Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Daniel Greer. I co-front a band called The DGB with my brother and also play solo shows.
You just finished up a big tour at the end of last year. Can you tell us a bit about that?
I spent 10 weeks on the road last year with The DGB and I wasn't quite ready to go back to work so, before it got too cold to tour, I booked one final tour of the year, and the final tour promoting the Victory Song albums. I did ten nights in Quebec, including six in Montreal. That whole time I was touring with Pi from Montreal. After that I did another week and a half in southern Ontario. Playing solo allows me to play smaller venues and play with different acts, do a much more intimate show, and really connect with the audience.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The DGB Past Shows - Updated January, 2011
Dec 31, 2010 the Division House Lindsay, ON
Dec 08, 2010 the Spill Peterborough, ON
Dec 05, 2010 Sarah's Open Mic Toronto, ON
Dec 04, 2010 the 460 Toronto, ON
Dec 03, 2010 EVAC London, ON
Dec 02, 2010 the Skydragon Lounge Toronto, ON
Nov 30, 2010 Cherry Cola's Rock and Roll Cabaret Toronto, ON
Nov 30, 2010 Meghan Morrison Webcast Toronto, ON
Nov 29, 2010 Village Inn Open Mic Bomanville, ON
Nov 27, 2010 the Division House Lindsay, ON
Nov 26, 2010 the Tilted Kilt Whitby, ON
Nov 24, 2010 the Spill Peterborough, ON
Nov 23, 2010 Jakes Lindsay, ON
Nov 20, 2010 Bistro de Paris Montreal, QC
Nov 19, 2010 Burritoville Montreal, QC
Nov 18, 2010 L'Interlude Joliette, QC
Nov 17, 2010 Cafe Chaos Montreal, QC
Nov 16, 2010 Grumpy's Montreal, QC
Nov 16, 2010 Le Confessional Montreal, QC
Nov 14, 2010 Bar le Magog Sherbrooke, QC
Nov 13, 2010 Bar le Temps Partiel Quebec, QC
Nov 12, 2010 Le Plato Granby, QC
Nov 06, 2010 Hillcrest Community Center Belleville, ON
Dec 08, 2010 the Spill Peterborough, ON
Dec 05, 2010 Sarah's Open Mic Toronto, ON
Dec 04, 2010 the 460 Toronto, ON
Dec 03, 2010 EVAC London, ON
Dec 02, 2010 the Skydragon Lounge Toronto, ON
Nov 30, 2010 Cherry Cola's Rock and Roll Cabaret Toronto, ON
Nov 30, 2010 Meghan Morrison Webcast Toronto, ON
Nov 29, 2010 Village Inn Open Mic Bomanville, ON
Nov 27, 2010 the Division House Lindsay, ON
Nov 26, 2010 the Tilted Kilt Whitby, ON
Nov 24, 2010 the Spill Peterborough, ON
Nov 23, 2010 Jakes Lindsay, ON
Nov 20, 2010 Bistro de Paris Montreal, QC
Nov 19, 2010 Burritoville Montreal, QC
Nov 18, 2010 L'Interlude Joliette, QC
Nov 17, 2010 Cafe Chaos Montreal, QC
Nov 16, 2010 Grumpy's Montreal, QC
Nov 16, 2010 Le Confessional Montreal, QC
Nov 14, 2010 Bar le Magog Sherbrooke, QC
Nov 13, 2010 Bar le Temps Partiel Quebec, QC
Nov 12, 2010 Le Plato Granby, QC
Nov 06, 2010 Hillcrest Community Center Belleville, ON
Victory for DGB - Here Magazine, 2010
The DGB has no problem going against the grain in search of an awesome venue. Even if their latest tour to Newfoundland costs them a little extra time and money, lead singer Daniel Greer said all that East Coast hospitality will make it worthwhile.
"We're really trying to pick up the pace and set the band as a priority and keep playing and get out there as much as possible," he said in a phone interview.
The Peterborough, ON-based rock band is set to embark on a six-week tour of Atlantic Canada next month, with pit stops in Moncton, Fredericton and Saint John.
The nine-year-old band is comprised of Greer and brother Jon on vocals and guitar, with Steve Jackett and Jamie Robinson covering percussion duties. They are promoting their latest album, Victory Song. They've also got a new video for the grim but ultimately uplifting single Rise Again, a fusion of classic rock and 90's grunge that highlights Greer's half-hoarse, half-wailing Cobain-esque vocals.
Cynics might write the DGB off as another Nivana/Pearl Jam knockoff, but the group's got classic rock grit, and even a touch of emo to set it apart.
