Music Production

Daniel Simpkins

Dan Simpkins playing electric guitar in studio

I am a final-year BA (Hons) Music Production student with a strong focus on music production, mixing, mastering, and performance. With over a decade of experience as a musician, I have developed a versatile skillset across both the creative and technical aspects of audio production.

My work spans the full production process, from initial songwriting through to the final mix and master. I am particularly interested in capturing authentic performances while applying modern production techniques to achieve professional results.

Throughout my studies, I have consistently achieved strong academic results while developing a solid foundation in both technical and creative disciplines. I am highly organised, detail-oriented, and collaborative, with a proactive approach to learning and refining my skills.

I am now seeking opportunities to apply my skills further, working with artists, businesses, and media companies, alongside my own interests in self-producing and performing, with the aim of developing a professional career within the music and audio industry.

Prelude to the Crown is a five-track EP exploring a 90s-inspired indie and alternative rock sound, combining original material with two reinterpreted covers. The project aimed to capture the raw, nostalgic character of early 90s underground music, prioritising analogue-style warmth and live-band energy over a polished modern sound.

My role included electric and acoustic guitar, bass, songwriting, production, mixing, and mastering, maintaining a consistent creative vision throughout. Production was influenced by techniques associated with producers and musicians of the time, particularly through layering, creating the "Wall of Guitars" sound, close-miking, and the use of room ambience to emulate a live performance environment.

Mixing focused on clarity and emotional impact while preserving a natural feel. Mastering was intended to balancing loudness with preserving dynamic range and emotion.

My project was developed with support from Ben Halford (drums) and Hayden Scotford (vocals and co-lyrics).

CD cover showing farm on hill at sunrise with title "Prelude to the Crown: Your Friend. Dan Simpkins"
CD cover showing farm on hill at sunrise with title "Prelude to the Crown: Lola. Dan Simpkins"
CD cover showing farm on hill at sunrise with title "Prelude to the Crown: Again. Dan Simpkins"
CD cover showing farm on hill at sunrise with title "Prelude to the Crown: Whatever. Dan Simpkins"
CD cover showing farm on hill at sunrise with title "Prelude to the Crown: You and I. Dan Simpkins"
Your Friend A raw, bass-driven track, reminiscent of garage rock with heavy ‘caveman’ style drumming and bluesy vocal delivery.Lola A re-interpreted version of the classic track, originally by The Kinks. Featuring guitar layering, vocal harmonies and improvised drumming, staying true to the original while providing a modernised sound.Again A laid-back, intimate feeling at first, developing into a punching, driving chorus and blooming into the solo, reaching a satisfying resolution.Whatever A live “one-take” acoustic performance of Whatever by Oasis. An airy performance supported by the doubled vocals for a pleasing listening experience.You and I A dreamy, relaxed instrumentation, developing into more expressive performances throughout, building up to the solo and releasing the tension in the anthemic outro.