Upandcoming electro-pop artist from the UK, Dan Black, is not shy about showing his quirky side. Black was spotted photobombing fans at the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Not sure what photoboming is? This was the most simple definition I found (thank you urban dictionary).
Dan Black gained attention when he sampled lyrics from "Hypnotize" by Notorious B.I.G. for his song "HYPNTZ" and stirred up some controversy with the late rapper's estate. "HYPNTZ" was supposed to be Black's first single, but was unable to be released until he wrote his own lyrics (which became "Symphonies").
Dan Black's debut album, ((UN)), was released in July 2009 in the UK and February 2010 here in the states. The album's first single "Symphonies" samples the drum riff of Rihanna's hit song from Good Girl Gone Bad, "Umbrella". The video takes on a movie trailer theme with a wide array of film genres. "Symphonies" was remixed later on with hip hop artist Kid Cudi and this track is available on the U.S. version of UN. Hands down my favorite track has to be "Yours", an anthem to saying goodbye and breaking up with a simple hook, "I don't wanna be yours no more". "U + Me =" is another standout track which I heard while investigating Lollapalooza's lineup this year. "Pump My Pumps" is a song I hear at work all the time, but never made the connection that it was Dan Black until I picked up the cd about 2 weeks ago. "Pump My Pumps" was also used in Lacoste's Momentum campaign. Since I got the cd, ((UN)) is constantly playing on my iPod.
It's been a busy year for Dan Black. He's been touring most of the year and had the opportunity to perform at some of the biggest music festivals of the year including SXSW in Austin, TX back in March, Lollapalooza in Chicago, IL during the first weekend in August, and Austin City Limits Music Festival in early October. Dan returned to Chicago in late October to perform at the Lasalle Power Company.
Dan Black's latest single is "Alone". The video was featured the episode of the MTV reality show The Buried Life where Dave gets hitched in Vegas. "Let Go", "Wonder", "Pump My Pumps" and "Symphonies" were also featured on Dave's wedding soundtrack. Check out the video for "Alone"
((UN)) track listing:
1. Symphonies
2. U + Me =
3. Ecstasy
4. Alone
5. Cocoon
6. Yours
7. Pump My Pumps
8. Wonder
9. Cigarette Pack
10. Life Slash Dreams
11. I Love Life
12. Let Go
(U.S. bonus tracks)
13. Symphonies featuring Kid Cudi
14. Poet
15. Karate Kid
Visit Dan Black's official website