Greer said he and the band are looking forward to playing for crowds that suit their style - shows at the Sunstar Lounge in Saint John and The Garrison in Fredericton are right up their alley.
"We consider ourselves party music and they like to party out there, right?" said Greer.
"We're really trying to pick up the pace and set the band as a priority and keep playing and get out there as much as possible," he said in a phone interview.
The Peterborough, ON-based rock band is set to embark on a six-week tour of Atlantic Canada next month, with pit stops in Moncton, Fredericton and Saint John.
The nine-year-old band is comprised of Greer and brother Jon on vocals and guitar, with Steve Jackett and Jamie Robinson covering percussion duties. They are promoting their latest album, Victory Song. They've also got a new video for the grim but ultimately uplifting single Rise Again, a fusion of classic rock and 90's grunge that highlights Greer's half-hoarse, half-wailing Cobain-esque vocals.
Cynics might write the DGB off as another Nivana/Pearl Jam knockoff, but the group's got classic rock grit, and even a touch of emo to set it apart.
Greer said he and the band are looking forward to playing for crowds that suit their style - shows at the Sunstar Lounge in Saint John and The Garrison in Fredericton are right up their alley.
"We consider ourselves party music and they like to party out there, right?" said Greer.
The DGB Celebrate - Lindsay This Week, 2009
It could be said The DGB has come a long way since launching a decade ago.
But today’s band contingent - founding brothers Daniel and Jon Greer, Jamie Robinson and Steve Jackett - would agree it’s been worth the evolution, every step of the way.
The band released their first CD in 2001 and are now poised to present their latest work, Victory Song, to the masses. Twice.
The DGB has partnered with East Side Mario’s for their first release party, to be held Friday, March 27, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Advanced tickets cost $25 - there will be some available at the door for $30 - which includes a copy of the new CD, all-you-can-eat wings from 8 to 10 p.m., ppetizers, a special acoustic performance and door prizes. Tickets are available from the band, Van Halteren Music Centre, Lori’s Family Haircare and East Side Mario’s.
A more lively party takes place Saturday, April 11 at the York Tavern downtown Lindsay with special guests Home Front. The show starts at 10 p.m. and is an age of majority event. Copies of the CD will be available for $10.
For fans of the band, it will one of a select few opportunities to hear the band locally for quite a while.
The band has an east coast tour set for June and then heads west in October. In between are numerous Ontario and Quebec dates.
It all speaks to how hard the guys have been working to make their passion for music pay dividends.
“We’ve been turning this into a career lately,” said Jon, who shares vocals, guitar and bass duties with Dan. “We don’t have a weekend off now until July.”
As far as the necessary evil of touring, the band takes it all in stride.
“When we tour, it’s like a working vacation,” said Jamie, The DGB’s drummer along with Steve. “But it’s really a great opportunity to expand our following. We had some shows on the east coast last year and we’re hoping those people will not only come back, but bring their friends along.”
Although The DGB, in its various incarnations, has produced four, full-length CDs, a collection of EPs and singles for the Out Loud compilations, this is the first with the current line-up.
Dan is also pleased with the way the band - a fusion of classic and heavy modern rock - has progressed over the years, continually influenced by their own changing tastes in music.
“Influences affect everyone whether they want to admit it or not,” said Dan, citing the group’s personal favourites, which run the gamut of bands including The Who, Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins.
When it comes to Victory Song, the band worked to create a thematic sound which holds the title track in the center. Dan explained the band - which pretty much shares writing duties - had been writing over the last couple of years for the new release. Just before all the tracks had been laid, the concept behind Victory Song came to Dan. It quickly fit into the theme the group had been working to develop.
“The CD came out wonderful,” said Dan, noting the band wanted radio quality production but still maintain the “live feel.”
For more on the band, visit www.myspace.com/theDGB and catch the guys in action at www.mykawartha.com
But today’s band contingent - founding brothers Daniel and Jon Greer, Jamie Robinson and Steve Jackett - would agree it’s been worth the evolution, every step of the way.
The band released their first CD in 2001 and are now poised to present their latest work, Victory Song, to the masses. Twice.
The DGB has partnered with East Side Mario’s for their first release party, to be held Friday, March 27, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Advanced tickets cost $25 - there will be some available at the door for $30 - which includes a copy of the new CD, all-you-can-eat wings from 8 to 10 p.m., ppetizers, a special acoustic performance and door prizes. Tickets are available from the band, Van Halteren Music Centre, Lori’s Family Haircare and East Side Mario’s.
A more lively party takes place Saturday, April 11 at the York Tavern downtown Lindsay with special guests Home Front. The show starts at 10 p.m. and is an age of majority event. Copies of the CD will be available for $10.
