An endless need for self expression has helped songwriter and multi instrumentalist Daniel Walton focus on his creative vision as an independent artist to write and produce his debut EP titled Island: a beautiful, heartfelt collection of songs about love, loss and change.

The 28-year-old from Hamilton, ON has been involved in a handful of collaborative original bands spanning many genres (Wooly Mantis, Downstream) but Island is the first of many projects that are from the mind of Walton as a solo act. Being able to have full creative freedom has allowed Walton to find his voice in the songwriter space.

Reminiscent of the Laurel Canyon era of folk and singer-songwriter with a genre-blending modernism, Walton‘s latest single, “Through the Glass,” is a drift inspiring transportive listen.

• What can you share with readers about your new project?

Through the Glass is my debut single and the first release from my debut EP “Island” a collection of songs about love, loss and change. The track list and order compliments the songs very well and allows things to flow beautifully. I feel it’s a very satisfying listen top to bottom. If you dig the solo on Through the Glass you’ll be happy to know there’s and extended version on the EP!

• How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?

My projects in the past had all been collaborative between band members, where “Island” is a solo effort. To me, that means being my true authentic self and writing music that is more honest, vulnerable, and about recent life experiences. This is who I am, this is the music I hear in my head, unfiltered and true.

• What about this single makes you most proud?

I’m proud of my decision to write an EP that is ‘song first focused’ – a term I kept repeating to myself when finalizing the material for Island. I wanted to commit to the idea of letting the song breathe, conveying the message appropriately and setting mood of the tune through the lyrics and accompaniment all without over thinking or over complicating the arrangements. I feel that Through the Glass is beautifully simplistic and to the point.

• Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

The ultimate goal, of course, is to have the music heard and felt by many, however, to express myself as honestly and constructively as possible and to be pleased with the music I write is all that matters at the end of the day.

• What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

Since I started playing and writing in my early teens, creating music is something that has happened very organically. I’m drawn to creating and writing every time I pick up an instrument, so there’s never any thought put into how I will keep myself going. But things like nature, life experiences and our evolving world often inspire me to write.

• If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

I would love to collaborate with David Gilmour of Pink Floyd because his art and sound have been such an important part in shaping myself as a musician.

• What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

I just got home from a long road trip, so it was definitely a song by The War On Drugs, probably something from A Deeper Understanding. My favourite artists and bands are Pink Floyd, Genesis, The War On Drugs, Rush and Neil Young.

• Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

Instagram and TikTok @danielwalton.music

• really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

If you’re digging what you hear, check out my fall tour dates, I’m so excited to share this music and more live on the road through November.
I want to thank everyone for taking the time to check out Through The Glass, there’s a lot of very exciting music coming from me soon, so stay tuned. Island comes out on October 27th.

To all the readers and listeners, keep being curious and checking out independent and new artists!

Thank you Indie Music Discovery for featuring me!