Ineluctably drawn to the musical landscapes that bridge California and Texas, you are about to discover tinvìs—a captivating project led by songwriter Joel Daniel. With a blend of indie rock influences and stunning collaborations, tinvìs invites you into a world of introspection and emotion. Their latest single, ‘Echo,’ offers a sneak peek into the rich tapestry of the upcoming album, Texnia, filled with nostalgia and cautious optimism. Join us as we research into the journey of tinvìs and the power of community-driven creativity in the ever-evolving music scene!
Details on “Echo”
While you probe tinvìs’ latest single “Echo,” you’ll find yourself enveloped in a soundscape that beautifully captures the feeling of straddling two worlds. This introspective track, born from Joel Daniel’s experiences traveling between California and Texas, offers a raw yet polished glimpse into the emotional journey of belonging—perfect for those who have ever felt a bit out of place.
Connection to upcoming album Texnia
Single after single, you can feel the anticipation building for tinvìs’ upcoming album, Texnia. The music explores themes of nostalgia and optimism, reflecting Joel Daniel’s rich songwriting influenced by both contemporary and vintage artists. “Echo” is just a taste of what this collection has to offer as it encourages you to begin on a journey across those vast landscapes between Texas and California.
Understanding the connection between “Echo” and Texnia, you’re invited to explore a world where each song resonates with experiences and emotions familiar to many. This upcoming album, made possible by a generous arts grant and collaborative spirit, highlights not just the musical talent within Joel Daniel but also celebrates a thriving community. As you listen, you’ll be reminded of the power of art and the importance of supporting local music scenes, making every note feel like it’s intended just for you.
Collaboration with Notable Musicians and Producers
Some of the magic behind tinvìs comes from the powerful collaborations with renowned musicians and producers. Joel Daniel teamed up with Max Hart, who has worked with impressive artists like War on Drugs and The Staves, creating a dynamic synergy that helped shape the sound of the album. With contributions from talented musicians such as Luke Reynolds and Eric Gardner, you’ll experience a rich blend of influences that elevate the music to new heights.
Recording Locations and Processes
An exciting aspect of tinvìs is the diverse recording locations and processes that shaped the album Texnia. A significant portion of the project was recorded at the intimate Ramble Creek Studio in Austin, Texas, where Joel worked alongside Britton Beisenherz, known for his work with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. With the backdrop of Texas’ vibrant music scene and the influence of California’s indie roots, you can feel the unique soundscape coming to life in every track.
Collaboration is at the heart of the recording process, with Joel Daniel and his team carefully selecting the right environments to capture their sound. By blending the laid-back vibes of Austin with the artistic spirit of California, they created a reflective and immersive experience for listeners. These locations not only contributed to the music’s atmosphere but also invigorated the songwriting process, resulting in carefully crafted melodies and lyrics that resonate deeply with the themes of belonging and nostalgia.
Exploration of nostalgia and identity
On a journey that straddles the landscapes of California and Texas, tinvìs crafts songs that resonate with your own feelings of nostalgia and searching for identity. With ‘Echo’ and the upcoming album, Texnia, songwriter Joel Daniel encapsulates the complexities of existing in two places at once, evoking emotions that can connect with anyone who has felt out of place yet hopeful.
Influence of community and local support
One of the most inspiring aspects of tinvìs is the undeniable impact of community and local support woven into their music journey. With the help of an arts grant from the City of Davis, CA, Joel Daniel not only pursued his passions but also became part of a larger initiative that has allocated over $70K to support fellow artists, highlighting the importance of collective encouragement in nurturing creative expression.
Identity is shaped not just by personal experiences but also by the community around you. The original $5K grant that launched tinvìs is a testament to how local support can empower artists. Through the Davis Independent Music Initiative, you can see how Joel Daniel uses his platform to uplift others, underscoring that together, artists can thrive even in an ever-changing musical landscape. Your involvement and encouragement make a difference in preserving the vibrant local music scene.
Arts Grant from the City of Davis
Any music project can benefit from a little support, and for tinvìs, that came in the form of an arts grant from the City of Davis, CA. This generous funding not only helped kick-start Joel Daniel’s creative journey but also highlights how community resources can empower local artists to pursue their dreams and share their stories through music.
Contribution to the Local Music Scene and Initiatives
An exciting part of tinvìs’ story is its commitment to the local music scene. With the initial $5K arts grant, the project has grown into the Davis Independent Music Initiative, distributing over $70K to fellow artists. This shows how investing in creativity promotes a thriving community and inspires you to support local talent.
To see the impact of tinvìs on the local music scene, you can look at how it has served as a catalyst for community engagement. By utilizing the funds from the City of Davis, Joel Daniel has not only crafted his own music but also created pathways for others in the arts. This initiative fosters collaboration, allowing musicians like you to connect, develop your craft, and invigorate the cultural landscape of your area. When you support projects like tinvìs, you’re championing a movement that uplifts the entire community.
