Daniel Brooks Kraft
Musician, Brand Strategist, & Creative Producer
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Producer, Brand Strategy
At The Buddy Group, a branding and advertising agency, I spearhead brand strategy efforts.I find great joy and value in the creative process of brand building. Although it shares an inherent artistry with my musical endeavors, the work of brand strategy is people-facing and deeply relational. It will not speak for itself.As a result, it must be managed and documented in a way that brings clients along on a unique journey without restricting the potential of the work by prohibiting spontaneity or inspiration.
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Wesleyan University
Bachelor of the Arts with Honors
Major: The College of Letters
Minor: Economics
The college of letters is a three year program dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of philosophy, history, and literature.
Leadership
Team Captain, Wesleyan NCAA Men’s Golf
Recipient of the Cardinal Award, an award given out for the first time in 13 years to a student-athlete that embodies the sportsmanship, drive, and compassion of Wesleyan Athletics (May, 2023)
Arts
Composed the musical score for an award winning film (watch it here)
Guitarist and Songwriter, Loose Geese
Multi-band concert producer and promoter
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Homes
I've moved around a lot!
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Taste: Snares
The snare drum might be my favorite drum.Here's a list of ten recordings in no intentional order that come to mind when I think about great snares (claps are layered on some of these as well!).
| Title | Album | Artist | Year | Enjoy! |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Don't Look Any Further | Don't Look Any Further | Dennis Edwards feat. Siedah Garrett | 1984 | Listen |
| Johny Says Stay Cool | The Babe Rainbow | Babe Rainbow | 2017 | Listen |
| Mr. Big Stuff | Mr. Big Stuff | Jean Knight | 1971 | Listen |
| Ecstasy | Soft Rock Summer | Surahn | 2023 | Listen |
| 4 The Lovers | For The Lovers - EP | Black Loops | 2017 | Listen |
| Groove Me | King Floyd | King Floyd | 1970 | Listen |
| Cajun Moon | Okie | J.J. Cale | 1974 | Listen |
| Bubble Toes | Brushfire Fairytales | Jack Johnson | 2011 | Listen |
| Gamesofluck - from Le Palace, Paris | Live Vol. 2 | Parcels | 2023 | Listen |
| The Calvary Cross | I Want to See the Bright Light Tonight | Richard & Linda Thompson | 1974 | Listen |
Methodology
Foundational Beliefs
- Do everything with joy
- Do everything with intensity
- Offer what you have
- Seek connection
- Finish what you started
- Ask simple questions
- Think before speaking
- Try everything at least once
- Say yes more than no and no more than maybe
- Challenge your tastes
- Learn by doing
- Revisit your work
- Study what you love