but Concerned sounds great as-is to me. Yeah, I listened to all of your demos today and I dug damn near all of it. Makes me wish I had a set schedule so we could play. Really dug that Church influence – their song “Destination” comes to mind. Daniel~ I would list some influences, after listening to your stuff - I would say The Church (while you can), U2, psychedelic pop/rock… Jeez, I even hear some of the better PIL in your stuff - you should be able to attract some guns with these songs. I even hear Iggy Pop and David Bowie on some of this stuff. Go listen to "Let you know" on Daniel's mp3 page, and let the Ocean Blue smack you in the head!! Let me rephrase that, I'm not saying it sounds like Ocean Blue, but I think I hear some influence there, and you'd have to be familiar with it to recognize it. Really good stuff I like it a lot. The very first thing I thought when I heard Daniel’s stuff was The Church. I wondered if it was just me... Echo and his little munchkins (the Bunnymen) as well and Psychedelic Furs in a weird kinda way. ......Just a great swirl of 80's english style pop - I love this stuff! I really dig your song Fear The Unknown!!! Daniel, I agree with everyone else here that your music is great! The two of us could really turn this town on it's ears if you would form a band with me. Good work, I really like your stuff as well – good job on all of it. hey i heard your song Let You Know. there is definitally potential here - id like to hear something else by you. good luck BTW, checked out your music page and your songs are excellent. Of course listened to “Tristesse” but also several originals and I have to say, I am impressed. Hey I like the songs – a lot! I would love to get together and play some of these songs, let me know. I was listening to your songs on your mp3.com site and I really like 'em. I was interested in your lyrics and what you were playing, and it's not the same old stuff you hear all the time. Also it's very melodic and rhythmic, which i like… I listened to a couple of your MP3's and was very impressed. The song stuctures are interesting and sufficiently complex to keep my attention. You have a good voice and are an excellent musician. If you need a drummer let me know. I listened to a few of your demos. I liked what I heard. Good melodies, thats always a plus, and your stuff is very warm and ‘organic’ musically speaking – good work. I just spent an hour listening to your demos. The sound is nice and fat, with lots of room inside. I like that. Does that make any sense? That is quite a song you've got there in "Concerned." Your 12 string sounds great. I liked the indie pop garage one Down To This, and the fast moving alt/underground ones in particular. I was into the fast cymbals song, In Balance Again. Great album image for Black Light Gurus BTW. I'm looking forward to hearing the improvisational one, but it wouldn't load. Thanks for sharing the music- do you mind if I tell a friend about it? Keep up the good work, it's good to hear your songs.Take that damn music festival in Austin by storm! I finally got a chance to hear your music tonight. You're so good! Your singing reminds me of Steve Kilbey - no joke. Why didn't you mention this to me before? Ohmigod! I heard Summer Century Meltdown, My Reward, and Concerned. I really like them all. I think I like My Reward best, but it's kind of hard to say because I like Summer Century Meltdown just about as much. I was chatting with a guy last night after you left and he turned me on to his website. But when I heard you were on there, I RACED to the link. Cuz I figured if your music was as impressive as your poetry it'd be worth a listen, and it was. OK, if you haven't heard Daniel's songs, now is the perfect time to do so! He has posted a new mp3 at www.mp3.com/LightningWaltz that is just excellent. A rerecording of his classic "While You Can". This new version isn't as muddy/spacey as the one I've heard before... in fact, it rocks and reminds me of the early U2 sound, circa "Boy" and "October". If you are not aware of it, we have another supremely talented artist in our midst....Daniel Watkins. His songwriting, singing, and guitar playing are a pleasure to hear! C'mon...check him out! I'm listening right now. Nice job. I'm digging the epic vibe of 'While You Can'. Makes me want to grab my guitar. More later. Keep it up. Cheers. Listened to a few songs of your demo cd and was mighty impressed. loved the guitar work. Will give you more feedback at a later date. Hi - Great stuff you've got there! Do you have any plans to upload anything new? Love to hear more! Fear the Unknown is really good... reminds me of The Sound. hey daniel, great songs... i'd add to your similar artists peter murphy. i think your voice is what leads me to that opinion more than anything else. Hey, I've been listening to your cd more and more in my car the last week. Anyway, it's become a staple in the rotation of stuff I listen to, I really like it. I'd be interested in collaborating… Oh, the girlfriend loves your cd, too :-) It's cool to have an "official" LIGHTNING WALTZ release. Your version of Tristesse is fantastic! You are easily the best singer on the list... and I'm starting to notice you always have some cool guitar tones going on. Also, I love your demos. I have actually listened to them quite a bit. I dont have a track listing so I cant tell you my favourites but the first and last songs stick in my memory as being good. the last to me sounded like it had a little bit of influence from the Edge of U2. Seriously, congratulations on a fine cd.

Location Glasgow, Scotland - United Kingdom

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