ThiDaniel

The music of R&B singer/guitarist ThiDaniel took in everything from '80s funk-pop tropes to slick contemporary electronic production for an effortlessly smooth, sexy style that took the Internet by storm. Born in Maryland, the son of an army colonel who passed on to him a love of classic rock, as a child he moved around a lot with his family, living in Virginia, New York, and Boston. He took his first steps in music at the age of three, when he stole the show at his big brother's piano recital. At the age of five he started piano lessons with a teacher from Juilliard; then, inspired by Jimi Hendrix, he took up the guitar, quickly becoming proficient. He later attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, but dropped out and moved to L.A. to follow his dream of music stardom. Taking studio session work to make ends meet, he caught the ear of über-hip producer Tricky Stewart, who had worked with the likes of The-Dream, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. Stewart was immediately blown away by ThiDaniel and offered to work with him, resulting in the singer's 2016 debut single, "Purple," which became a hit on music blogs and streaming services with its infectious, funky guitar lick, driving beat, and sexy, romantic lyrics. ThiDaniel's husky vocals, sweet falsetto, and guitar skills gave him the air of a 21st century Prince, a comparison strengthened with his unveiling of a flamboyant, sexualized persona in the video for his follow-up single, "Don't Trip Chill Vibe." Once again produced by Stewart, it was a much more contemporary track with a hyperreal electronic vibe that drew comparisons with Anderson Paak and the Weeknd. Both singles reappeared on his debut EP, Lilac, Pt. 1, released in February 2017. ~ John D. Buchanan