Dan Lancelot
Biography:
Dan "Dano" Lancelot, an internationally renowned recording artist, was born on November 11, 1965, in Long Island, New York. He grew up in a family of Irish, Italian, Sicilian, and German descent, where he was influenced by his siblings and father's love for rhythm and blues and jazz music from the 1960s. Dano recalls his father's impact on his musical journey, saying, "Being around Dad, who would dance through the house singing melodies from the Rat Pack definitely had an impact on me musically." At the age of 9, Dano moved to Phoenix, Arizona, and it was during his formative years in the Southwest that his natural inclination for rhythm and melody became apparent. He started taking drum lessons at the age of 12 and teaching himself to play guitar and piano soon after. Dano pursued his passion for music and architecture while attending Phoenix Community College, performing in various bands to support himself financially. In 1987, Dano relocated to Tempe, a college town in Arizona, where he joined the '80s cover band In-4-Red, playing gigs in the Tempe bar scene and ASU frat parties. His drumming talent caught attention, leading to an invitation to join the rock band Instant Karma, which later transformed into the renowned Dead Hot Workshop. After parting ways with Instant Karma, Dano teamed up with singer-guitarist Jim Gerke, guitarist-singer Tim Anthonise, and bassist-lyricist Art "Buddy" Edwards to form the Solemines. All members were part of the exploding indie rock scene in Tempe during the 1990s. Dano's talent as a drummer was also showcased in two other semi-famous rock bands of the decade, Verona a.k.a. Dish and Gloritone. In 1997, Gloritone attracted the attention of an RCA executive, leading to a record deal with the label's Kneeling Elephant subsidiary. Following the release of their debut album, "Cup Runneth Over", Dano dedicated two years to promoting and touring with Gloritone. However, due to irreconcilable differences, he decided to part ways with the band in late 1998. In 1999, while working at a used musical instrument store in Mesa, AZ, Dano purchased a tenor steel pan and discovered his passion for Caribbean music. He began studying the steel pan and delving into Calypso music under the guidance of local percussionist James "JT" Taylor. This led to an invitation to play drums for JT's Island Steel. From 1999 to 2001, Dano divided his performance time, playing the tenor steel drum and drum set for JT's Island Steel drum band, as well as performing with college area bands such as Rock Lobster, Clock People, and The Rhythm Edition. In 2001, Lancelot and his wife relocated to San Diego, California, where he immediately auditioned for the Ocean Beach-based national act, Slightly Stoopid. Dano joined the band as their drummer and embarked on tours throughout the Southwest, including the prestigious 2001 Vans Warped Tour. Since his departure from Slightly Stoopid, Dano has pursued a solo career composing music cues for television and film. He also performs with his band, Dano's Island Sounds, in various venues throughout Southern California. His performances highlight the tenor steel pan and percussion, incorporating both original compositions and traditional Caribbean melodies. Dan "Dano" Lancelot's musical journey is a testament to his versatility and passion as a musician. From his early days in the rock and indie scenes to his love for Caribbean-inspired sounds, he has consistently demonstrated his dedication to his craft. With a dynamic range of musical influences and a natural ability to captivate audiences, Dano delivers unforgettable performances that are both soulful and energetic. Whether he's playing the steel pan or drumming with precision, his passion shines through, creating a truly remarkable musical experience.
Discography / Selected Credits:
♦ Dano's Island Sounds - Independent Digital Releases (2014-Present)Stream and download on iTunes! Featuring singles like Red Red Wine, Catamaran, Breathe, The Tide is High, and many more.
