Daniel Schamroth is a British recording artist who has just come to my attention through the release of his latest EP. Recorded and produced by the legendary Guy Massey (who has worked with The Beatles, Paul Simon and Ed Sheeran), it’s called Major Companion.

By Graeme Smith

With so much expertise behind it, Major Companion has the potential to be a classic, but we all know production isn’t everything. A collection of songs need a beating heart and must stir the soul, and this is where Daniel’s song writing talents come in. As well as performing his own music, Daniel has co-written for some major artists.

Opening track Dying To Feel Alive gives us a gentle and acoustic start. Its lyrics are philosophical and full of powerful imagery, and the emotion of its story amplified by the track’s orchestration.

From there we are treated to a journey that takes us through rock-infused heartbreak (Lonely Old Heart), country-infused romance (If I Got You), and soul-warming acoustic rock (Don’t Let It Get You Down). Naturally, The EP’s two singles are the standouts. Its lead Rat Race is pensive and powerfully relatable while Cold Wind Blowing closes the record with some vibrant plucked guitar and an encouraging message.

Is Major Companion a classic? Time will tell but it certainly has all the hallmarks on one. The timelessness of Daniel’s sound means that it’ll age well and the topics of its tracks will always need to be grappled with. What’s for certain is, if you’re a fan of the classics, you need to give it a go.

Major Companion features strings arrangements by Manchester-based Joe Duddell and was recorded with a live orchestra at Konk studios (established by The Kinks). Pete Maher did the mastering. It’s released by So, Let’s Talk Ltd, a UK label with an impressive roster such as East 17, H-Town and Roachford. In 2023, So, Let’s Talk released the last ever recording by the late soul music icon Linda Lewis titled Year of Decision with Brian Power and The Lewis Sisters.

You can give the EP a listen below.