Daniel Rachel
Daniel Rachel was born in Solihull living opposite Ian Botham's grandmother. Leaving Birmingham at eighteen, Daniel studied film at Winchester University before dropping out to form a band.
In 1996, Rachels Basement was conceived and soon became the Midland's biggest unsigned band playing to sold out venues and rave revues. The 4-piece band undertook several nationwide tours with Daniel as front man and songwriter. Courted on many occasions by the record industry - including prestigious residencies at UB40s and the famous Rockfield Studios - the band's time was not then.
In 1999, Daniel left the Midlands with an acoustic guitar for London. After many gigs on the acoustic circuit, Dust Records was conceived for the launch of Daniel's self-financed debut album 'A Simple Twist of Folk'. The album was released in November 2001 to much critical acclaim. A brave, honest record, shot through with beautiful melodies, lyrical and resonant as its title suggests. The 13 tracks were produced by Marc Olivier and includes collaboration with Goldfrapp drummer Rowan Oliver.
In October 2001, Daniel embarked on his first solo British tour taking in over 20 cities to promote his debut album. A second nationwide tour followed in Autumn 2002, opening for Ocean Colour Scene lead singer Simon Fowler. Along the way, Daniel has supported many other great and rising talents including Billy Bragg, Nizlopi,Thea Gilmore and The Rifles.
Through 2003/4 Daniel released two limited edition seven inch singles; 'Burned By The Wire'/'Driving Round The Bend' produced by Grant Showbiz (The Smiths/Billy Bragg)and 'Dear Friend'/'An Englishman Abroad' (10/04) and continued to tour the UK on the back of further critical praise.
September 2006 saw the release of Daniel's second album 'A Taste Of Money' featuring the singles 'Pearl' and 'Let It Be Mine' . The later comes with a debut pop promo directed by Rod Main (U2, Robbie Williams). Guest appearances on the record include The Kate Rusby Band, Willis, Simon Fowler (Ocean Colour Scene) and Joe Atkinson (Flipron/The Specials)
'a reassuringly contrary soul ...there is power here, no little insight, and some very fine songs, too MOJO
'the ghost of George Harrison in his pipes and a Dylan-like propensity for songs...impressively versatile' WORD
