Dan Reed, formerly of ‘Dan Reed Network’, (DRN) will soon be releasing his third solo album entitled ‘Transmission’. This collection of songs was composed and recorded in Prague and takes on a more live feel and energy than his previous two studio releases ‘Signal Fire’ and ‘Coming Up for Air’. Reed has always had a passion for groups like ‘Bad Company’, ‘Pink Floyd’, and ‘Fleetwood Mac’ and ‘Transmission’ takes it’s aim at realising this type of in your face, honest rock production. Besides tackling all the vocals, Dan performed all the guitar and keyboard work, performing live in the studio beside famed drummer Robert Ikiz from Turkey and bassist Bengan Jonasson from Sweden.
This collection of songs primarily takes a look at the dark side of the human condition and tries to make sense of trying to find light in the midst of the chaos. This will be Dan’s second album financed through Pledge Music through those who support his music and reached 100 percent of it’s goal in less than 2 weeks from launching the campaign.
Reed’s second solo CD, ‘Signal Fire’ released in early 2013, was a collection of thought provoking tracks, co-produced by Reed and Rob Daiker (Meredith Brooks/Katy Perry/Fame Riot). Signal Fire represented a step toward a more edgier sound than his 2010 solo effort ‘Coming Up for Air’, yet still held on to the intention of finding hope in a world riddled with great hypocrisy and great hope.
While ‘Coming Up for Air’ was composed in Jerusalem and Northern India during 2007/2008 and represented Reed’s quest for insight on religious conflicts and making peace with inner demons, ‘Signal Fire’ took a more pointed look at the world’s political/social/environmental conflicts. With ‘Transmission’ Dan decided to leave political statements somewhat behind and focus more on the conflict within the human heart and soul.
Dan also released a solo acoustic album entitled ‘In Between the Noise’ in 2014, as well as a DRN compilation 2 disc set called ‘Anthology’ which covered both previously released DRN songs, along with 4 new live tracks from the Network’s recent reunion shows and unreleased B-Sides. ‘Anthology was also funded through Pledge Music and their fans.
Dan Reed Network was signed to Polygram in 1988 by Derek Shulman, famed A+R man who signed ‘Bon Jovi’. Managed by Bill Graham and Q-Prime later, DRN played opening act on European tours for Bon Jovi, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Midnight Oil, and performed in America with Run DMC and toured with UB40. Selling nearly 2 million albums worldwide, DRN was part of the funk rock movement and released three albums with Polygram between 1989 and 1992. ‘Transmission’ stands as a good example of where Dan can take the groove in these times, both musically and lyrically.
Reed took a long hiatus from the music business in early 2003 and spent 4 years in Northern India and Jerusalem, living in a Tibetan Monastery and studying religions while in the Middle East. Coming back to music in 2009 he now performs extensively throughout Europe and the United States, both with his solo band and DRN and has in recent years performed at the ‘Sweden Rock Festival’ and England’s ‘Download Festival’ twice.
With ‘Transmission’ Dan hopes that getting back to the roots of live performance is a positive direction in a world addicted to canned music, drum machines and auto-tuned vocals.
“I just felt it was time to get back to something that feels real, organic, and in tune with the human condition.” – Reed
Soundfiles in advance:
DAN REED – Roll The Dice (Edit)
Tracklist: 01. Broken Soul 02.Roll the Dice 03.Drive 04.Anywhere But Here 05.Bending the Light 06.Arm Yourself 07.Fire in the Pyramid 08.You’re All I Need 09.On the Metro 10.Ear to the Track 11.What Dreams May Come 12.Already There 13. She’s Not You
