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Many artists are claiming they’re looking for honesty in their music. To me that means they want the music to reflect their outlook on life or the matter they’re tackling in the current project. The whole subject of the Blues is the cathartic experience of laying bare personal trauma or overcoming difficult conditions. How about a genre that celebrates the joy of life and the beauty of the human condition?
The Web site for new album, Connect by Australian born, singer/songwriter Daniel Coates asks a question right off the bat, “How many times has a song truly changed you?” This question is quite a relevant one as the listener prepares to embark on the journey through the album. Coates has a stated goal of offering up songs with a positive message that make you feel good. In the case of Connect, mission accomplished.
This collection of songs is multi-influenced. The traditional, contemporary folk stylings of Greg Brown and Gordon Lightfoot can be heard on the song A Higher Place To Be. The song Circle Dance is complimentary of the sounds of Joni Mitchell and even a restrained Black Crowes. The point is they work together to create a spiritual listening experience.
Coates has written strong songs with lyrics that keep the listener involved with the full adventure. The basic structure of the songs builds, which increases the interest in them that results in the joy he’s trying to impart. Producer, Marcelo "Chello da Chance" de Villegas layers on the many instruments he contributes to the effort. The result is memorable songs with interesting arrangements. As I listened to the album I could remove myself from my own trials of the time and get in the groove and find the positive vibe within myself. Coates doesn’t just rely on lyrics to realize this manifestation. The grooves are upbeat and the overall context is hopeful. He pulls this off with an honesty that never feels contrived or pushed. Daniel is currently on tour in South American, but I’m going to look for his live show in my area to see if the feeling translates to the live show. In the mean time, I’d encourage you to give this one a listen.
To learn more about Daniel Coates and his new album Connect, check out his profile right here on MicControl.
For further information:
http://www.connectalbum.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/danielcoates - miccontrol.com
Discography
Connect (LP, 2009)
Photos
Bio
Biography
Genre: Conscious indie rock/pop
Origin: Sydney
Official Band Websites:
www.connectalbum.com www.danielcoatesmusic.com
My Space site: www.myspace.com/danielcoates
Sounding a bit like “Ben Harper meets Jason Mraz on a trip around the world” Daniel Coates’ mission with his music is to transmit love and positivity and make people feel good. This mission is accomplished through positive lyrics and upbeat grooves that transport the listener out of their day to day concerns into a positive space where anything is possible.
Born in Sydney, Australia, Daniel has spent the last 12 years travelling the world and searching for meaning. This period of travel and searching culminated in the recording of his debut album “Connect” in 2009. “Connect” is a diverse collection of songs that together take the listener on a journey. From the traditional folk rock of “A Higher Place to Be” to the upbeat reggae groove of “the Universe Gets High” to the Spanish/Celtic dreaminess of the title track “Connect” to the all-out-Afro-Brazilian “Sleeping Shamen” back to the stillness of “One way home”. A general feeling of positivity and hope is maintained throughout the journey as it is delivered through the diverse styles.
Daniel recently decided to hang up the travel boots for now and returned to Sydney, Australia where he now resides and can be found playing songs from “Connect” and new songs from his forthcoming album “Mantransformation” at venues around town.
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