Dan Powell
About Dan Powell
Dan Powell is a Senior Sound Designer and Composer currently working at The New York Times and cofounder of Dead Signals. He has extensive experience in audio design and composition, having collaborated with notable clients such as the BBC and Michael Kors.
Current Role at The New York Times
Dan Powell serves as Senior Sound Designer & Composer at The New York Times, a position he has held since 2019. In this role, he is responsible for creating and designing audio content that enhances the storytelling experience for the publication's audience. His work contributes to the overall soundscape of various multimedia projects, aligning with the organization's commitment to high-quality journalism and innovative content delivery.
Experience at Soundsnap
Prior to his current role, Dan Powell worked at Soundsnap as Creative Development Manager from 2014 to 2017. During his tenure in New York, he curated a vast catalog of sound effects and field recordings, which positioned Soundsnap as one of the largest commercial sound libraries globally. His efforts in creative development helped expand the library's offerings and improve user experience.
Educational Background
Dan Powell attended Syracuse University from 2008 to 2012, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English. He furthered his education at Syracuse University by studying Audio Engineering, Music, and Radio, achieving the Imagining America Engagement Fellowship from 2012 to 2013. This combination of studies provided him with a strong foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of sound design and composition.
Collaborations and Projects
Dan Powell has collaborated with high-profile clients, including the BBC and Michael Kors, on various audio projects. He co-created and sound designed the fiction podcast Archive 81, which was later adapted into a Netflix original series by James Wan. Additionally, he served as the lead composer and sound designer for The Comeback, a documentary podcast series featuring Sylvester Stallone.
Previous Work Experience
Dan Powell has extensive experience in the audio industry, having held various positions prior to his current roles. He worked as an Audio Engineer at American Public Media Group from 2017 to 2019 and at The Radio Foundation Studio from 2016 to 2017. He also has experience as a Music Specialist at Stereobot and as a Family Room Specialist at Apple. His early career included roles as a Photo Assistant and Lab Manager at Syracuse University, as well as an internship at Jingle Punks.