To wrap up, you’ll find that tinvìs is not just about music, but also a heartfelt journey bridging California and Texas through sound and storytelling. With Joel Daniel at the helm, this project invites you to experience a unique blend of indie influences while celebrating the power of community support for the arts. As you look into the melodies of ‘Echo’ and the forthcoming album Texnia, you’re not just listening; you’re becoming part of a movement that cherishes local music and its vibrant future.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
It’s singer-songwriter-albeit quirk–at its core. Some songs are heavily guitar-driven, like “Echo,” while others—like “Double Blind”—don’t have guitars. The themes have a throughline, but musically, it shifts around what is most easily described as indie rock or maybe more general rock (without the aggression) music. I like to let the songs breathe and not be afraid of instrumental sections. That might not be great for algorithms or attention spans, but it feels true to what I’m trying to make.
Is there a city or venue that holds special significance to you, and can you share a memorable experience from there?
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen in Davis, California. Shows only happen from May to October because Davis gets cold and rainy in the winter, and all the shows happen outside. They occur on the deck/patio at a small college bar in a Thai restaurant. It holds about 80 people. Below is a video from one show there
I have seen The Head and the Heart, S. Carry, Damian Jurado, Blind Pilot, and Other Lives there, among many others. It is my favorite bar on the planet and one of the most incredible and intimately unique places to see music—goosebumps almost every time.
What is your creative process like?
I write consistently, sometimes starting with a concept or just free-writing until something sticks. For the Texnia record, I used alternate tunings—like DADGAD for “Echo”—to keep myself from falling into old habits. I also kept a journal of ideas I wanted to explore. I write quickly, leave it for a while, and then come back to edit the stuff that seems worth editing. While this article is not aimed at my specific creative process, a lot of what I have learned is there: https://joeldaniel.substack.com/p/the-song-doctor?r=30s7jx.
Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
I’ve played all over—traditional venues, bars, outdoor spaces, and festivals-—but recently, I’ve gravitated toward house shows. They allow for deeper connection and storytelling, especially around songs like those on Texnia. Because I have been interested in advocacy for artists – especially those starting out – they are a nice thing to draw attention to as more traditional venues disappear.
I’ve got some festival slots this summer, but I’m most excited about playing more intimate shows where I can combine performance with conversation.
Favorite venue? Probably someone’s living room or Sophia’s, as described above, packed and buzzing. Least favorite? Any place where the TVs are still on behind the stage or bar. BIG THUMBS DOWN THERE.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s never been easier to put music out into the world. On the other hand, algorithms have flattened discovery and created a system that favors the same handful of acts (which, incidentally, are those same acts that did well before the internet). It’s harder for independent artists to break through; local scenes suffer when everything is filtered digitally because even at a regional level, it is hard to generate interest in whoever the band is rehearsing in a garage a few streets over.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
I’d push for more community-level funding and support for the arts—grants, venue subsidies, and spaces for collaboration. The economics are broken for most independent musicians. If the industry won’t fix it from the top down, we must find ways to do it from the ground up.
Does your music fit into your local scene? If so, how do you take advantage of that? If not, do you see that as an obstacle, and what do you do about it?
I live in Chicago; there is a space for everything and everyone. In California, where I was for most of my formative years, there was a lot of popular Americana music. This was filtering down from the Portland, Oregon scene from bands like Blind Pilot and the Decemberists or up from the Laurel Canyon scene in LA with acts like Dawes.
In Austin, I stumbled into the singer-songwriter community, which I LOVED and who did accept me, but I was always a bit on the fringes music-wise. After being a part of this scene for a while, a collaborator told me, “You’re like Jonathan Richman—everything you do just ends up a little quirky.” I have tried to embrace that.
What are your musical plans for the next 12 months or so?
I’m planning shows to support Texnia, especially intimate ones that blend music with discussions about community and sustainability. I also recorded an album in Memphis with Will Sexton and Bruce Watson that I hope to release in 2026. And I’m continuing to write and teach songwriting—passing on what I’ve learned feels like the next step.
If you could have any superhero power, what would it be and why?
Time travel. I think a lot about history, repetition, and what we learn—or don’t—from the past. I’d love to go back, observe, and maybe try to nudge things in a better direction. Or, at the very least, catch some amazing live sets. Paul McCartney in support of RAM, Dylan went electric at Newport, Hendrix at his first show in England, The Beatles at the Star Club in Hamburg, Joni Mitchell in Greenwich Village, Ani DiFranco in early Buffalo, NY days, etc.
What actor would play you in a movie about your life?
Paul Dano. He’s excellent at playing people trying to do something meaningful but doesn’t fit the mold.
If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?
The idea of being worth a book seems pretentious at this point, but maybe if this idea of more house shows takes off… and I’d call it: Echoes and House Shows: How to Start a Revolution in Your Living Room.
What would be a good theme song for your life?
Something by Townes Van Zandt—maybe “To Live Is to Fly.” It captures the bittersweetness of life and the idea of movement and searching.
What makes you nostalgic?
Old mixtapes, driving through California’s Central Valley (where the cows and almond trees are plentiful), early house shows where everyone was just figuring it out together. Also, I listen to songs that remind me of the first time I realized music could be more than background noise—it could change you, and it did me.
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