About
Artist Biography: Daniel Goto
Daniel Goto is a multidisciplinary musician, composer, and recording artist emerging from Ottawa with a sound forged in the crucible of survival. A self-described "modern-day renaissance man," Goto represents a rare convergence of technical mastery across distinct disciplines: he is a classically trained guitarist, a former competitive skateboarding champion, and a veteran of the underground hip-hop scene. With over 40 years of life experience and more than 10,000 hours dedicated to mastering each of his crafts, Goto brings a depth of perspective to his music that transcends typical genre boundaries.
Born in Markham, Ontario, Goto's artistic foundation was laid early. By age seven, he was already immersed in the sounds of 90s alternative rock and grunge, drawing heavy inspiration from icons like Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, and The Tea Party. His teenage years were defined by an intense dedication to skateboarding; self-taught and resourceful, he rose to become the top skateboarder in Markham, securing sponsorships, working at local skateparks, and claiming first place in competitions across Brooklyn, Ontario. This period of discipline and physical mastery laid the groundwork for his future work ethic.
Goto's path, however, has been marked by profound challenges that have ultimately shaped his artistic voice. Diagnosed with schizophrenia at 18, he faced a harrowing crisis at age 20 involving a suicide attempt that resulted in severe physical trauma. Miraculously surviving a 20-meter fall onto a highway, Goto underwent extensive surgery involving metal pins and needles, yet emerged with the ability to walk and play guitar—a testament to his resilience and the "miracles" that intervened during his recovery. Following this, he spent two decades navigating the complexities of mental health and substance use, including a long battle with marijuana addiction. Now six months sober and actively recovering, Goto channels his journey through the lens of a "high-functioning" survivor, using his art to process the darkness and celebrate the light.
Academically, Goto holds a three-year Advanced Diploma in Media Arts from Sheridan College (2009), where he honed his technical skills in audio engineering and production. For the past 20 years, he has been deeply involved in freestyle rap, blending his rock and folk roots with the gritty, lyrical density of hardcore, boom-bap, and progressive hip-hop. Today, he operates as a self-sufficient recording artist, producing, mixing, and mastering his own tracks in his home studio.
Currently working on a debut album slated for release over the next few years, Goto is transitioning from the shadows of his past struggles to the forefront of the Ottawa music scene. His lyrics tackle everything from personal trauma and the loss of his mother to Alzheimer's eight years ago, to the raw realities of urban life and the human condition. While he is currently focused on self-releasing music and perfecting his craft, Goto harbors a strong desire to bring his high-energy, authentic performance style to live audiences.
Daniel Goto is not just a rapper; he is a composer of life experiences. His music is a fusion of the raw energy of underground hip-hop, the melodic sensibilities of grunge, and the technical precision of a producer who has spent a lifetime mastering his instruments. As he steps forward into a new chapter of sobriety and creativity, Goto offers a sound that is as resilient as it is revolutionary.
