Daniel "Dr" Ford
Born Daniel Robert Ford, “DrFord” first emerged on the music scene in San Francisco at the height of the 90’s Rave scene. Growing up as a multi-instrumentalist, Daniel incorporated live percussion and keyboard playing while mixing “House music” all over San Francisco and Oakland. Originally “DJ DrFord,” Daniel quickly began gaining a reputation as a hi-energy, dance music DJ with a funky edge and an exciting stage show. After 6 years of advancing a promising DJ career, Daniel began producing and writing original music. It was this journey that led Daniel to Musician’s Institute, Hollywood CA, in 2003.
In 2006 Daniel graduated with a degree in keyboard performance, a Journeyman certificate in Professional Sound Recording and Engineering, and a passion for creating Radio ready production. During his time at M.I., Daniel was hired by “The Mint Studio” (Daniel Lanois, U2) to produce artists chosen by the studio owner Chris Contegouris. During this time Daniel had the opportunity to mentor under industry greats DJ BattleCat (Snoop Dog) and Ronnie King (Tupac Shakur). It was at this time Daniel was approached by D. Keith Davies of Cinematic Tunes, Beverly Hills, about a publishing deal, which would land Daniel’s original music on MTV / VH1 / E! Network shows as well as international films.
Shortly after graduation in 2006, Daniel returned to his studio to find that faulty wiring in the building led to a major fire. It was this event that allowed Daniel to take a chance, and a major turn of direction, as he then went on tour with rising Country music star J.C. Andersen (Norstar Records.) This 6-month tour ended in Nashville, TN and led Daniel to begin a new musical direction producing Country music with Smart Music Publishing. During his 3 years in Nashville, Daniel embarked on other tours such as; Lindsay Ellis (Acts Nashville.) Although beginning to make a name for himself in Nashville, Daniel returned to Los Angeles to rebuild his studio, and regain a foothold in the Los Angeles music industry.
It is Daniel’s unique take on dance music, his musicality, new approach to “sampling,” and his pedigree of teachers that have given him the opportunity to succeed in the music industry and create great music. It is Daniel’s ear that allows him to work with artists in a unique way, interpreting their words musically, and writing music that they describe. Daniel’s latest production will soon be heard in “Video Girl,” a feature film starring Meagan Good set for release in late 2010. The song is called “I’m Gone” by Golden. Daniel was also recently approached by Antony Livoti and Asa Doyle of Groove3.com to join their exclusive ranks as a mentor, teacher, and trainer. Together, Daniel and Groove 3 have completed production on Daniel's first very own tutorial series “From Drop to Top, with DrFord.” This instructional video series includes over 4 hours of content on producing, mixing, and mastering contemporary Hip Hop music. “From Drop to Top” is available for purchase August 2010 on www.Groove3.com.
“[Daniel Ford] has some of the best production chops I’ve ever heard.”
-Chuck Howard (Former A&R for Curb Records, Grammy nominated producer for Leanne Rimes, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire, Hank Williams Jr.)
“[DrFord] is a talented Producer / Engineer. It has really been a pleasure & we all appreciate your exceptional work.”
-Cory B. Clay (Cinematographer for Pirate Smile Pictures)
