Daniel Durst is a bassist and composer based in Los Angeles. Rooted in jazz but shaped by a broad range of genres—including pop, rock, experimental, and folk music—his work balances acoustic warmth and electronic texture. Whether on upright bass, electric bass, or Moog synthesizer, Daniel brings a warm, grounded sound and a deeply collaborative presence to every project.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Daniel began his musical life playing electric bass in a punk band on the weekends—and upright in the school jazz band during the week, where he first connected with the language of improvisation. He went on to study in New York with leading musicians and educators including veteran bassist Ben Street, late jazz legend Bob Cranshaw, pioneering soprano saxophonist and composer Jane Ira Bloom, and internationally acclaimed Cuban-American saxophonist Yosvany Terry. At the same time, he developed his voice as a composer, exploring the intersections of structure and spontaneity.

After college, Daniel became active in New York's DIY music scene, performing both at jazz venues and experimental spaces. He studied composition and free improvisation at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity under the guidance of Vijay Iyer and Tyshawn Sorey, and recorded a highly tactile improvisational project with close friend and longtime collaborator Prawit Siriwat.

His performance credits include Carnegie Hall, Bowery Ballroom, SXSW in Austin, Mercury Lounge, Rockwood Music Hall, and the Knitting Factory. He has toured widely with the bands Drugbug and Tiny Gun, and continues to record and perform with a wide range of artists.

Since moving to Los Angeles in 2023, Daniel has expanded his wide-ranging practice as a performer and recording artist. He has appeared at venues including El Cid (with indie/pop singer-songwriter Anna Shoemaker) and Gold Diggers (with saxophonist and composer Stratøs). He is currently recording on Challenger Deep—Stratøs' latest project, a ten-movement work for chamber orchestra, jazz quintet, and electronics, set for release next year. He plays regularly with folk artist Ruby Greenberg and recently appeared on Montreal-based rapper ZIMBA's single "The Ride," produced by Evan Shay.

Daniel also releases music under his own name, combining upright bass and synthesizer in exploratory compositions that emphasize texture, resonance, and improvisation. Guided by an affinity for collaboration and a deep love of music, he continues to follow his musical curiosity wherever it may lead.



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