Recording artist Daniel McClain’s voice radiates mastery of R&B as it’s supposed to be heard. Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Daniel recalls the first time he acknowledged his gift. “While my aunts were listening to New Edition’s “What’s Your Name” in the living room, I came out and slid on my knees singing the song to them and this is when I realized that there’s a chance for me as a recording artist.”
With influences including Mint Condition, Guy, Michael Jackson, The Stylistics, Keith Sweat, Whitney Houston, Glenn Jones, Freddie Jackson, Luther Vandross, Bobby Womack, he set the bar high in his own singing. He holds a special place in his heart for the New Jack Swing era, and carved out a legitimate career in R&B on his own.
Daniel appeared for high profile events including Black History Month at the Massachusetts State House, The NAACP Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Conference, The NAACP ACT-SO Program, New-Day Associates Designer of The Year Showcases (publishers of Black Men, Black Women, & Hype Hair magazines) The Diplomat Club for Tahanee’s Fashion Review Showcase, The Park Avenue Lounge, and prominent Boston venues Johnny D’s, The Enormous Room, and Slades. He also sang at the legendary Fenway Park.
Daniel, a graduate of the esteemed Berklee College of Music, has won several competitions, including WILD Radio 1 Karaoke Contest, NEXT New England’s Boston Idol Competition, and The Discovery Award at the 1999 Kahlua Boston Music Awards.
Throughout his career, Daniel has performed at events with Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler, Motown artist Latif, Lalah Hathaway, Richard Smallwood, Neena Freelon, JT & The Dirty Truth, Matt Cusson, Capitol records recording artist Javier, Tha Dead Poets, Ryan Leslie, Darcel Wilson, Gabrielle Goodman, Donna McElroy, Armsted Christian, David Balfour (keyboardist for Anthony Hamilton,) Robin McKelle, and Dennis Montgomery, III, to name a few.
With Daniel’s smooth vocal and engaging delivery, it’s no surprise he was invited to perform at the Berklee College of Music 60th Anniversary at The Wang Center; sharing the stage with legends host Bill Cosby, Herbie Hancock, Abe Laboriel, Sr., Gloria Estefan, Gary Burton, Juan Luis Guerra, Phil Ramone, Paul Simon, Steve Gadd, Walter Beasley, and many more. He was also invited to sing at the Jazz Q Festival held in St. Petersburg, Russia with fellow musicians David Fiuzenski and friends as the Heavy Groove Ensemble, emulating rock fusion and funk with songs from Me’shell Ndegeocello and Screaming Headless Torsos. Performing along side George Duke and Stanley Clark, Maceo Parker, and many more. “It was a great experience for me because they were in open arms to us and the music without any social barriers. They just wanted good music.”
Connecting with listeners of all ages, Daniel’s latest solo release features top-level performers/ producers including Mateo Laboriel, Dawaun Parker (from Dr. Dre’s camp) and Jordan Orvosh. Daniel, who wrote and co-produced songs, offers a stunning and sophisticated portrayal of life’s realities and his innermost expressions. While Daniel is radio ready for today’s market, and honing a classic Rhythm & Blues taste, his music is timeless and exemplary.
Along with his SOULTRON comrads, JTronius, & The Dead Poets, with tireless humility and dedication, Daniel “SkyHigh” McClain forges a path of musical excellence and limitless potential. In his words “ It’s about the art of story telling with real "sangin’, real life, real love… Soultron music.”
