Nick Schlesinger

General information

A West London based singer/songwriter that prides himself on being a little different. Under the guise of alternative folk Mikhail Daken has crafted a sound that is unique, inviting and engaging.

By effectively combining emotive lyrical content, dynamic soundscapes, and a highly distinct voice Daken crafts songs that are steeped in sensibilities of pop but progress to a deeper, and often darker place.

Having spent the first year of the project playing every dive bar and open mic across the UK, Daken went on to secure headlining solo shows at some of the most prestigious venues in London and the surrounding counties.

The summer of 2013 was spent recording an independently produced collection of songs at studios in London and Brighton, a process that saw Daken fall in love with the studio process but also allowed him to start working with a wide variety of creative teams and sessions musicians.

While enjoying plays on BBC Introducing, Shoreditch Radio and a host of other local and online stations, the tracks found their way to terrestrial stations in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

In order to support this curious development Daken bundled the songs together to form a deluxe edition EP. Physical copies of this EP was made available on custom wooden USB flash drives. To commemorate the release a EP launch was held at the Half Moon Putney that saw the entire stock of EPs sell out.

The next year Daken spent putting together a complete live line up. Focusing on the contrasts of ambient textures and solid rhythm sections, the blending of acoustic guitars, rich cellos, reverberated lead lines, combined with intricate pianos , atmospheric synths, and tasteful percussion.

Following headlining shows at venues such as Ronnie Scotts, The Troubadour and Kensington Roof Gardens, Daken is now curating his own shows, the last of which being a sell out in London`s newly reopened Water Rats.

With all all cylinders raring to go, the end of 2015 will mark the release of Daken`s official debut single "In Your Honour".