Danny Schmidt is a US singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas. He is based in Austin and is described as being born and raised there. He is part of the folk and americana tradition, and he starts playing guitar at the age of 12.

Career

At 20, Schmidt develops an interest in the blues by tracing the music of Jimi Hendrix back through Muddy Waters, Mississippi John Hurt and Lightnin’ Hopkins to old country gospel and spirituals. He then buys an acoustic guitar and later draws influence from Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Tom Waits and John Prine, particularly for their use of poetry and melody in lyrics.

His first recording is the 2000 album Live at the Prism Coffeehouse. This is followed by Enjoying the Fall in 2001, Make Right the Time in 2003, and Parables & Primes in 2005. The 2005 album is noted for its mystical themes and magical-realist qualities. In 2007 he releases Little Grey Sheep, and in 2009 Instead the Forest Rose to Sing, his first release on Red House Records. He also releases Man of Many Moons on Red House Records in 2011.

Recognition and associations

In 2007, Schmidt wins the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk award. He is also part of the original King of My Living Room group of Charlottesville songwriters, alongside Brady Earnhart, Stratton Salidis, Jan Smith, Lance Brenner, Browning Porter and Jeff Romano.

Personal life

He lives in Austin with fellow musician and singer-songwriter Carrie Elkin.