“Lord, allow others to be drawn to You through the gift and character embedded in me.”

– Daniel D.

Daniel D., a 27-year-old professional violinist from Charleston, South Carolina, started playing at the young age of 12. With a fan base reaching internationally, the skilled Charleston School of Arts alumni began touring immediately after graduation. Daniel D. has produced five albums. His most recent single made it to the top 50 of the Indie Charts.

During the interview, Daniel D. shared that his goal is to inspire others to do something different, out of the box. Three of the most important things to him are music, traveling, and family.

Q: While scrolling on Instagram, I ran across a clip of you playing ‘No Problem’ by Chance the Rapper ft. 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne on your violin. I was completely wowed by your talent. For those that haven’t been introduced to you, tell us about how you got your start in music at the age of 12.

A: I started playing the violin when I was 12 years old. I actually took it up as a side class while in middle school. A friend and I immaturely took the class thinking there would be a lot of girls, which there were. Before the age of 12, playing an instrument had never drawn my attention, but I discovered my passion right then and there.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BL4CYPejiH3/?taken-by=danieldmusic&hl=en

Q: You have played songs by Rihanna, Drake, Future, Fifth Harmony, Adele, Ciara, Jason Derulo, Demi Lovato and many other artists. No matter what genre, you play with so much passion. How would you describe your style?

A: Because I’m classically trained my style is very broad, can’t be defined. It’s almost a style in itself.

Q: Over the years, have you found inspiration in other violinists? If so, who and why?

A: Yes, absolutely, Noel Pointer. Why? He was able to do so much in such a short career span of two years. Miri Ben-Ari because I never believed the violin ever had a chance in Hip Hop until I heard her song on the radio.

Q: You’ve performed at the Atlanta Jazz Festival, toured with the Coca-Cola College Tour and even had shows in Spain, Canada, Hawaii, and Barcelona. What has been your most memorable experience as a violinist?  

A: Performing at the Beverly Hilton performing before stars such as Michael Jackson, Larry King, and others.

Q: I don’t know much about violins, but I do realize that the quality makes a huge difference in sound. Tell us about your violin. What makes it special?

A: My violin is a Yamaha electric violin. What makes it unique and special is that I can hook up a foot pedal so I can make it sound like many different things. I use an acoustic violin in my videos, but when I play live I use my electric violin that has effects on it. I can make it sound like a rock guitar, a saxophone or any other instrument.

Q: On January 25, 2008, you opened at the Barack Obama ‘Rally for Change’ at the Kroger Center in Columbia, South Carolina. Looking back, how does it feel to have been a part an important moment in American history?

A: It’s incredible. It feels amazing to be a part of history. I think so many people even doubted that this would happen – him being elected, especially in the South where I’m from. And just to look back and to know that I have been a part of it and got to see it first hand is pretty incredible.

Q: In your opinion, how important is music education in schools?

A: It’s extremely important. Not every kid is going to excel in mathematics, science or even sports, but music is like another outlet for kids.

Q: With an upcoming show in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and Frostburg, Maryland, what else can your fans look forward to in the near future?

A: I’m going to keep pushing through social media where my fans can follow my musical and private journeys across the globe. I’m currently working on a new inspirational project which will be released in late spring.

To find out more about Daniel D. and his upcoming projects and events follow him at:

Website: www.danieldmusic.com
Twitter: @danieldsviolin
Facebook: www.facebook.com/danieldmusic
Instagram: @danieldmusic
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ddproductions2007

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