Dan Black

One of the pioneering figures in Britain’s eclectic wonky pop scene, Dan Black emerged in 2008 by unveiling his fusion of pop, rock, dance, and hip-hop elements through the hit single “Yours.” Following a four-year stint as guitarist in the alt-rock outfit the Servant, he relocated from London to Paris. His 2008 solo cut “HYPNTZ,” which blended lyrics from the Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hypnotize” with a sample of Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” signaled his homecoming. Issued as his first official single via the Polydor label, the funky track “Alone” paved the way for “Yours,” which arrived later that year. Black opened 2009 by teaming with Boy Crisis and Master Shortie for the U.K. Wonky Pop Tour. That July the U.K. saw the release of his debut album ((Un)), spotlighting the hit single “Symphonies.” The set reached the U.S. in February 2010, now including a “Symphonies” version with Kid Cudi on vocals. After several years collaborating with dance outfits including Bag Raiders, he resurfaced in 2017 via Do Not Revenge, which showcased joint work with Kelis and Imogen Heap.