Dan Cantrell began composing at age 11. Since that time he has continued performing and writing music of all kinds. His main instruments, the piano, the accordion, and the musical saw have given way to a unique stylistic voice that is eloquent, eclectic and hauntingly harmonious.
In recent years his attention has been focused on the study of folk and popular music from Eastern Europe, as well as composing for film dance, and theatre. He has composed music for over thirty films, several plays, a variety of dance pieces and other eclectic performance events.
In 2002, Dan earned an Emmy award for his composition work on the KQED documentary "Home Front". The same year his score to "Divided Loyalties" earned him the Golden Gate award at the San Francisco International Film Festival.
His rich arrangements are known for their acoustic instrumentation and creative experimentation. His extensive jazz, classical, and modern musical training, paired with years of work and study of folk music and tradition give him the ability to compose original music that humbly outshines traditional forms.
It is Dan's personal belief, that live musical integrity, creative experimentation and a clear dialogue for collaboration are vital components of good compositional work.
As a performer, Dan is focused on his own musical projects (the Toids, People's Bizarre, and others) and visits local artists and songwriters for collaborations in live performances and recordings. His performances range from Folk music and many expanses of World Music, to Jazz, New Music, Rock and Hip Hop. In 2001, Dan co-founded the record label Odd Shaped Case, an organization that features some of the best and most unique Bay Area artists and musicians.
A sincere love of music compels Dan to seek out as many new areas of collaboration as he can. Some of Dan's myriad current projects include performing for Greek Folk Dancers, collaborating on a multimedia dance piece, touring with his ensemble the Toids, accompanying puppet shows, and recording with Tom Waits.