Inspired #94 - Dan Croll
Dan Croll has announced the release of his third album ‘Grand Plan’ - due out in 21st August via Communion Records. Along with this news he has provided us with a double dose from the album with singles ‘Grand Plan’ and ‘Work’. Dan took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind the tracks.
Who are your top three musical inspirations?
James Taylor - He was one of the first singer-songwriters I remember being introduced to. We would always have ‘Sweet baby James’ or the essential album on all of our family vacation journeys. I’ve always been amazed at his skill to not only sing these incredible melodies, but to also counter them with others in his guitar playing. His playing and writing style seem so simple and effortless, but they're anything but that.
The Beach Boys - The beach boys came to me a little later in life, but were my first proper introduction to harmonies and what you’re able to do with them. Through listening to James Taylor and country artists I knew what harmony was, but only in a more basic country style. I remember then hearing the accapella versions of songs like ‘God only knows’ and ‘Good vibrations’ and just being blown away by the complexity and versatiity of harmony.
Paul McCartney - Having lived in Liverpool for a large portion of my life I can safely say I am aware of the Beatles, and all that they have done for the world of music. For some reason though, in the past 5 years I’ve only just begun to appreciate what Paul McCartney has done, not only with the Beatles but with wings and all of his solo records. Albums like ‘McCartney II’ and songs like ‘Arrow through me’ have been games changers for me over the past few years, and I only wish I’d known about them earlier in life.
Is there a certain film that inspires you?
I think any film with a solid soundtrack can get me inspired. One of my favorites is ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ which Burt Bacharach did the sound track for, the track ‘South American getaway’ is one of my all time favorite songs.
What city do you find the most inspiring?
I’d have to say New York. Even though I’ve been many times, its one of the few cities that still feels magical every time I return. It's just a giant city full of amazing cultures, incredible cuisines, and awe-inspiring views.
Who is the most inspiring person to you?
All of my family are inspiring, but I’d have to say my nan, mainly through the infectious happiness that she seems to pass on to everyone she meets. She’s one of a kind and I miss her a lot now I live in America, but a phone call with her still has the power to pick me up.
What were your inspirations when writing the two tracks?
Grand Plan - The people I first encountered when I moved to LA all seemed to have this year action plan to success (a lot were already under way), but I had come so spur of the moment that I felt barely prepared for the next day, let alone the next year. I had been listening to a Jim Croce track called ‘Walking back to Georgia’ and I loved these intmate hums he had. I started playing the guitar in the style of that song, and before I knew it a few days later I had written this song.
Work - I think the inspiration from this was just the simple excitement you get from a new relationship. The moment once you get over the awkwardness and of a first date, to suddenly wanting to be around them all of the time.
How would you like to inspire people?
In any way I can