Dr Daniel Susnjar is a Western Australian drummer/composer/producer/educator known internationally for his expertise in the field of Afro-Peruvian Jazz. He has performed and recorded with music legends including Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, Steve Miller, Terence Blanchard, Hank Marvin and Dave Grusin, and has toured throughout the USA, Peru, Australia, Asia and the Caribbean Islands.
As director of the Daniel Susnjar Afro-Peruvian Jazz Group, he has released four critically-acclaimed albums (“Su Su Nje” in 2014, “Moth to a Flame” in 2016, “Spark” in 2018 and “The Recipe” in 2020), has toured throughout Australia and the USA, and has won multiple awards including the 2019 and 2017 APRA/AMCOS Art Music WA State Awards, the 2018 and 2016
WAM awards for Best Drummer/Percussionist, the 2021, 2017 and 2016 WAM awards for Best Jazz Act, the 2015 Australian Jazz Bell Awards (2 categories) and the 2015 WAM Jazz Song of the Year award.
In 2018, Speedball (high-level Australian jazz group which Daniel co-founded in 2000) won the Australian Jazz Bell Award for Best Australian Jazz Song of the Year, and toured nationally to capacity audiences. Also in 2018, Daniel was invited to perform alongside percussion legend Alex Acuña at the renowned Australian Ultimate Drummers Weekend.
Daniel’s solo drum improvisations can be heard throughout the James Bogle-directed documentary film “Whiteley,” winner in 4 categories at the 2017 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, and winner of the 2017 APRA/AMCOS Screen Music Award for “Best Music for a Documentary.”
Daniel performed and studied intensively in the USA from 2008-2013, earning Doctoral and Masters degrees from the University of Miami Frost School of Music. Since returning to Australia, Daniel has maintained an active schedule comprised of creative, wide-ranging musical activities throughout Australia and the USA. His mission is to push forward with culturally diverse music productions and workshops which openly welcome community participation and inclusion.
Daniel Susnjar exclusively endorses Pearl drums, Zildjian cymbals, Remo drumheads and Vic Firth “DSUS” custom drumsticks.
"I love the tone, consistency, versatility and durability with Remo. My one and only drumhead choice." -Daniel Susnjar
