What We're Like



Though  their last name isn't actually Danielson, this family band is the brainchild of brother Daniel Smith.  But Danielson, in heart and essence, are the songs themselves that the family interpret.  From the youngest (Andrew) to the oldest (Daniel), the mercurial nature of these interpretations yield an unschooled, sometimes fluid, sometimes jerky, always completely fresh gospel style. Their rhythms twist and stumble like the Shaggs; song structure bows and shifts unpredictably like the beautiful inconsistencies of God is My Co-Pilot. Their falsetto/childlike vocals soar and sway.



Everybody Line Up Now



Daniel Smith: guitar, lead vocal, songs "given through him to family", 24

Rachel Smith: keyboards, vocals, 21

Megan Smith: bells, vocals, 19

David Smith: drums, 16

Andrew Smith: drums, 12

Chris X "Smith" (honorary family member): farfisa, keyboards, 24



Danielson as the are today started as Brother Daniel's senior college thesis project. Their first show? His final for his degree -- he got an A. Even though Daniel wrote many of their songs 6 years ago, the family shies away from copious rehearsing. these songs are intentionally integrated with a creative, improvisational quality they couldn't practice if they tried: songs dependent on the interaction of the moment, the spirit, and the rediscovery of sounds and patterns made by people who know each other very well.



There's no hard distinction between their music and visuals (costumes, graphics). "One enters your heart through your eyes, one through your ears," says Daniel. They now sport hand-made, slightly old-fashioned doctors' and nurses' uniforms while performing -- "it fits in with our comfort and healing aspect" -- and they wear their hearts on their sleeves, literally.  Daniel also makes a line of "Danny Goodys" -- blinders, pillowcases, patches along the same themes as Danielson, and he and Rachel are collaborating on a children's story.



From Clarksboro, New Jersey, ("Exit 2 on the Turnpike," they proudly relate) but 15 minutes from Philadelphia, is still worlds away from any kind of open-mindedness. "I was threatens a lot as a teenager," recalls Daniel. Before Danielson, he spent time in a performance art/noise band formed as a reaction to the environment of this farm town.  Now, their shared history as a family is the foundation of their art, and also their home.  Danielson now exist to make one smile and feel comforted.