LIKE a fighter pilot, Daniel Baker AKA "The Riffmaster" sits behind a large control panel mixing a flavor of interesting sounds. The array of electronic equipment is bewildering and goodness only knows what the many flashing buttons and switches do. The noise is tremendous. Except that noise isn't a jet engine, but the thunderous bass from a pair of monitor speakers.
The Riffmaster is a Record Producer from the UK and he’s now playing me a film score that he produced for a UK feature film "Weaverfish" which collected two awards at the Toronto Film Festival late 2012. An artist and songwriter in his own right, The Riffmaster has an impressive collection of self Composed and Produced music spanning a wide spectrum of styles. His sound is identifiable and has very strong melodies with super hooks. In my opinion this is the cooking pot with the right ingredients.
Daniel, The Riffmaster, has toured parts of the World, worked with many International Artists such as N-Dubz, KRS1 and sold over 47,000 copies of his first single "Butterflies" Worldwide and gained BBC airplay during a three month limited edition release. Not bad for someone who was living on the streets from the age of 16 to 18.
Life could have been very different, as Daniel faced the hardships of homelessness after his younger sister aged 12 suddenly died of meningitis when he was just 16 causing a family split. During his time on the streets and for many years after, Daniel had to battle the hardships of life. Petty crime, social and domestic issues were mixed into the hurdles he faced meanwhile maintaining his composure and drive to make something of himself. It’s these painful experiences that Daniel has drawn on to help him succeed in the music industry and his own personal mission.
In addition to his life as a freelance Producer, Daniel is giving back to the community. He has cultivated an organisation motivated by music that offers accredited music workshops across the UK for young people to learn all aspects of making a record and live performance. This project has been extremely successful attracting the attention of the BBC, News media, Cancer Research UK, local authorities, youth music just to name a few and is now heading for the Brazil World Cup in 2014 where a UK led show will take place, Produced and Directed by Daniel Baker, The Riffmaster.
I can only draw to an impressive closure on this short story, The Riffmaster is a truly talented musician, Composer and Producer with opportunities around the world, I can only wish him all the best as he now embarks on a new chapter in his career.