For fans of the band, it will one of a select few opportunities to hear the band locally for quite a while.
The band has an east coast tour set for June and then heads west in October. In between are numerous Ontario and Quebec dates.
It all speaks to how hard the guys have been working to make their passion for music pay dividends.
“We’ve been turning this into a career lately,” said Jon, who shares vocals, guitar and bass duties with Dan. “We don’t have a weekend off now until July.”
As far as the necessary evil of touring, the band takes it all in stride.
“When we tour, it’s like a working vacation,” said Jamie, The DGB’s drummer along with Steve. “But it’s really a great opportunity to expand our following. We had some shows on the east coast last year and we’re hoping those people will not only come back, but bring their friends along.”
Although The DGB, in its various incarnations, has produced four, full-length CDs, a collection of EPs and singles for the Out Loud compilations, this is the first with the current line-up.
Dan is also pleased with the way the band - a fusion of classic and heavy modern rock - has progressed over the years, continually influenced by their own changing tastes in music.
“Influences affect everyone whether they want to admit it or not,” said Dan, citing the group’s personal favourites, which run the gamut of bands including The Who, Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins.
When it comes to Victory Song, the band worked to create a thematic sound which holds the title track in the center. Dan explained the band - which pretty much shares writing duties - had been writing over the last couple of years for the new release. Just before all the tracks had been laid, the concept behind Victory Song came to Dan. It quickly fit into the theme the group had been working to develop.
“The CD came out wonderful,” said Dan, noting the band wanted radio quality production but still maintain the “live feel.”
“And we managed to capture that really well,” he added.
For more on the band, visit www.myspace.com/theDGB and catch the guys in action at www.mykawartha.com
The DGB Sing a Victory Song - Scene and Heard, 2009
The DGB play a pre-grunge explosion bluesy boozy rock aka stoner rock that has its own problems and its own favours. Much like the Micronite Filters with whom they play more than the odd gig the DGB work really well when they lay down a groove and kick out the jams as they say and not so well when they attempt the bluesy boozy blues ballad.
Victory Song is their fifth album and the four piece from the Hwy7/35 area have done it all themselves. If you listen deep there is some great guitar meandering its way in the back of these tracks. Its practically orchestral. The DGB may be better to set those solos free from the bass and beat. Let them soar. LOL I can't believe I'm advocating widdlie widdlie widdlie rock.... well if you have the chops go for it.
Stoner Rock is the one genre where the hand of an independent producer is necessary. If only to keep those self indulgent flights of fantasy in check...the ones which felt so good...like flying on a magic carpet.... but in the cold sober light of day are just reminders of wasted time
On Go Get, the band lay down a maracas rattling shuffle beat that should have all the hippies doing the sandal shimmy shake. I'd pick it as the go get track.
DGB have a vanful of gigs including Chicago's on Saturday and the Atria on May 9.
Victory Song is their fifth album and the four piece from the Hwy7/35 area have done it all themselves. If you listen deep there is some great guitar meandering its way in the back of these tracks. Its practically orchestral. The DGB may be better to set those solos free from the bass and beat. Let them soar. LOL I can't believe I'm advocating widdlie widdlie widdlie rock.... well if you have the chops go for it.
Stoner Rock is the one genre where the hand of an independent producer is necessary. If only to keep those self indulgent flights of fantasy in check...the ones which felt so good...like flying on a magic carpet.... but in the cold sober light of day are just reminders of wasted time
On Go Get, the band lay down a maracas rattling shuffle beat that should have all the hippies doing the sandal shimmy shake. I'd pick it as the go get track.
DGB have a vanful of gigs including Chicago's on Saturday and the Atria on May 9.
Victory Song Review - canadianbands.com, 2009
Toronto-based The DGB is a high-energy rock outfit that cites the likes of The Who, Hendrix, Zeppelin and a million other acts in that class as influences to their core sound. But the explosive fury and raw uplifting power that makes a room come alive comes from listening to Nirvanas, Green Days and the Pumpkins.
The band is made up brothers Daniel and John Greer, Jamie Robinson and Steve Jackett. They started in 2001, playing what they call "off the wall acoustic drone rock." Over the years and albums since, the sound got louder, the songs got catchier, touring the country from coast to coast in the process. The crowds got crazier and the band matured and evolved.
Released in 2009, VICTORY SONG is the band's fifth album - and a testament to their attitude that powerful, sing along choruses, a punk edge and danceable rhythms make a good mix. They came from the studio with a product that's definitely radio quality, but still not too polished. From the opening riffs of the lead off "Savage," the record still has the live sound that makes the songs so powerful.
