London guitarist and songwriter Dan Richards has primarily made a name for himself as guitarist and songwriter for One Direction. But he can already look back on over ten years in the professional music scene and has amassed a wide variety of experience – from working with David Milligan and Jamie Abbott to being a cruise ship bandleader.

With studies at North Devon College and a Master’s degree from the London College of Music under his belt, Dan was ready to start big; by gaining a reputation as guitarist on the UK reality TV music show The X Factor, he opened the door for an audition for the boy band One Direction. He embarked on four world tours of major arenas in quick succession and appeared in three films.

But Dan is also active as a guest musician in TV shows, and has already appeared on Saturday Night Live, The Royal Variety Performance, The Today Show, American Music Awards, X Factor and Children in Need. In the X Factor finale, he shared the stage with Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood.
When not on tour, Dan writes music, teaches at a range of music institutes and provides up-and-coming musicians with tips on the website of his artists’ agency, Matchbox Music.