In the heart of the North East’s bustling music scene lies Dan Wright, a seasoned session musician whose collaborative spirit and instrumental versatility have left an indelible mark on the region’s sonic tapestry. With a rich history of partnerships with diverse original artists at only 23 years old, Wright’s musical journey is a testament to his innate musicality. From intimate acoustic sets to electrifying live performances, his ability to seamlessly adapt to various genres and styles has solidified his reputation as a linchpin within the region’s musical landscape. I managed to catch some time with Dan to have a chat about his journey, influences, and invaluable contributions to the local music community so far.
Was it your intention to become a session musician in the North East and what initially drew you to it?
“I always knew I wanted to play in bands and stick to original music, but I had planned on doing so more as a hobby than as a session musician. I decided to give it a proper go because of how much I enjoyed playing with/for new artists and bands in the North East, fitting in wherever I was needed to make a full band line-up work for them. I always have considered myself to be lucky doing this in the North East – there is an insane amount of talent emerging from the region at the moment, and everyone (at least that I’ve had the pleasure of working with) has been incredibly friendly and real about what they do!”
You often perform with a variety of artists and bands of different genres. Which out of these do you feel local audiences are attracted to the most?
“At the moment, there seems to be a real craving for the heavy, the loud and the unapologetic in the North East. People up here really love a good riff. Audiences at rock/post-punk shows especially always seem to be the most enthusiastic.”
How do you balance the demands of being a session musician with maintaining your own artistic integrity and style?
“Outside of the session work I do, I still write my own music and work on demos that tend not to see the light of day, mainly just for fun. Most of my personal artistic expression and style comes out in writing with my own band Porcelain, whilst the other bands and artists I play for I focus more on learning tracks as requested or helping them to develop live versions for gigs.”
What are some unique challenges or opportunities that arise from working in the North East music industry compared to other regions?
“Some of the main challenges in the North East come hand in hand with the main opportunities; there’s a lot less of everything in the world of live music up here – venues, promoters, labels, money, and even artists (at least compared to much of the South, and especially London). It can be harder to get gigs when you’re just starting out, and some towns, like Darlington for example, have such huge interest in music but only have one or two venues to host events. Because of how condensed the industry is though, we have such a great tight-knit music community – you can get to know everyone pretty quickly and it seems, for the most part, to be more collaborative than competitive.”
Have you noticed any particular trends or shifts in the types of projects you’re being hired for lately?
“I have been picking up more work with female solo artists and projects than any others lately – all incredible musicians and a joy to work with. It seems more and more are going down the route of performing under their own name or an individual alias, rather than trying to form bands – and are achieving a good level of success doing so!”
How do you approach collaborating with other musicians and producers to create cohesive and compelling tracks?
“I have always been down to collaborate with anyone and everyone and consider it to be one of the most rewarding parts of the job. I’m writing all the time for myself, and with my band, but also often suggest ideas for songs both for live and recorded contexts when invited by artists I work with. Collaboration as a session musician can come naturally from jamming in practice sessions, e.g., finding a bassline that the artist then wants to use in a recording, or more deliberately through suggesting new sections in songs to perhaps work in a live setting. However they come about, ideas I bring to the table need to completely serve the song – there’s no being protective or argumentative about it.”
What role do you think session musicians play in shaping the overall sound and identity of the North East’s music scene?
“Session musicians are here to be a piece of the puzzle, to fill a line-up in a band or to play a particular part on a song/instrument that the artist may not be able to do themselves. I don’t work to actively change others’ music, but to help realise it or enhance it. Session work in the North East often is more personal and involved than in certain other areas, again because of the heightened sense of community we have here. Even last-minute dep work can still feel comfortable and *somewhat* relaxed, as at least in my own experience there is already a level of familiarity and understanding between musicians here, compared to bigger cities with more competition for work.”
How has your perspective on music and session work evolved since you first started working in the industry in the North East?
“I feel that I now have a much better understanding of everything that goes into putting on events. The amount of time and effort, and all the moving parts of live events that go unmentioned – promotion, social media work, graphic design, venue upkeep, and the endless hours put into practices. There’s not much money in it, especially in original music, but that doesn’t seem to stop many of us in the North East. Artists just want to share their music, and deliver it as professionally and sincerely as possible – if I can be part of what makes that happen, that’s enough for me to get involved. It just helps that most people have been lovely and easy to work with – and that’s something that hasn’t changed since I started!”
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
“Yes! I’ll always shout about my own band Porcelain – we’re working on our next couple of releases at the moment and can’t wait for those to be out in the world, and we have some exciting gigs coming up. Also, lots of fun things in the works with both Cat Ryan and Viia to keep an eye out for! I’m also excited to be working with Georgina Gale – a folk-pop artist from Cumbria who will be releasing her first tracks very soon, and I can’t stress how good they are.”
Serving most of the time as unsung heroes behind the scenes, session musicians play a pivotal role in the creation and realisation of original music. Their versatility, technical proficiency, and ability to adapt to diverse musical styles make them invaluable collaborators for artists seeking to bring their visions to life. Often with expertise that bridges the gap between concept and execution, these musicians provide the foundation upon which artists can build and express themselves freely.
Dan’s remarkable talent and unwavering dedication continue to enrich the North East’s music scene, leaving a lasting impression on both artists and audiences alike. His contributions ensure that the region’s original music remains vibrant and ever-evolving.
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