dougal

I'm Dan, some people call me Dougal,



-Up above are some tracks I've drummed on in the past 2 years or more.

-To the left are some links to things I am, or have been involved in.

-Below are some friends I have.

-I live in Leeds, I attend the Leeds College of Music and love it.



Available for Teaching/Performances/Session work. Please contact:



d.mcdougall@lcm.ac.uk



Biography:

Having been brought up by musicians for parents, Daniel was plonking his fingers on a piano at the age of three, said to be working out Baa Baa Black sheep all on his own. Reading music became natural by playing the recorder and at 8 he picked up a trumpet and joined as many wind-bands, jazz ensembles and orchestras that he could. He worked his way up over the next few years earning a seat in the experienced, Hertfordshire County levels of Brass ensembles and Orchestras. As well as joining the jazz band and orchestra at school, the Bell Choir gained his interest, which took him on a tour of New Orleans, America.



However, the pop scene called and Daniel joined a renowned local Ska band, Dexter’s Fish as their singer and trumpet player. His first professional session involved a three-track demo, followed by a 5 track E.P. produced and recorded himself. Discovering the use of his production skills led to recording outside bands professionally as well as performance on trumpet for studio sessions in London. Whilst this was all happening, Daniel had taught himself as well as mastering drums and joining Crossbeam at 16. This led to 3 professionally recorded albums; festival and live TV performances; and playing his first shows outside of the UK including Germany and Poland. Songwriting then ensued including some solo performances over the next few years and recording demos in the shed at the bottom of his parent’s garden. Drums became the obvious choice for Daniel to pursue and began his own band, Kid Cosmic who’s first show was for the final of the XFM radio station’s ‘Rock School’ competition, performing live on radio in London. This led to tours of the UK; major label interest; radio play and co-producing, self-funding and releasing an album.



The success of this was due to a year out after sixth form, aiming to earn some money and gain music experience. Whilst working part time at John Lewis, Daniel played as much music as possible and as an electric drum-kit demonstrator for ‘Roland UK’; he worked in shopping centres across the UK, including the prestigious superstore, ‘Harrods’. Other work included album sessions, live performances and live engineering for a high end Function band. He also took the time to join the band Scholars on vocals and synth gaining a performance to thousands at an arena show in St. Albans, his hometown, where he also promoted gigs in the area. However, this was short lived as further education called.



Gaining a guaranteed place at the ‘Leeds College of Music’ (LCM), Daniel’s experience widened dramatically, playing for various projects. He chose to study composition as a major, broadening his knowledge in the field of songwriting. Under the personal guide of Danny Cope (Head of popular music at LCM and nationally acclaimed songwriter), he began to mould his songwriting ability into a format now known as Kanyose, a medium in which to transform his own songs into a band setting. LCM also brought about Rhythmatic, a brilliant function band allowing for work through weddings and corporate events, whilst also depping for other bands in the local area. The opportunity then arose for further performance work at festivals, drumming for Danny Cope and being asked to tour Europe for a month with Luke Leighfield, a well-known singer songwriter. This included performances in places such as Germany, Russia Switzerland, Austria and Spain.



Daniel is currently in his third and final year at LCM and enjoying every moment of learning, performing and working through his expansive experience of music.