CURRENT MISSION

Continuing to broaden my horizons by meeting more and more new people, really listening in order to learn and to better myself and the world around me.

I've found myself somewhat distracted by the beauty, tranquility and artistry of Granada during my #BUSKtheGLOBE tour, and thus will remain here until the summer, improving my Spanish and tapping deeper in to the music scene here.

If political tensions loosen, I'll finally embark on my Middle Eastern travel project this summer. Failing that, I'll tap into the sailing culture in Mallorca in search of a boat on which to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

ABOUT ME

I'm Dan, I'm a freelance musician formerly based in London. I'm travelling all over the world across 6 years with my violin and Brompton bicycle, whilst avoiding taking any commercial flights - they're an environmental nightmare and take away from one of the most important aspects of travel: the journey. I'm a street performer and I'm relying on the money I make on the street to finance the trip, and also to gain a unique insight into the countries I visit and the way music making works all over the world. I'm a violinist and a singer, and I can't wait to spread the musical word all over the globe and make friends and experiences! There has been much to learn along the way so far, and I know there will be so much more new and exciting music to discover. #BUSKtheGLOBE

PHILOSOPHY

Life is all about experience and learning. It's the best thing you can do. Sometimes it's stressful, painful and exhausting. There are many late nights and lonely times, but I believe that is why we are here.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Spreading my music around the world and exploring the music of others!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

While interrailing aged 18 I had my bag stolen in Barcelona which contained everything - passport, money, interrail ticket, clothes. But what followed was an adventure that money couldn't buy - with nothing but myself and my violin. I met so many wonderful helpful people and busked my way all the way back home!

Interests

Music and travel. Football, geography/maps, hiking, cycling, real ale, port, coffee, cheese and (cheap) al fresco dining.

• singing
• festivals
• dining
• cooking
• cheese
• beer
• coffee
• vegetarian
• music
• classical music
• folk music
• jazz
• rock music
• guitar
• violin
• cycling
• hiking
• soccer
• cartography
• freelancing
• geography
• psychology
• hitchhiking
• vinyl
• trains
• analog photography
• green living

Music, Movies, and Books

I can never find time for films; fav authors range from Stephen King to Bill Bryson via Tolkien, Ben Elton, George Orwell, and even Roald Dahl.

My music tastes change on a daily basis: currently very interested in (Electro) Gypsy Swing, Fleetwood Mac (Both Peter Green's and Lindsey Buckingham's), Roy Hargrove, Sigor Ros, Joe Bonamassa, the underground British "folk" scene, and as always, Pink Floyd. I also happen to think that Jason Derulo's "Talk Dirty To Me" is an absolutely fine composition - there's always something good in the top 40, it's as shame that everything else is always a pile of sh1t.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I once got paid to stop singing on the street. Best day of my life.

Teach, Learn, Share

Music theory and vocal technique? Public transport? I stayed with some Amish people and some Native Americans recently too - ask me what that was like. I'm also pretty good at selecting the right beer at a bar. If you've read this far mention codeword "Harvey's" when messaging me.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Grenada, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, Northern Ireland, Norway, Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Martin (French part), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Serbia, Sint Maarten (Dutch part), Slovakia, Slovenia, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Vatican City State, Virgin Islands, British, Virgin Islands, U.S., Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, Spain, United Kingdom, United States