Daniel Knox

Daniel Knox was born and raised in Springfield, Illinois.[5] Knox had an early interest in cinema and enrolled in the film program at Columbia College Chicago,[5] only to drop out after a year, citing his disillusionment with the collaborative process.[1] He then began to teach himself piano[2][6] by playing in public spaces at night, mostly in hotel lobbies.[7] Knox did not sing until he was in his early twenties.[5]

Knox worked many odd jobs[5] and eventually became a projectionist at Chicago's Music Box Theatre.[2][8] It was through the Music Box that Knox was selected by director David Lynch, who was touring with his film Inland Empire, to perform a piece of music alongside Lynch’s screening in 2007.[1][6] Knox played an original piece on the theater’s organ[5] as an overture while Lynch read a poem.[1]

In 2007, Knox was invited by art director David Coulter to perform at the Barbican Center alongside musicians including Rufus Wainwright, the Handsome Family and Damon Albarn.[1] In 2012, Knox was an artist-in-residence at the Watermill Center in New York alongside photographer John Atwood.[9][3]

Knox’s 2018 album, Chasescene, includes a number of notable collaborations.[10] Jarvis Cocker sings the lead vocals on "Capitol",[7] Nina Nastasia sings "The Poisoner"[10] and Brett Sparks of the Handsome Family sings back-up vocals on "David Charmichael".[3] Knox has cited Nastasia as one of his favorite living songwriters.[11]

Knox has written scores for films as well as theater.[9] The portrait on the cover of Knox's 2015 self-titled album was painted by artist Gregory Jacobsen.[12]

Knox is noted for his baritone vocals[13][4] and has described his own voice as having a heavy vibrato.[5] His lyrics are described as dark and witty,[12][14][4][9] and he has been compared to Randy Newman in his “refreshingly mean-spirited” songs.[15] Knox has also been compared to Harry Nilsson, Scott Walker and Tom Waits.[16][7] His musical style is eclectic, with descriptions ranging from jazz to cabaret to operatic pop,[17] and he is also noted for a cinematic style in his songs.[2][6] His musical delivery has been described as the "Midwestern sensibility of edginess meets kindness."[12] In reference to his songwriting, Knox has been labelled a "master storyteller".[7]