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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 1997, Rachel's 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 UB40 and Rockfield Studios - the band's time
was not then.
In 2000, 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 a year later, 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' produced by Grant Showbiz (The Smiths/Billy Bragg)
and 'Dear Friend' whilst continuing to tour the UK on the back of further
critical praise.
Daniel's second album ' A Taste of Money' (09/06) featured the hit single
'Let It Be Mine' which reached No.28 in the Official Independent Singles
Chart in January 2008. The accompanying video was directed by the BAFTA
award team behind 'Bleak House' and 'The Other Boleyn Girl'. Guest appearances
on the critically acclaimed album included the Kate Rusby Band, Willis,
Simon Fowler (Ocean Colour Scene) and Joe Atkinson (Flipron/The Specials).
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