Los Angeles-based solo artist Dan Sindel is no stranger to pushing musical boundaries. With roots stretching back to the golden age of LA’s rock scene and a DIY ethic shaped by decades of experience, Sindel is carving a unique path in today’s oversaturated landscape. With two self-released EPs under his belt and a growing catalog of animated music videos, his latest single “Blindsided” packs an emotional punch, tapping into themes of betrayal and resilience, all backed by intricate arrangements and bold production choices.
In this exclusive interview with Exposed Vocals, Dan dives deep into the making of Spellcaster, his partnership with producer Danny Saber, and how he’s navigating the modern music scene as a fiercely independent artist. His insights on artistry, survival, and staying true to one’s sound are as honest as they are inspiring.
Exposed Vocals: “SPELLCASTER” is a sonic rollercoaster. What inspired this track and its genre-bending structure?
Dan Sindel:
Well, hello! First of all, thank you for having me on board and interviewing me, it’s an honor.
Yes, “Spellcaster” is a sonic rollercoaster; I agree with you. All of my songs are that way—fairly complex in their arrangements. Some would call it progressive hard rock, psychedelic rock, progressive metal jazz fusion… All of my music really tries to capture the influences that shaped me as a kid listening to all kinds of music. Naturally, as a musician, I like to be as creative as possible and not be boxed into any one genre.
SPELLCASTER is a friendly love song talking about the witchy, witchy ways of witchcraft. The animated video can be found here on YouTube:
🎬 Watch Spellcaster on YouTube
Fun fact: My dear childhood friend Susan Olsen (Cindy Brady from The Brady Bunch) helped me film the live-action sequences on a green screen. I later used Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro to animate it with a bunch of my hand-drawn creatures.
Exposed Vocals: You’ve worked with the legendary Danny Saber—what was that collaboration like, and how did it shape the sound of your EP?
Dan Sindel:
Danny and I go all the way back to high school. Even back then, he was a musical genius, already experimenting with early synths and electronics. About 40 years later, I reconnected with him, and I was blown away by what he had accomplished—he’s worked with U2, David Bowie, Black Sabbath, Rolling Stones… I asked him if he’d help me finalize some tracks, and to my delight, he said yes.
He worked on six songs with me and brought a professional edge I couldn’t achieve on my own. I’m a decent home engineer, but working with someone like Danny took everything up several notches.
Exposed Vocals: They Only Love You When You’re Winning is an intriguing title. What does it mean to you, and how does it reflect the EP?
Dan Sindel:
It’s a bit sarcastic, but it reflects the reality of how fickle the public can be—especially in the era of social media. One mistake and you’re out. It’s drawn from my own experiences watching people rise and fall. It felt like a fitting title for this chapter of my career. Or lack thereof—lol.
Exposed Vocals: You mention influences ranging from Deep Purple to Sublime. How do you blend those classic sounds with your modern style?
Dan Sindel:
I try to stay creative and open. My musical heroes came from England’s classic rock scene—Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Sabbath, Jeff Beck, and of course, Zeppelin. Later came bands like RUSH, Mahogany Rush, and Blue Öyster Cult. By the ’90s, I was into reggae-fusion bands like Sublime, No Doubt, and The Police.
I try to absorb it all and reinterpret it with my own voice. That’s what makes music personal instead of derivative.
Exposed Vocals: The reggae-influenced section in “SPELLCASTER” caught us off guard in the best way. How did that part come to life?
Dan Sindel:
There’s really no set recipe. I store ideas—riffs, lyrics, melodies—and sometimes they come together in unexpected ways. The reggae part just felt right when it landed in the arrangement. It’s one of those moments where you trust the creative process.
Exposed Vocals: What’s your songwriting process like—do you start with riffs, lyrics, or a mood?
Dan Sindel:
All of the above! Sometimes it’s a lyric, sometimes it’s a riff or melody, sometimes I’m messing with software drums or synths. Ideas hit me randomly, and I try to capture them before they fade. No two songs start the same way.
Exposed Vocals: You’ve worn multiple hats on this project—artist, co-producer, animator. How has that shaped your creative freedom?
Dan Sindel:
Being independent gives you all the freedom in the world—but it’s also incredibly challenging. You have to do everything yourself: music, production, promotion, distribution. Major labels want artists who already have huge followings, so indie musicians are really grinding.
I’ve been working with Curtain Call Records recently, and they’ve helped me get on indie radio and podcasts. I’m hopeful about building something sustainable in new markets for live shows.
Exposed Vocals: As an LA-based solo artist, how has the city’s music scene influenced your journey?
Dan Sindel:
The LA scene was electric in the ’70s and ’80s—so much talent and community. I was lucky to catch guitar legends like Randy Rhoads, Jake E. Lee, and George Lynch in their early club days. That era shaped me, but sadly, the Strip is a ghost town now. Tribute bands thrive, but original music has it rough.
Still, I carry the torch and keep the spirit alive through my own music.
Exposed Vocals: What’s been the response so far from fans and peers? Any feedback that stood out?
Dan Sindel:
The response to my EPs has been really positive. My debut Unpopular Music for Popular People Vol. 1 came out in 2023, and They Only Love You When You’re Winning followed in 2024. People seem to appreciate the originality and experimental elements. Even if I’m not the best singer, I’m finding my voice—literally and artistically.
Both EPs are available for digital download on Bandcamp, and each comes with a free lyric eBook featuring my own cartoon illustrations:
🎵 Visit Bandcamp
Exposed Vocals: What’s next for you? More singles, videos, or tour dates on the horizon?
Dan Sindel:
Yes! On October 30, I dropped a brand-new single: BLINDSIDED — the fourth release from my current EP. It’s a raw, unapologetic anthem for anyone who’s been betrayed, falsely accused, or stabbed in the back. It’s dedicated to the “misguided, misunderstood, and misinformed misfits of the world!”
There are two animated video versions available:
🔞 Explicit Version
✅ Clean Version
The audio version streaming everywhere is the clean one, but both are available upon request.
Final Thoughts:
Dan Sindel is a testament to what’s possible when talent, vision, and a do-it-yourself mindset come together. From his genre-defying compositions to his self-animated videos and hands-on production approach, he’s not just making music—he’s crafting an experience. As he prepares for his next EP in 2026, it’s clear that Dan isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Stay tuned.
