by Lauren Rosier
photos by Pedro Anguila
Singer/songwriter Daniel Martin Moore didn’t always know he wanted to become a musician when he grew up, but always had a love for music and singing. “When I was a kid I never imagined I’d become a professional musician. It’s not until I was in my early 20s that that thought ever crossed my mind,” Moore explains.
After a stint in the Peace Corps, Moore sent an unsolicited demo to Sub Pop Records, which eventually led to him being signed and releasing his debut album, Stray Age, on the label. It was an experience that changed his life and allowed him to become where he is today.
“I had no idea what to expect or really any concept of what the music business is, and also I was (and hopefully am) still experimenting with sounds, trying to understand recording & developing as an artist & writer,” he says.
Moore went on to release three albums with Sub Pop. In 2011, he opened his own label, OK Recordings. In the early days, Sub Pop had been known for releasing grungy records, but reached for its softer side in signing bands like Iron & Wine, Fleet Foxes, and of course, Moore.
If you listen to his records, his style is very folksy. However, he’s influenced from every type of music he’s ever heard.
“I’m an avid listener of all kinds of music from all over the world. On this tour we’ve been listening to some Peter Gabriel,” Moore reveals. “My drummer, Dave Givan, is a huge fan of his, and I’m not very familiar with his catalog, so we’ve been blasting that stuff down the highway.”
Moore just released his latest record, Golden Age, in October, and is currently on the road with his band in support of it. “It’s been smooth sailing thus far. We’re looking forward to playing the songs, mostly. That’s the best part of touring – getting to meet an audience and share some music.”
Catch Daniel Martin Moore live at Kung Fu Necktie on Saturday, November 21.
