Jim Daneker

music to inspire

Jim Daneker is an award-winning and Billboard-charting composer/producer who specializes in the bold, evocative, and memorable.

In addition to 27 years as keyboardist, musical director, and producer for CCM icon Michael W. Smith, Jim has enjoyed a diverse musical career. He has produced albums, arranged and written music for film (including trailers for Hollywood blockbusters such as the Fast and The Furious franchise, Transformers 2, Chronicles of Narnia, and several Disney projects), and most recently, created a virtual instrument series under the banner Backstage Pass.

After 2 decades of serving other artists, Jim took 2 years to pursue his dream of scoring a cinematic instrumental album, called AD ALTA (released June 2017). This project fuses soaring melodies reminiscent of classic film scores with creative synth textures, ethnic instruments, massive percussion and driving pop/rock grooves, all wrapped in lush orchestration supported by top session players from around the world.

In 2018, Jim produced another Billboard #1 album, this time for quadruple #1 artist Paul Cardall - an album that had the unprecedented distinction of debuting on 9 charts simultaneously and won a Dove Award for Instrumental Album of the Year.

In February 2023, Jim announced his retirement from touring and the launch of a lifetime dream project called Arcade Orchestra, which will reimagine the biggest hits of the 80s in an epic live show. For more info, see www.arcadeorchestra.com

At Your Service:

  • Original music for film, trailers, advertising

  • Album production, mixing

  • Master quality orchestral programming, arrangements, mockups

  • Piano, Hammond B3, keyboard/synth tracks, sound design

  • Studio, production, and gear consultations via Zoom or in person


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Help support Jim’s next project - Arcade Orchestra - by donating here:

Buy the digital version of AD ALTA on iTunes here! Reviews greatly appreciated!