Dan Smith

Dan Smith is the lead singer, pianist, songwriter, and founder of band, Bastille.

Dan Smith began writing songs in secret as a teenager. He was encouraged to enter Leeds Bright Young Things 2007 where he placed as a finalist and was inspired to keep pursuing his dream:

Honest lyrics with a home grown Leeds feel give DAN SMITH a refreshing take on narrative pop. A classically trained pianist, he switches effortlessly from strong ballads to breezy reggae beats.

Dan cites a variety of inspirations on his music including David Lynch’s Twin Peaks and Regina Spektor, who he met as an aspiring musician:

I interviewed Regina Spektor for my student radio show. It was possibly the worst interview in history. I was so overwhelmed by talking to her that I didn’t know what to say. It was awful.

Dan described his early solo music as mostly inspired by her work:

My songs used to be significantly more bizarre. I used to play a big electric piano and a loop pedal. I was really into Regina Spektor and I liked her narrative lyrics that were quite off the wall. I used to layer things up and try and replicate what I’d been doing with my bedroom recordings.