"Perfect Crime," Set Free," and "No Mercy Here" are three of those classic riffs that hold up an otherwise ordinary song - highlighting The DGB's music's simplicity, making it among the most under-rated tracks on the album. "Get Out" just has one of those funky bluesy riffs that beg for a second listen - and the same can be said for "One Less Stranger." The bass rhythms of "In Veins" drive the beat and are a direct testament to the band's Nirvana influences.
Add the free spirit lyrics and attitude of tracks like "Free Your Soul" and "So Get," and the inter-reflective "Alcohol," and you have one of the most well-rounded albums of the year - testament to the band's growth over the years and four previous albums. Tracks like "Fool's Gold" and "Get Out" are anything but filler, and as a general statement, it's hard to find a more ambitious or passionate group on the circuit, making VICTORY SONG well worth searching out.
The band is made up brothers Daniel and John Greer, Jamie Robinson and Steve Jackett. They started in 2001, playing what they call "off the wall acoustic drone rock." Over the years and albums since, the sound got louder, the songs got catchier, touring the country from coast to coast in the process. The crowds got crazier and the band matured and evolved.
Released in 2009, VICTORY SONG is the band's fifth album - and a testament to their attitude that powerful, sing along choruses, a punk edge and danceable rhythms make a good mix. They came from the studio with a product that's definitely radio quality, but still not too polished. From the opening riffs of the lead off "Savage," the record still has the live sound that makes the songs so powerful.
"Perfect Crime," Set Free," and "No Mercy Here" are three of those classic riffs that hold up an otherwise ordinary song - highlighting The DGB's music's simplicity, making it among the most under-rated tracks on the album. "Get Out" just has one of those funky bluesy riffs that beg for a second listen - and the same can be said for "One Less Stranger." The bass rhythms of "In Veins" drive the beat and are a direct testament to the band's Nirvana influences.
Add the free spirit lyrics and attitude of tracks like "Free Your Soul" and "So Get," and the inter-reflective "Alcohol," and you have one of the most well-rounded albums of the year - testament to the band's growth over the years and four previous albums. Tracks like "Fool's Gold" and "Get Out" are anything but filler, and as a general statement, it's hard to find a more ambitious or passionate group on the circuit, making VICTORY SONG well worth searching out.
A Look From the Inside - Static Noise and Broken Bones, 2009
Daniel Greer speaks about Victory Song
Long live rock and roll. After a handful of E.P.'s the DGB has recently went into the studio to create a new full length record. The new record will be out at the end of March, and we are very excited about the release.
Going into the studio this time, we knew exactly what sound we wanted. The bottom line was, we wanted something that was equal quality to big bands, something that could be played on the radio. But... we didn't want it to sound too polished. We still wanted to capture the raw, live sound that makes the DGB the DGB. We think we captured that sound.
The new album is called "Victory Song', and it is a concept album in a way, but not to the point of specific storyline. All the songs fit together around the theme of Victory. Whether the Victory is public or personal. Sometimes the Victory could be overcoming something, other times it could simply be Victory in accepting things as they are, but not letting it get you down. In typical DGB fashion, the lyrics are vague enough that while certain points can be gathered from certain songs, the lyrics can be interpreted different ways by different people, and mean something to everybody. The album is down to earth and real, and in the end I think will leave listeners feeling very positive.
We will be releasing our new single at www.myspace.com/theDGB Friday, March 13th. We will release 2 more songs after that and then the full album will be available Friday, March 27th. Sometime in April the album will be available on i-Tunes, and wherever else you buy music online these days. We have some very exciting release shows coming up, and all the details will be listed on myspace as we release them. Rock and roll.
Going into the studio this time, we knew exactly what sound we wanted. The bottom line was, we wanted something that was equal quality to big bands, something that could be played on the radio. But... we didn't want it to sound too polished. We still wanted to capture the raw, live sound that makes the DGB the DGB. We think we captured that sound.
The new album is called "Victory Song', and it is a concept album in a way, but not to the point of specific storyline. All the songs fit together around the theme of Victory. Whether the Victory is public or personal. Sometimes the Victory could be overcoming something, other times it could simply be Victory in accepting things as they are, but not letting it get you down. In typical DGB fashion, the lyrics are vague enough that while certain points can be gathered from certain songs, the lyrics can be interpreted different ways by different people, and mean something to everybody. The album is down to earth and real, and in the end I think will leave listeners feeling very positive.
We will be releasing our new single at www.myspace.com/theDGB Friday, March 13th. We will release 2 more songs after that and then the full album will be available Friday, March 27th. Sometime in April the album will be available on i-Tunes, and wherever else you buy music online these days. We have some very exciting release shows coming up, and all the details will be listed on myspace as we release them. Rock and roll.
