ABOUT
Meet the Musician Behind the Sound
Early Life & Musical Foundations
Born in Malaysia, Daniel Bryan was raised in a musically enriched household. His father, a dedicated music educator, and his mother, a pharmacist with a natural vocal gift, cultivated an environment where music was both encouraged and celebrated. Drawn to the piano from a young age, Daniel pursued classical training and completed his Trinity Piano Grade 8 exams by the age of 13—a milestone that marked the beginning of a dynamic artistic journey.
Although actively involved in church music, Daniel felt creatively constrained until his father introduced him to 7th chords—an encounter that opened the door to more sophisticated harmonic language. His early musical influences ranged from the smooth jazz stylings of Michael Bublé to the vibrant improvisations of Herbie Hancock, whose artistry ignited Daniel’s ambition to explore complex solos and emotional expression through piano.
Expanding Musical Proficiency
Daniel's passion for rhythm led him to the drums, where he trained under the Rockschool syllabus. Eager to distinguish himself, he prepared a jazz-based repertoire—rather than the typical rock or metal setlist—for his Grade 8 exam. His efforts earned him a high Distinction and Rockschool’s Player Award in 2018.
Inspired by the creative brilliance of the Piano Guys and the virtuosity of Victor Wooten, Daniel branched out to the cello and bass guitar. Motivated by a promise from his father, he worked diligently through his IGCSEs and was rewarded with both instruments, further diversifying his musical toolkit.
University Training & Musical Direction
Daniel pursued his formal education at UCSI University, where he refined not only his instrumental skills but also his leadership in ensemble settings. Faced with a shortage of bassists, he took initiative to study the instrument seriously under a mentor. He became a reliable performer in student recitals, instrumental exams, and collaborative projects.
His time at UCSI also marked the development of his compositional voice, music transcription techniques, and production capabilities—skills that would later underpin his versatility as a session musician and arranger.
Breakthroughs in Live Performance
As the COVID-19 pandemic subsided, Daniel embraced the resurgence of live music by joining jam sessions at Jao Tim, a vibrant music venue. These improvisational sessions honed his ability to read charts on the spot and adapt quickly without rehearsal—crucial skills for the modern performer.
A pivotal moment came when he connected with the rising vocalist Nicolaz. Their musical chemistry led to a series of collaborations that aligned with Daniel’s evolving artistry. Around this time, he was appointed Music Director for the Child Aid Asia concert, a role he held for two consecutive years. He received many opportunities to travel and perform across Malaysia at weddings, bars, and events—exploring genres from jazz and R&B to funk, gospel fusion, and even Japanese rock. He was also given the opportunity to record for Casio Music Malaysia, to demonstrate the capabilities for the Casio CT-S1.
He further expanded his technical proficiency during a four-month course in sound engineering at HITS Recording Studios under Mr. Fong, which created a growing interest in music technology till this day. He organised a gospel showcase, “Divine Grooves: A Gospel Music Celebration,” which was the first gospel showcase ever hosted at Jao Tim.
Transition to the UK & New Horizons
Daniel relocated to the UK to complete a postgraduate program in Secondary Education in Canterbury. While gig opportunities were limited, he remained musically active—playing piano in a local gospel choir and drumming in church. He found creative camaraderie among musicians who, like him, reimagined worship music with fresh arrangements and stylistic diversity.
After completing his teacher training, he moved to London for his Early Career Teacher Training. There, he collaborated with artist Jane S, developing customised synth keyboard parts to complement her sound. He later connected with Delroy Joseph (Delz), who invited Daniel to join the house band for “Soul Fest.” This platform allowed him to perform alongside artists such as Alex Cambridge, Rosie Alexandra, Danni Mayers, James Geary, and Delz himself.
Vision & Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Daniel envisions creating a cover band that reinterprets classic 1970s music through a modern jazz lens. His mission is to make sophisticated music both accessible and meaningful for younger audiences—blending nostalgia with innovation while upholding positive, family-friendly values.
Though he currently balances teaching with performing, Daniel is seeking ways to return to full-time musicianship. As a foreign musician in the UK, he acknowledges the challenges ahead but remains committed to his goal, supported by a network of peers who believe in his vision.
Musical Identity & Artistry
A natural composer with perfect pitch, Daniel brings depth and originality to every piece he touches. He reimagines well-known tunes—like the hymn It Is Well With My Soul—through rich harmonic progressions, emotional tension, and intricate textures that reflect his personal journey.
As a live performer, Daniel avoids formulaic playing. Instead of sticking to basic chords or standard patches, he leans heavily into synth keyboards to elevate the band’s sonic palette. He often proposes bold, gospel-inspired arrangements and draws on the flair of jazz fusion acts like Casiopea, always striving to push the boundaries of conventional performance.