For my ‘You Need to Know’ feature this week I’m shining the spotlight on an extremely promising 22-year-old alternative singer-songwriter called Dan Croll.
Harbouring an old school vibe with a modern edge and a look to match – I wouldn’t be surprised to find out he was styled by Spector frontman Fred MacPherson. He won the national Songwriter of the Year award from the Musicians Benevolent Fund whilst studying at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) as well as being picked for a one-to-one tutorial with none other than a certain local legend and founder of LIPA Sir Paul McCartney. Dan also had his debut single From Nowhere added to BBC Radio 1’s playlist, played last year’s iTunes Festival, has a string of American dates and support slots with musical goliaths such as Bastille, Haim and Imagine Dragons… clearly this is a man you should really sit up and pay attention to.
Electronically-infused indie folk is the name of his game, and with four singles now out for your listening pleasure you get a great taste of what this young man is capable of. First up was From Nowhere, reminiscent of Metronomy’s The Look, in September of last year. Good voice, great rhythms – the song was a cautious but nevertheless terrific introduction. Compliment Your Soul‘s ridiculously upbeat bop, warm brass flourishes and catchy nature made a particularly good impression on me as Dan began to put himself out there and third single In / Out followed suit. Latest offering Home takes its inspiration from the title. It has a welcoming and familiar feel to it – simple yet effective. So far I can’t point out much wrong. Supported by his backing band he is a much needed breath of fresh air from what seems like an endless conveyor belt of wannabe singer-songwriters with the same songs bashed out on the same acoustic guitar. Dan’s music is a delight to listen to and he’ll no doubt become a much spoken about name this year.
