Bards of Mythville — Music Project & Artist
Bards of Mythville is an alternative/alt-country/post-punk topical electroacoustic, prog rock poetry project based in Apache Junction, Arizona, led by Douglas McDaniel. The name suggests a blend of mythic storytelling, political satire, and experimental sound, with a focus on topical and protest-oriented themes. Influences, after 40 years on the sidelines as a rock journo based in Arizona, Colorado, California, Oregon, Iowa and New England, start with Laurie Anderson, Moon Duo, Jethro Tull, Giant Sand, Neil Young, Three Dog Night, Pink Floyd and now, more than ever, Frank Zappa ... but McDaniel would put any of those against such current faves as the Black Angels, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, All Them Witches and King Buffalo.... even if getting anywhere near that at the age of 66 seems completely implausible ... but those bands did point McDaniel to the noise ... so let's give a great thanks for that ...
Music Style & Themes
The project’s work spans alternative rock, alt-country, post-punk, and electroacoustic poetry, often with a satirical or political edge. Tracks like Defund the Pharoahs, Apocalypso, and Congo Squared reflect a mix of social commentary, historical references, and absurdist humor YouTube. The style can be described as “topical techno” or “resistance rock,” blending spoken word, instrumentation, and layered sound design YouTube.
Notable Works & Releases
Album: Greetings from Radio Free Arizona — announced by Douglas McDaniel on LinkedIn as a new release LinkedIn.
YouTube Playlist: Over 35 videos featuring songs such as Salman Rushdie Does Not Exist, Pyramid King, Debatable Inflatable, and Code YouTube.
SoundCloud: Curated playlist with tracks like Big Sexy Beer, Before Thunder, and The Code SoundCloud .
Lyrics & Satire: Known for sharp, often absurd political satire, e.g., Why We Hate Red People and Salman Rushdie Does Not Exist YouTube.
Artist Background
Douglas McDaniel is the primary creative force behind Bards of Mythville, producing and performing the project’s music. His work often merges spoken word with experimental instrumentation, creating a unique blend of poetry and music LinkedIn.
Where to Find Their Music
ReverbNation: Official artist page with genre tags and local chart info ReverbNation.
YouTube: Full song list and demos YouTube.
SoundCloud: Curated playlist and older releases SoundCloud .
LinkedIn: Updates on new albums and project news LinkedIn.
If you’re interested in politically charged, satirical, and experimental music, Bards of Mythville’s work offers a distinctive voice in the alternative and spoken word scenes.
After more time than I'm willing to do math on ... because it might be ten years ... anyway I was practicing a lot, jamming with Anticide at various garages, then at open mic nights in Scottsdale and Tempe, then playing a road trip ... and so then I decided to invest every cent I had on music equipment and the attendant programming .... making so so so many mistakes along the way ... in fact, due to experience in working with AI, which leaves me kind of cold unless I'm able do enough arrnaging and the lyrics, then scuffing it up a bit with my ... quite human mistakes .... Neverthless, as before a decade ago my collaboraters are essentially the same ... even Tex Holdemm, at least in memory and the older tracks still here ... and now I must give a special thanks to guitarist Drew "Anticide" McDaniel and producer/arranger Brian Almassy ... Anyway, greetings from Mythville .... You may not get me now ... but in 10 more years, maybe ...
