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Daniel is a rare talent and one that needs to be sampled.' (ZEITGEIST)

'a core of affectingly honest material, highly hummable, delivered with a minimum of pretension.' (MOJO)

Hot on the back of stunning press reviews and a 25-date UK tour, Daniel Rachel releases his debut CD single 'Pearl'.

Released on the singer-songwriters own label Dust Records, 'Pearl' is an infectious, brass led, soul stomp. The recording was completed with the help of legendary engineer Sid Bucknor (Studio One/Bob Marley).

In a unique move, 'Pearl' will be offered free to the fan base. Dust Records will challenge music lovers to support a fledging independent label with a shop purchase or potentially bust the label by rightfully ordering the free product. This is obvious gimmick will attempt to highlight the plight and profile of emerging artists like Daniel in a climate of free downloads.

'Pearl' opens with a bombastic brass assault on the ears, setting up an infectious melody and leading to a highly hummable chorus. The lyrics tell of a girl leaving the familiar for a life of the unknown. 'You'll leave a life of meaning to live life on your own'. 'Pearl' is uplifting, with a soaring electric guitar solo.

'Pearl' is backed with 'Face The Sun' produced by Simon Fowler (Ocean Colour Scene) with John Rivers (The Specials 'Ghost Town'). The third track on the CD is a live version of 'The Last Time I Danced' recorded in front of 2,000 people on Glasgow's Renfrew Ferry. The song was originally released on the critically acclaimed album 'A Simple Twist Of Folk'.

A mini acoustic tour of the UK has been booked throughout August and September. Daniel has previously supported Billy Bragg, Simon Fowler (Ocean Colour Scene) and Thea Gilmore.

Daniel was formerly lead singer of Midlands-based band Rachel's Basement. In 2002, having moved to London two years earlier, he released his self-financed debut album 'A Simple Twist of Folk', to considerable media praise. Q and Mojo championed 'a poetic writing talent with articulate and elegant songs 'a real depth of emotion', 'the work of a major.

For further information, images or a promo call:
Danny; 07906 509582 or email danny@dustrecords.co.uk

INTERVIEW WITH DANIEL RACHEL (10/05)

A friend of mine was leaving what she knew to find a new life. I found that inspiring, that she could leave the familiar and what she had conquered to face a new challenge. It was similar to how I felt leaving Birmingham to move to London. It's easy to be trapped by the easy comforts of what you know. That said the song is not half as heavy. The brass that kicks of the song was a great starting point; bold, brash and in your face. I've always loved brass ever since hearing Rico on 'Ghost Town' when I was first getting into music.

One of the B-Side's was recorded in front of 2,000 Glaswegians what was that like?

Fantastic. It was the first time I had played in Glasgow. I had been told they were the best fans in Britain wearing their feelings on their sleeve, in their heckles. It was a real buzz and only fitting the first live song I should release was recorded their. 'The Last Tine I Danced' was recorded on my album 'A Simple Twist of Folk' originally but this version is just raw and direct, me and an acoustic guitar versus 2,000 beered up Scots.

The third song on the single was produced by Ocean Colour Scene's Simon Fowler

Yeah, I think he must have come from the Glasgow gig, he can drink more beer than an elephant and still snort with his trunk after.

How do you finance your own record company?

Each release could be my last, which is scary. But at the same time it inspires me to work harder, enjoying the total freedom I've got whilst searching for the break that will give more financial security and contracted longevity. Finding a lump sum to record and release an album slows me down but thankfully I've got this single and a new one for next year in the bag.

What are listening to?

'Nothing (But Flowers)' - Talking Heads, the best song I've heard in years - lyrically and musically it's got the lot. And just as a bonus Johnny Marr (The Smiths) plays on it - game over. A lot of REM, I saw them in Hyde Park the other day and Michael Stipe was brilliant. Great charisma and singing at the top of his tree, 'Electrolite', 'Bad Day' songs I wish I'd written.