♦ "Plexi Rock" - Harpo Productions, The Dr. Oz Show (2016) - Composer: Dan Lancelot
♦ "Sleeping With The Enemy" - Harpo Productions, The Dr. Oz Show (2012-2016) - Composer: Dan Lancelot
♦ "On The Dance Floor" - Harpo Productions, The Dr. Oz Show (2010-2016) - Composer: Dan Lancelot
♦ "Heading Up" - Harpo Productions, The Dr. Oz Show (2010) - Composer: Dan Lancelot
♦ "Moodludes" - Fuel TV, On Surfari: Russia Show (2009) - Composer: Dan Lancelot
♦ "Connie's Song" - SeaWorld San Diego, Background Music (2008-Present) - Composer: Dan Lancelot
♦ One Drop Pop - Dano's Island Sounds (2007) - Album, Recording Artist: Dano
♦ Steel Pan & Percussion Cues - CBS Reality Show, Rob & Amber Get Married (2005) - Recording Session Musician
♦ Pan in Paradise - Dano's Island Sounds (2003) - Album, Recording Artist: Dano
♦ Cup Runneth Over - RCA/Kneeling Elephant Records, Gloritone (1998) - Drums/Backing Vocals
♦ "Halfway" - Featured in Warren Miller's Freeriders (1998) - Gloritone
♦ "Halfway" - Featured on Hitman Hart's CD Wrestling With Shadows (1999) - Gloritone
♦ "John Wayne" and "9 Summers" - Featured in 411 Video Magazine, Issue 31 and Issue 33 (1998-1999) - Gloritone
♦ "Halfway" - Featured in Baywatch, Episode "Swept Away" (1998) - Gloritone
♦ "Halfway" - Featured in Ryan Caulfield: Year One, Episode "Po Piggity" (2004-2005) - Gloritone
Performance Experience
♦ Dano's Island Sounds - Steel Pan & Percussion (2002-Present)♦ Mighty Island Band - Drum-Set, Percussion & Steel Pan (2008-2015)
♦ Featured Artist, SeaWorld - Dano's Island Sounds - Steel Pan & Percussion (2011)
♦ Studio 51 Music Library - Composer, Instrumental Music for Film & TV (Various Instruments) (2009-2014)
♦ Flik Trax - Composer, Instrumental Music for Film & TV (Various Instruments) (2009-2015)
♦ U.S. Open Championship at Torrey Pines - Jacob's Executive/Press Party - Steel Pan (2008)
♦ Nim's Island Movie Premiere Wrap Party - Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel - Steel Pan (2008)
♦ Sol e mar - Caixa Player in Bateria (2007-2016)
♦ Featured Artist, SeaWorld - Dano's Island Sounds - Steel Pan & Percussion (2007)
♦ Featured Artist, Wild Animal Park - Dano's Island Sounds - Steel Pan & Percussion (2006)
♦ Featured Artist, SeaWorld - Dano's Island Sounds - Steel Pan & Percussion (2000-2005)
♦ Deuterium Jazz Quartet - Drum-Set, Real Book Standards and Originals (2003-2020)
♦ Slightly Stoopid - Skunk Recording Artist - Drum-Set (Touring Summer 2001, including Vans Warped Tour)
♦ JT's Island Steel Calypso Orchestra - Drum-Set and Tenor Steel Pan (2000-2001)
♦ The Rhythm Edition - Corporate Cover Band - Drum-Set (2000-2001)
♦ Rock Lobster - '80's Rock Cover Band - Drum-Set (2000)
♦ The Clock People - Rock Covers and Originals - Drum-Set (1999-2000)
♦ Jack Panic and the Crash - '80's Rock Cover Band - Drum-Set (1999-2000)
♦ Gloritone - RCA Recording Artist - Drum-Set/Backing Vocals, U.S. and Canada Tours (1996-1998)
♦ Verona/Dish - Original Rock - Drum-Set/Backing Vocals (1993-1996)
♦ Paperwaves - Original Jazz Fusion - Drum-Set (1991-1992)
♦ Solemines - Original Alternative Rock - Drum-Set/Backing Vocals (1989-1991)
♦ Instant Karma - Original Alternative Rock - Drum-Set (1988-1989)
♦ In-4-Red - '80's Rock Covers and Originals - Drum-Set/Backing Vocals (1987-1988)
♦ Levi & The Zippers - '70's & '80's Rock Covers - Drum-Set/Vocals (1986-1987)
Press:
Real Skate - Slightly Stoopid, Vans Warped Tour, Boreal (2001)Phoenix New Times - Gloritone, Name Game (Sept 4th 1997)
Phoenix New Times - Gloritone, Dig the New Breed (May 21st 1998)
Phoenix New Times - Gloritone, Popsicle in the Desert (July 9th 1998)
Wilfully Obscure - Gloritone, Cup Runneth Over (1998)
Babysue - Gloritone, Muffukin Reviews From April 1998






Music in TV & Film
"Halfway" by Gloritone Baywatch Episode: "Swept Away"
"Moodludes" by Dan Lancelot FUEL TV On Surfari Episode: "Russia"