Invite a Friend

Dan Whitehouse is a singer/songwriter based in Wolverhampton, UK. He writes songs about life, love, loss and sometimes happiness. Before going solo Dan was front man for Sonara and side man for Naomi and Carina Round.

"Sensational" TOM ROBINSON, BBC 6 MUSIC.

A voice that could "pop the cork of a champagne bottle", songs with hooks that "plant themselves under your skin like jumping beans under the sun" and a truly eclectic live band. His debut EP, The Balloon, January 12th 09, demands attention.

Sessions began in February 2008 with a core ensemble of piano, percussion, and bass. Having experienced cramped working conditions as a session musician himself Dan encouraged a free flowing exchange of ideas in the studio. Ferocious rock drums and bass were paired with tender, expressive piano melodies and the ambient/noise loops of ex Captain Beefheart / Clapton guitarist Andy Bole.

The band recorded a total of 17 songs which will surface throughout 2009 in a series of 3 EPs: The Balloon: The Bubble: and The Box. "when I sat back and read the lyrics I had written over the last ten years I realized that escapism was the prevailing theme, the three titles are all types of hideaway".

Recent support slots have included artists as diverse as Lykke Li, Maria McKee, Joseph Arthur, Josh Ritter, Kaki King, Paddy Casey, Julian Cope and Foy Vance. Dan also hosts his own regular acoustic night 'Live At Lock Works' at Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton.

On November 22nd 2008 Dan will be joined by an ensemble of 10 musicians for a purely acoustic performance of the EP, which will be filmed for a DVD by MJH Productions. Violinist/experimental musician Tom Bounford will lead/conduct the string quartet, drummer John Large will play Cajon, Steve Clarke f-hole bass, June Mori Piano and Andy Bole lead guitar. This extra special 'Live At Lock Works' event will also feature special guest Michael Colley playing the extraordinary panart hang.

History…

In the late 1970s, a young hippy couple in search of an adventure traded Wolverhampton (and their MG mgt) for California (and a VW Beetle). For two idyllic years they lapped up the atmosphere: sunshine, spliffs, red wine, Bob Dylan, and Jackson Browne. When they landed back in Britain in '79 it was with a bump; punk rock had arrived, Macdonalds restaurants had hit the high streets, little did they know that the biggest change was yet to come: Brenda was pregnant.

Dan was born 03.09.79 and promptly postponed any hopes of a swift return to the West Coast. They did eventually make it back across the Atlantic in '82 (for a greyhound cross country trip), but couldn't find permanent jobs and returned to Wolverhampton.

"although none of family played an instrument, music was always on in the house and my parents had loads of records. My Dad was always singing too"

Encouraged to take piano lessons from the age of 6, Dan yearned for a guitar and wasted no time when he finally persuaded them to buy an £8 acoustic from the local junk shop.

His musical career began as back up guitarist for fellow Wulfrunian Carina Round, followed by 3 years with Naomi (Liquid, Gut Records 1999), before grabbing the lead vocal mic and heading for London with his own band 'Sonara' at the age of 21.

Since going solo in 2007 he has supported artists as diverse as Lykee Li, Maria McKee, Kaki King, Josh Ritter and Joseph Arthur, and played headline @ Glee Club, Birmingham.

Comments

Andrew - 03/02/2009 23:10:10
Wow! Theres a DVD coming. Really miffed I missed the 31st Wolverhampton gig....but if there is gonna be a DVD of your live performance even if not from that particular gig, that will be awesome to see.

Photo Gallery

  No Photos - Add a New Photo

Add a Comment

Fill in the fields below and press submit to add a new comment.