Bio
Daniel Makins is a relative of famed ballad hunter, John A. Lomax, and is beloved for his poignant words and role as a sort of singing diplomat for his hometown of San Angelo, TX. His history as a multi-instumentalist (classically trained pianist and jazz drummer) has yielded a unique finger-style guitar technique and the use of many alternate tunings. His voice is pure, his melodies inventive, and his honest West Texas take on the world comes through in uncluttered genuine lyrics.
Daniel has self-released five albums, lived all over Texas and Nashville, performed as a drummer for many other artists, and is creator/host of one of the best acoustic concert series in Texas (San Angelo Series - since 2004). Additionally, he is Program Director of the San Angelo Cultural Affairs Council. He won the Gig Harbor Folk Festival Contest and his songs are taught in songwriting classes at Texas Tech University.
I urge you to come to San Angelo and see this guy. He is bringing a diverse group of phenomenal artists out to the middle of nowhere (where he is quite at home) and puts on a comfortable but professional and memorable show. I urge you to get the new record as soon as it becomes available, and to book this guy though you've never heard him live. Believe me, he has paid dues (after 15 years of writing and playing upwards of 200 nights annually 2001-2006 including shows on drums). He connects well with a variety of audiences. I have been a fan for some time, but Makins seems to have reached a new level of confidence on stage since the birth of his sons and time off at home.
Daniel seems content sharing his life with others through music... allowing active listeners to leave with something they were without. Tom Bodet, discussing E.B White's take on essayists, once wrote, "Such moments are meant to take the loneliness out of being human... " That is what his songs and his presence are all about.
-Anna Kate Monroe
friend, fan, and freelance writer
Gunnison, Colorado