Dana and Alden

Biography

Dana and Alden is an indie jazz duo formed by brothers Dana and Alden McWayne, originally from Eugene, Oregon. Raised in a musically rich environment, the siblings were introduced to jazz by their father, who exposed them to legends like Pharoah Sanders and John Coltrane and encouraged their exploration of the local library’s music collection. Their earliest musical experiences came from participating in Sunday jazz jams run by local legend Kenny Reed, who mentored them and eventually invited them to join his band, Stone Cold Jazz, playing gigs around town several nights a week[3][8].

Dana, the elder, is a saxophonist and organic farm inspector based in Durham, NC, while Alden, the younger, is a drummer and a graduate of Berklee College of Music[2][4][7]. Their sound is rooted in jazz but draws from an eclectic mix of genres—including indie, pop, rap, funk, and psychedelia—reflecting their omnivorous musical upbringing. Their discography includes the EP 'Brothers' (2021), 'Quiet Music For Young People' (2023), 'Coyote, You’re My Star' (2024), and their major-label debut 'Speedo' (2024) for Concord Jazz, recorded in Lisbon with producer Charif Megarbane[1]. The duo’s rise has been fueled by grassroots support and viral TikTok videos, where their playful covers and comedic personas have resonated with Gen-Z audiences[3][9].

Now based in Brooklyn, Dana and Alden continue to expand their sound and influence, performing with a rotating cast of talented musicians and opening for acts like Benny Sings and The Yussef Dayes Experience. Their work is characterized by genre fluidity, emotional depth, and a commitment to reimagining jazz for younger generations, blending formal training and lived experience into a vibrant, ever-evolving musical legacy[1][3].

Fun Facts

• Dana and Alden's first jazz gig was at a Sunday jam in Eugene, Oregon, where they could barely play but were welcomed and mentored by Kenny Reed[3].
• Their father would take them to the public library and let them explore the entire CD collection, sparking their love for diverse genres[3].
• Alden’s comedic TikTok persona, @gucci_pineapple, helped the duo gain viral fame and connect with a younger audience[3].
• Dana is also an organic farm inspector in Durham, NC, balancing music with a career in agriculture[2][4].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Kenny Reed - Local Eugene jazz legend who ran Sunday jazz jams, mentored Dana and Alden, and invited them to play in his band Stone Cold Jazz. (Stone Cold Jazz live performances) [Childhood through teens]
• Don Latarski - Jazz guitarist and neighbor who produced their debut EP 'Brothers'. (Brothers (2021 EP)) [2021]

Key Collaborators

• quickly, quickly - Oregonian artist and producer; collaborated on the single 'Coconut Water'. ('Coconut Water' single) [2023]
• Charif Megarbane - Producer for their album 'Speedo', recorded in Lisbon. ('Speedo' (2024 album)) [2024]
• Andrew Mitchell - Touring band member (bass) (Live performances) [2023–present]
• Ebba Dankel - Touring band member (vocals, keys) (Live performances) [2023–present]
• Eli Torgersen - Touring band member (vocals, guitar) (Live performances) [2023–present]
• Salim Charvet - Touring band member (sax, synths) (Live performances) [2023–present]

Artists Influenced

• Gen-Z jazz musicians and TikTok creators - Inspired younger musicians and content creators to explore jazz and genre fusion through viral online performances. (TikTok covers, jazz reinterpretations) [2022–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Dragonfly (Quiet Music for Young People)
2. When We Met (Quiet Music for Young People)
3. Don’t Run Away (Don't Run Away)
4. Bound (Bound)
5. Coyote, You're My Star (Coyote, You're My Star)
6. July 98 (Quiet Music for Young People)
7. Let's Go to Trader Joe's (Quiet Music for Young People)
8. Ivan's Theme (Coyote, You're My Star)
9. Umi Goes to the Garden (Quiet Music for Young People)
10. Daydrinking in Springfield (Speedo)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz