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POINTY FEATURES

Guitarist, producer & teacher

About Me

Dan Leak / Pointy Features

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Musician, producer & educator: Dan Leak

Award-winning musician, producer, and educator with over a decade of experience in the music industry. Offering comprehensive services in session guitar work, audio production, custom composition, and personalised music education to clients worldwide.

With 18 years of guitar playing experience, I've developed a versatile style that spans multiple genres including blues, rock, jazz, and lo-fi. My journey as a guitarist has included gaining the accolade of Marshall Amplification's 'Guitarist of The Year' at age 19.

In 2018, I began my lo-fi/chillhop project 'Pointy Features', blending blues guitar with a host of influences and genres. Under this alias, I have amassed over 100 million streams, becoming a mainstay in the genre since arriving online. My collaborations have reached the global top 10 viral chart on Spotify (with 'Kanisan'). After releasing 5 solo albums, my latest project 'Hill End' takes a more traditional band-based approach. This album was pressed to vinyl in 2024 and is available for streaming.

My music from Pointy Features has received significant exposure, being featured by major broadcasters like BBC 6Music, Sky and Twitch.

I hold a first-class degree in Music + Childhood Studies and a Primary PGCE from Newcastle University. I am also Registry of Guitar Tutors Grade 8 qualified with an extensive CV in audio/production.

Over the past ten years, I've taught across KS1, KS2, and SEN settings, working as a junior teacher in rural English schools for five years. For the past six years, I've been teaching online in a full-time role, designing and delivering engaging lessons to students worldwide.

In my spare time, I'm a keen oil painter focusing on landscapes and portraits – see these under the 'Artwork' section of this site.

Alongside my music career and teaching, I offer a range of professional services:

  • Session Guitar Work: I've collaborated with over 50 clients globally, providing remote and in-studio guitar performances across various genres
  • Audio Production: I offer full-service production from arrangement to final master with expertise in lo-fi, chillhop, blues, and contemporary styles
  • Custom Composition: I create bespoke music and songwriting services with a proven track record of commercial success
  • Tuition (Guitar and Primary): I provide personalised guitar, production, and primary curriculum tuition, both online via Zoom and in-person in County Durham, UK
  • Painting Commisions: Portraits, landscapes and commercial work - handpainted in oils

My tuition and teaching is always engaging, visual and specifically catered to each learner's needs.

  • Registry of Guitar Tutors - Grade 8 Electric Guitar

  • BA (Hons) Music with Childhood Studies (1:1)

  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

  • Post Graduate Certificate in Primary Education (PGCE)

  • Accolade of Marshall Amplification's 'Guitarist of The Year'

  • Over 100 million streams on Spotify / Apple Music

  • 10+ years of teaching experience - in person and online

  • Middle Leadership qualification (NPQML) in Music, Maths, and Computing

  • Extensive experience in audio production and recording techniques

Pointy Features - 'Hill End'

From my latest LP ('Hill End') a single titled 'Old Coal Town' - referencing the industrial past of my local area. As a band we aimed for a mix of 'vintage' sounds with a modern take – wrapping up all of our influences such as Pink Floyd, Tame Impala, Khruangbin and Free. The track was featured on BBC Introducingin the UK..

Pointy Features - Shine On

Released by Lofi Records in April 2021, this album blends lo-fi and blues with a nod to Pink Floyd.

Watch this performance in 4k with liquid light show visuals here.

For other streaming services click here.

Streaming Links

I have established a unique guitar sound, working alongside labels such as College Music, Chill Beats and Lofi Records. Alongside this I have played on over 50 clients' discographies - my collaborations have reached the global top 10 viral chart on Spotify:


'Hill End' is my latest release - reviewed below:


"The tracks on 'Hill End' don't try to conform one way or another; instead, they dial in and out of blues, lo-fi, psychedelia, Americana and country of their own volition. It's a wild concoction on paper, but Pointy Features make you wonder why it hasn't been done before. "


Stream my full length releases:

My Qualities

WHAT MAKES ME DIFFERENT

Available

I aim to provide friendly, patient primary, guitar or production lessons to any age or level by offering practical knowledge to equip the beginner, or simply give students some fresh inspiration and direction.

  • All Ages Welcome
  • Primary, guitar and production lessons
  • Learn Guitar Easily

Qualified

I am a Qualified Teacher, and have extensive experience with teaching guitar, a degree in Childhood Studies and Music, as well as a Post Graduated Certificate in Primary Education.

  • Registry of Guitar Tutors - Grade 8 Electric Guitar
  • BA (Hons) Music with Childhood Studies (1:1)
  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
  • Post Graduated Certificate in Primary Education (PGCE)

Flexible

I will work around you, to find the most convenient times for your lessons. I can also transport to an environment that suits you, ensuring you get the best experience.

  • Flexible - times to suite convenience
  • Transport to teach in an environment that suites you

25+

Happy Clients

11

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

4

Certifications

Contact Me

GET IN TOUCH

My Location:

County Durham, United Kingdom

Email address:

[email protected]

Instagram:

@pointyfeatures

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