DANIEL NIKOLOV
Vocalist | Looping Artist
When you embrace your voice, you tap into the essence of who you are.
For Daniel Nikolov, the voice is the oldest and most compelling musical instrument - its power lies in the intimate connection it creates with the listener. While it’s a universal tool for communication, Daniel transforms it into a canvas for storytelling, improvisation, and groove-driven soundscapes.
An emerging European jazz vocalist, Daniel is redefining vocal performance through innovative live looping using only his voice. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in the Netherlands, he seamlessly blends jazz, vocal harmony and experimental electronic elements to craft a sound that is both rooted in tradition and boldly forward-thinking.
Photo by Gulnara Khamatova
His journey began at the age of 7, when he joined a children's vocal ensemble, performing across festivals, competitions, and concerts as both a soloist and an ensemble singer. Early on, he developed a love for vocal harmony. Introduced to jazz and a cappella singing during his high school years, Daniel discovered the limitless possibilities of the voice as both an instrument and a vehicle for expression.
In 2018, Daniel moved to The Netherlands to study jazz vocals at the Prince Claus Conservatory in Groningen, drawing inspiration from numerous talented musicians. Under the mentorship of JD Walter, who transformed his understanding of what a jazz singer can be, he refined his approach to vocal phrasing, improvisation and his unique musical expression.
Daniel’s influences span generations of vocal artistry - Mel Tormé, Al Jarreau, Bobby McFerrin, and Kurt Elling shape his sound, while groups like The Manhattan Transfer, Singers Unlimited, The Real Group, and Take 6 fuel his love for intricate vocal harmonies. Contemporary artists such as Jacob Collier, Michael Mayo, Moonchild and Esperanza Spalding bring fresh perspectives to his work, bridging the worlds of jazz, soul, and modern sound design.
Beyond his solo work, Daniel is a member of the Bulgarian a cappella group Spectrum Vocal Band, known for its fusion of pop, jazz and folk influences. He not only contributes as a performer but also explores his passion for vocal arranging and composition.
“I want to groove with myself. I want to play all the parts. My solo project is the crosspoint of my musical desires”, he says.
Take Five is Daniel's debut EP. It consists of five jazz classics, reimagined through the lens of vocal looping - deconstructing and rebuilding familiar melodies into something entirely new. From the rhythmic interplay of Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” to the ethereal reinvention of Ornette Coleman’s “Lonely Woman”, each track pushes the boundaries of what a single voice can achieve. Layer by layer, Daniel crafts an entire ensemble - one voice becoming rhythm section, harmony, and melody all at once.
With this project, Daniel Nikolov is not just interpreting jazz, he’s reshaping it. As he steps into this next chapter, he invites listeners on a journey where jazz meets the unexpected.