Growing up in the small village of St. Margaret’s, not far from London, producer and songwriter Matthew Daniel’s earliest musical influences came from an earlier generation of musicians, albeit a timeless one which included a wide array of artists such as Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Otis Redding and Donny Hathaway.

His parents rewarded young Matthew’s musical interests with piano lessons, where he developed his early skills with classical training. As he entered his teens, his increasing interest in soul and jazz led him to abandon those classical foundations in order to immerse himself fully in the music that spoke most directly to him. Inspired by vocalists that ranged from Bessie Smith to Aretha Franklin, Matthew found that writing lyrics and composing music helped him steer his way through the trials and tribulations of his teen-age years. In time, he also turned to hip-hop and reggae artists, such as Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes, and Bob Marley for more creative incentive.

Matthew also finds lyrical inspiration in the words of such poets as Langston Hughes, and Rita Dove, whose work spoke eloquently to him of real life.

At a youth club in London, Matthew began to explore the world of the recording studio, eventually coming under the tutelage of producer Kal Knightly (brother of actress Keira) and others.

Already an accomplished music journalist, Matthew has worked at Echoes Magazine, and Blues and Soul Magazine, as well as on his own blog, All About Soul Music. He is currently studying a BA (Hons) in Music Journalism at University for the Creative Arts, where he is completing his third year. He has also worked at Republic Media and House PR.

While a career in music journalism or PR might provide him with a long-term fall back plan, it is his work as a songwriter and producer that plays the largest role in Matthew’s life. His debut single, “Lose Your Smile,” featuring Trizonna McClendon, has received a great deal of positive support from Nu-Soul Mag, GrownFolksMusic, Neo 2 Soul Promotions, Bama Love Soul, and Flavour Magazine, has been featured on two podcasts (one from Colin Curtis, another from Stevie Soul), and has received radio play from Lil’ Dnyce of London’s Bang FM.

He has also written and produced an album, “Battle Scars”, with vocals by Akansha Lama and is working with UK based vocalist Elisha La’Verne.
gomediapr@gmail.com - Cary Goldberg of www.gomediapr.com

Below are quotes from music industry professionals and artists like Julie Dexter who is a huge inspiration for me in the soul/jazz music world. Here they give me feedback on my debut single featuring Trizonna McClendon that I wrote and produced, "Lose Your Smile".

. Dom Servini of Wah Wah 45's - "Thought it was really good"

. L. Michael Gipson of BET/Centric and SoulTracks.com – “A painter of simple and soothing soundscapes, Matthew Daniel brushstrokes the evening sounds of the lovely and the lonely.”

. Graeme Nethercott founder of UKSoul.org – “Really enjoying these…..is a big look. Natural soul with a UK flavour, loving it!”

. Lyric – Music Journalist for TRIBES Magazine – “UKs Matthew Daniels ushers in a new age of feel good music, taking listeners on a refreshing journey of sweet jazzy sounds mixed with beautiful vocals which leave you comtemplating each verse”

“Lose Your Smile is a brilliantly smooth groove with equally match vocal tones and lyrics… A true Belly Rubbin’ Tune…”

Hasan Brown, Puzzle Marketing & Media —Indie Soul Music Publicist/Mktg Professional/Artist Consultant/Project Manager

“cool track… I like her voice, she has a nice tone (reminds me a bit of Jill Scott)

very organic, I like the sparseness (light use) of the drums and the keys… maybe you could add another sound in there still in a minimalistic way to compliment the vocal or a few more harmonies to just build up the vibe a little”

—Julie Dexter – Independent Soul Artist