Solo career[edit]
Smith was educated at King's College School in Wimbledon, London.[2] At age fifteen, Smith started off writing songs on the piano and his laptop in his bedroom, but kept it secret from his friends and family. That was until his secret was discovered by a friend who stumbled upon him producing music from his student digs. This friend entered him for a local competition for which the prize was studio recording time and performing a gig.[3] Some of his recordings included "Alchemy", "Words Are Words", and "Irreverence". His bandmate, drummer Chris "Woody" Wood, described his earlier music as "left wing". Smith did not achieve mainstream success in his solo career, but continued writing songs both alone and with his close friend, and roommate, Ralph Pelleymounter from To Kill a King. The two formed a side project called "Annie Oakley Hanging", which was described as "cowboy like" by Pelleymounter.[4]
After finishing his studies Smith returned to London where he continued pursuing his solo career. After a leaflet came through his letterbox, and at the urging of his mother, he called up Wood, who was looking for drumming students. Smith went to meet Wood in hopes of being able to start a band with one of his students, but Wood was so impressed with Smith's songs that he was willing to become the drummer of Smith's band himself.[5]
In 2015, Smith featured as vocalist for the song "La Lune" produced and written by the French electronic musician Madeon for Madeon's 2015 album Adventure. In the same year, Dan Smith co-wrote "Better Love" with Foxes and provided vocals for the song that was released on 4 September 2015.
Smith, along with his band, have released two albums called "Bad Blood" and "Wild World".
Influences[edit]
Smith is a fan of the TV series Twin Peaks, and of one of its creators, David Lynch.[6] The show inspired one of his first recorded songs, "Laura Palmer" and Bastille's first Virgin Records single "Overjoyed". Smith has previously said that his earlier work was heavily influenced by artists such as Regina Spektor.[7]
Personal life[edit]
He writes and arranges all of Bastille's songs, apart from remixes and covers, and worked with friend Mark Crew to produce Bad Blood.[8] He plays the piano, keyboard, percussion, and melodica. Smith's parents come from South Africa and his song "Durban Skies" is said to be dedicated to them. The song tells the story of how his parents met, fell in love, and got married.[9]
He's well known from the band Bastille, and well known for the songs:
- Pompeii
- Of the night
- Good grief
- Bad blood
- Flaws
- Send them off
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