announcing “arcade orchestra”
(February 4, 2023) Jim Daneker, longtime Musical Director & keyboardist for CCM icon Michael W. Smith, has retired after 27 years to launch a new venture called ARCADE ORCHESTRA which will reimagine the 80s with an epic, cinematic approach. See the full press release HERE and watch the teaser below:
JIM Daneker releases “EQUINOX”
On December 6, 2020, Jim released a new instrumental album called “Equinox.” Where AD ALTA was an exhilarating, epic thrill ride, Equinox is its counterpart: soft, delicate, serene, peaceful, contemplative… music to calm, soothe, and inspire. Based on a series of late night piano improvisations and influenced by the moody, mysterious nights of autumn and winter, this music is perfect when you need to simply slow down and breathe. Also excellent for times of prayer, meditation, or relaxation. Buy Equinox HERE.
“LAND OF CONFUSION” updated for 2020
On October 19, 2020, Jim released his latest in a series of pop/rock covers aimed at the licensing market: a remake of the 1986 Genesis hit “Land Of Confusion.” Featuring a driving, synth-heavy electro-pop track inspired by artists like BT and Zedd with a soaring orchestral bridge, this cover is both cinematic and full of adrenaline.
The video for this release is an epic, rapid-fire look at the events of 2020, both good and bad - showcasing the timeless lyrics of this song - along with uplifting imagery of humanity at its best, pulled from major events of the last few decades. A child of the 70s/80s, Jim crafted the piece as a throwback to that era, with lots of pop culture references sprinkled throughout.
The video takes the viewer on a journey through the extremes of the human experience, and leaves them with uplifting messages of what we can be when we’re at our best, with the message “Remember what it’s like to be human” flashing throughout the bridge.
Land Of Confusion is now available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, and all other digital outlets. Instrumental stems will be made available for licensing and remix usage.
stereo phoenix releases “32”
In January 2020, Stereo Phoenix released their epic cover of “32” by Danish electro-rockers CARPARK NORTH. See the video above; song available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, and all other digital outlets.
stereo phoenix releases “time after time”
In August 2020, Stereo Phoenix released their cover of “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper. See the video above; song available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, and all other digital outlets.
JIM Daneker releases “ad alta”
In June 2017, Jim Daneker released a project he dreamed of for 20 years: an epic, cinematic instrumental project called AD ALTA (Latin for “to the summit”). The project is a 67-minute odyssey that takes the listener on a musical journey through life’s ups and downs. A very personal project that reflects the composer’s own story of tragedy and triumph, yet done in a way that anyone can relate to. Featuring a live orchestra and A-list session players & soloists from around the world, AD ALTA is a ride you’ll never forget…
Buy AD ALTA on iTunes HERE as well as other digital outlets!
"AD ALTA" Reviews
"...There is a grand nature to these works that connects with the listener in a very real and emotive fashion. The album has a depth of feeling that is seldom replicated in music."
– Jared Proellocks, others.org.au
"The emotional outpouring of melodies and full blown arrangements are larger than life...every gorgeous invigorating 67 minutes of this music will inspire you. AD ALTA is currently the clear candidate for album of the year."
– Michael Debbage, Mainly Piano
"The beautiful instrumental album plays like the score to an unseen dramatic film that evokes a wide range of emotions. From the somber tones of “Letting Go” to the rapturous movement of “To The Summit,” Daneker’s vision is splendidly realized with an emotional scope that syncs well with all rhythms of life."
– CCM Magazine
ad alta Teaser trailer, January 2016:
ad alta Teaser trailer, January 2017:
AD ALTA scoring session teaser, march 2017:
AD ALTA scoring session news feature, march 2017:
What is AD ALTA? See the original Kickstarter campaign:
For more behind-the-scenes content:
Director Quotes
“The first time Jim played me some ideas he had written for my film, I was taken aback. It was tender, haunting, and ethereal all at once - everything I wanted the score to be. And what's more, it was memorable. Amazingly, Jim had found a way to capture what was happening emotionally on screen and translate that into music, and that's no simple feat. Our collaboration was a joy.”
- Ryan Smith, Director, Seabourne Pictures
"Yes, it's a visual medium, but music can make or break every piece we do. When we've got Jim committed to do the score, I rest easier, knowing that his music will make our project the best that it can be. We've used him several times, and he has always delivered in an excellent way."
- Ken Carpenter, Director, Franklin Films
"Jim is fantastic. His score for The Mercy Gene just blew me away. More than that, he was tremendous to work with - very collaborative, flexible, and open to any ideas I had to contribute. Jim is any director's dream composer."
- Marcus MacGregor, Director, Vital Myth Entertainment
“Great artists have instinct. It's what makes them unique and differentiates them from all the rest. Jim has that... His music has that ability to connect on a primal level. He's a gifted artist that will elevate your work to the next level.”
- Scotty Curlee, Director, Red Cloud Productions