Alyian

Daniel T Searle ‘Poet’s Dream’ / ‘Omnipolar’

Final Double Album Release for Folk / Roots Multi-Instrumentalist

Produced and Recorded by Steven Alyian

In 2019 my close friend Daniel T Searle left us. In response to his passing, during the pandemic era of 2020, I returned to recordings we made together one weekend back in 2016 and decided to finish what was intended to be two albums. released lovingly in his memory and with respect to his family and friends in March 2021.

“Daniel had left notes for his family and friends. He asked us not to blame or shame, not to grieve - but to celebrate his life. Whilst Dan was an endlessly creative and focused individual, it seemed the limitations of society and his body only suffocated his true potential. A highly spiritual human, he went into death with intention and purpose, he had freed himself from the boundaries that had kept him from his true potential. While we were sad to say goodbye, in a way we understood that it was a necessary part of his journey. It is an honour to unearth these recordings we made together and hear all the rich messages that he left for us.”

When Daniel T Searle was found deceased in his home in November 2019, a ripple of shock and sadness, but not necessarily grief, spread throughout his family and community of fans, supporters and collaborators in the music scene of Perth, WA. The accomplished musician, writer and painter, who endlessly supported, collaborated and encouraged all of those around him with joy and guidance - had taken his own life.

Daniel, a long-time guitarist, violinist and vocalist in the Perth Folk and Blues community, he released comical, conscious books under the alias Bent Straightly and was a prolific and accomplished visual artist. Before his passing Daniel had recorded two albums that were yet unreleased: ‘Poet’s Dream’ and ‘Ominpolar,’ produced by West Australian musician and artist Steven Alyian (Usurper of Modern Medicine, Selfless Orchestra, Injured Ninja).

With the support of friends and family, Steven put the final touches on these raw and powerful recordings to complete the albums as Daniel had intended. Now, in celebration of his life, these records are now being heard for the first time and will be released in March, 2021.

A prolific musician, he underwent a process of recording and releasing his records in the final years of his life starting in 2018 with ‘Twisted Gospel’ and releasing 5 more records in a short time, collated from archived recordings and new studio sessions. A true twisted storyteller that evokes comparisons to Johnny Cash, Tom Waits and even Leonard Cohen. Let these albums be listened to in loving memory of a truly inspiring human being.

Poet’s Dream / Omnipolar

Released March 12th, 2021

Bandcamp Album Streams

Poet’s Dream

Omnipolar

Photos and Artwork by Steven Alyian