Modern Trash! - Weldon News, 2005
Within the small town of Lindsay, Ontario, there are few venues for bands to perform in, and limited audiences to showcase their talents to. In an attempt to expand the local music scene into other cities across the province, Weldon graduate, and DGB front man, Daniel Greer started promotion company, ‘Modern Trash Records.’
“My main goal with this company is to give my own band as well as other local bands the opportunity to play to new audiences and gain a larger fan base”, Greer stated. To accomplish this goal, he has been swapping shows with out of town acts. This gives those bands a chance to play in Lindsay in exchange for them bringing Lindsay bands to their hometown.
Greer also stated “It gives the locals something to do. I have discovered many interesting bands from all around Ontario, and I am proud to give Lindsay a chance to hear them.” He has brought the likes of the Platonic Shadows, Action Makes, Jason Vanstone, and many others to the town, and the response has been great.
Coinciding with the show swaps, Greer has put together a Modern Trash Records compilation disc. The CD, simply titled ‘Modern Trash Records- $2 compilation,’ includes songs from 11 bands from all across Ontario.
“The compilation CD is a great representation of the bands I work with, and makes an excellent demo to send to radio stations and promoters” Greer acknowledged. He also hopes that the release of this disc will bring the music to new fans.
The upcoming months look promising for Modern Trash Records. Several concerts have been lined up for Modern Trash artists, and November 19th will mark the release of Jon Greer’s long anticipated debut album, ‘The gods too are fond of a joke.’
Greer left the interview reminding everyone to check out www.moderntrash.cjb.net and www.theDGB.tk for all information on upcoming shows and releases.
“My main goal with this company is to give my own band as well as other local bands the opportunity to play to new audiences and gain a larger fan base”, Greer stated. To accomplish this goal, he has been swapping shows with out of town acts. This gives those bands a chance to play in Lindsay in exchange for them bringing Lindsay bands to their hometown.
Greer also stated “It gives the locals something to do. I have discovered many interesting bands from all around Ontario, and I am proud to give Lindsay a chance to hear them.” He has brought the likes of the Platonic Shadows, Action Makes, Jason Vanstone, and many others to the town, and the response has been great.
Coinciding with the show swaps, Greer has put together a Modern Trash Records compilation disc. The CD, simply titled ‘Modern Trash Records- $2 compilation,’ includes songs from 11 bands from all across Ontario.
“The compilation CD is a great representation of the bands I work with, and makes an excellent demo to send to radio stations and promoters” Greer acknowledged. He also hopes that the release of this disc will bring the music to new fans.
The upcoming months look promising for Modern Trash Records. Several concerts have been lined up for Modern Trash artists, and November 19th will mark the release of Jon Greer’s long anticipated debut album, ‘The gods too are fond of a joke.’
Greer left the interview reminding everyone to check out www.moderntrash.cjb.net and www.theDGB.tk for all information on upcoming shows and releases.
Monday: Free CD's - the Arthur, 2005
At two different venues Monday night I encountered free cd’s of an artist promoting his band’s and his own work. The Daniel Greer Band had produced two full length albums and I encountered him giving them away on two different occasions that same week.
Daniel’s sound of acoustic guitar and heavy distortion blend to become a garage metal/alternative style. The Daniel Greer Band and Jay Spectre perform at the Grass Roots Friday January 21, providing you with the opportunity to hear them for yourself.
Daniel’s sound of acoustic guitar and heavy distortion blend to become a garage metal/alternative style. The Daniel Greer Band and Jay Spectre perform at the Grass Roots Friday January 21, providing you with the opportunity to hear them for yourself.
A Move For Though CD Review - Dogbus Online, 2004
A Move For Thought is The Daniel Greer Band's follow up to the self-titled release of 2002. 10 Tracks of fantastically recorded and produced music. This record was recorded by Jeff Gutterdige (Looking For Heather) at Starlight Studios over a total of 80 Hours, and it shows. The first single, The Mystery Of Misery, was released to the internet in Febuary of 2003 and it showed a new side to Daniel Greer. Musically this is one of the most diverse, intelligent albums you'll hear around.
In late 2003 with the release of Outloud 2 we saw the relase of "Tear Away", arguably the strongest song on the album (and a frequent set-opener). The song helped shape what Outloud 2 became and fast became a favorite off the album.
In late 2003 with the release of Outloud 2 we saw the relase of "Tear Away", arguably the strongest song on the album (and a frequent set-opener). The song helped shape what Outloud 2 became and fast became a favorite off the album.
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