Danny Torgersen

Last updated
Danny Torgersen
Origin Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
Genres
Years active2003–present
Website www.dan-et.com

Danny Torgersen is an American musician, vocalist, and trumpeter from Phoenix, Arizona, best known as the lead singer of the Phoenix-based progressive rock band Captain Squeegee.

Contents

Throughout his career, he has collaborated with a diverse array of artists and bands, including Grieves, Badfish, [1] The Irie, Fayuca, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, and Authority Zero. [2]

Biography

Danny Torgersen was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, where he developed an early interest in music, particularly brass instruments. He began playing the trumpet in school and later pursued formal music studies at Arizona State University. During his formative years, Torgersen's eclectic musical tastes led him to explore various genres, including jazz, rock, and experimental music, which would later inform his diverse sound. [3]

Music career

Captain Squeegee

In 2002, Torgersen co-founded Captain Squeegee, [4] a band that originated as a ska group but later evolved into a more experimental “space-jazz” ensemble blending progressive rock, jazz, and psychedelic influences. Their albums, To the Bardos! (2013) and Harmony Cure (2017), received critical acclaim within the Phoenix music scene and beyond, noted for their complex compositions and Torgersen’s distinctive trumpet melodies. [5]

Dan E.T.

Dan E.T. is a solo project by Torgersen that builds upon his previous musical style, incorporating a broader range of genres and thematic concepts. His work frequently references topics such as aliens, conspiracy theories, and philosophy, while maintaining a fusion of rock, reggae, ska, and jazz. [6]

Dan E.T.’s debut single, "RoundTrip," released in April 2023, featured rapper The Kaleidoscope Kid and showcased a reggae-inspired sound. [7] This was followed by "Do You Right," a collaboration with frequent tour mate Grieves, a well-known underground hip-hop artist. [8]

In 2025, Dan E.T. released "High Tide," a collaboration with Passafire, and "Eternity," featuring The Irie, further expanding his genre-blending style and reggae-infused sound. [9]

Collaborations and touring

Throughout his career, Torgersen has been active both on tour and in the studio, collaborating with a wide range of artists across various genres. He has played trumpet for high-profile acts such as Cardi B [10] , Weezer, Gondwana, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, Bumpin Uglies, and Authority Zero. [11] He has also toured with Fidel Nadal (Argentina), Boom! Percussion, and AbbaFab.

Torgersen has opened for numerous notable bands and artists, including Animal Collective, CeeLo Green, George Clinton, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Ozomatli, Streetlight Manifesto, Watsky, Less Than Jake, and The Aquabats.

Other projects

Torgersen has composed and arranged music for film and television, including his own project, Lucidity: The Web Saga. [12]

Discography

Singles

References

  1. ↑ Tarradell, Mario (4 June 2024). "Badfish, Longtime Sublime Tribute Band, Enter New Era with Original Music Added to the Mix; Upcoming Show in Highlands". NewJerseyStage.com. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  2. ↑ "About". Dan E.T. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  3. ↑ "Meet Danny Torgersen of Captain Squeegee & Friends in Tempe". VoyagePhoenix (Interview). 29 March 2018. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  4. ↑ Masley, Ed (2023-02-01). "How sharing 1 last song could lead to rebirth of beloved Phoenix rockers Captain Squeegee". The Arizona Republic . Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  5. ↑ Masley, Ed (2017-01-28) [2017-01-19]. "Best music videos by Phoenix artists in 2016". The Arizona Republic . Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  6. ↑ https://v13.net/2024/11/dan-et-passafire-high-tide-single-premiere/
  7. ↑ "WATCH NOW: Dan E.T. Releases Music Video for Genre-Defying Debut Single "RoundTrip"". PHOENIX magazine. 4 July 2023.
  8. ↑ "The Out Cold Tour with Grieves". Dan E.T. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  9. ↑ Gage, Jeff (21 August 2025). "Video Premiere: "High Tide" by Dan E.T. ft. Passafire". The Pier. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkLK2K2zOy8
  11. ↑ https://voyagephoenix.com/interview/meet-danny-torgersen-captain-squeegee-friends-tempe/
  12. ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2247625/
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