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Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with unsigned UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with unsigned London based singer Daniel Etherton to find out more…

Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
Space, place and memory. It’s the way I hold a connection to everything, through remembering. The key inspiration in all my songs I’ve written. I was born in Surrey, where I first started singing – at school, choir, home, in local gig venues but was fortunate enough growing up to travel into London and explore the city (living here the past six years). The first experience taking a South Western train to Waterloo station when you’re just a kid; how independent a feeling it was and the uplifting thought you would get that there is so much opportunity for growth here. From the corner of my parent’s house – my little bedroom, to my frequented West London rehearsal space, Arch Studio. Two locations distant but connected. Music has always resonated with me on an emotional level, allowing me to stop, feel and create. At Arch, I met my first writing partner, practiced for my first open mic in London; first gig in London, mixed with friends, strangers, varied backgrounds all linked by our love for music.

Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
I’m excited by the constant evolution of music and its ability to connect people. Emotionally charged lyrics are what inspire me; artists like Daughter, Bon Iver, The XX and Bill Withers. I’m grateful for accessibility of music, radio, playlisting – all the different tools to search, discover and listen.

How would you describe your sound?
I combine pop sensibilities with meaningful lyrics to create a storytelling aesthetic. My intention is to write emotionally charged music which evoked the feeling of nostalgia intertwined with modern relatability.

What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
Disappear is my follow-up single to my debut track, Foundations. Disappear released on 11th June 2021; it’s about that moment in a relationship; romantic, friendship, a place where there’s a strong connection but you’ve got to sever that emotional tie before you end up broken. Whether it’s a case of not being enough for that person, not fitting into their mould or just simply coming to a stalemate. It’s something I’ve experienced. As a continued vein, I am working with global emerging artists (for this track UK and Poland) to the single artwork and artwork animation. I’ll be interviewing with BBC Radio Kent and BBC Radio Bristol, bridging on ‘Disappear’-ing/lost artwork which makes good reference to my passions – art and music. Furthermore, I’ll be recording on The Waffle Shop Podcast talking about mental health and how to cope with grief or losing someone.

What’s your local music scene like?
I live in London, United Kingdom so it’s pretty varied. Since the ease in Lockdown measures, I’ve managed to get myself to a couple smaller gigs in London and looking forward to a Summer filled with it.

What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
I have a few gigs lined up for this Summer, as well as my first festival in September which is extremely exciting. Disappear is the second track for a wider EP planned; more recently however, I’ve been working in the studio pretty tirelessly and have a whole load of new songs which I am debating releasing sooner rather later, so a lot to watch out for. As I briefly mentioned, art is a massive part to my artistry so I am continuing to work on an Art Club Series and take on some very exciting brand collaborations that will offer a broader platform for my music, too!

Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
Too many people to just list one!

What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
Art dealer by day, musician by night. It’s not that romantic, more of a steady mix of both worlds. Before my first experience gigging in 2019, I have been working in the art-world; liaising with high-end clients and surrounded by art historical pieces – selling Da Vinci’s ‘Salvator Mundi’ for example. This impacted the way I approached campaigning, both visually and sonically – a storytelling aesthetic. After finding confidence in live performing and song writing, pursuing a career in music became more and more apparent. That thing which tugs at your heart strings – nostalgia with modern relatability. It’s something I try to emulate in my songwriting.

You can find out more about Daniel on his website or via Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, TikTok, Twitter or YouTube.