About

Daniel Ellis Perez is a Puerto Rican-American multi instrumentalist, composer, and performer based in Chicago, whose music transcends genre boundaries through a blend of experimental sounds, emotional depth, and spirituality. Performing under the moniker My Lonely Bench from 2019 to 2022, Perez crafted atmospheric and introspective soundscapes, marked by haunting vocals and intricate instrumentation that explore themes of tension, release, and human connection.

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Under My Lonely Bench, Perez released the Lonely Bench EP (2019) and the debut full-length album I Think I’m Fine (2021), followed by a Slowed + Reverb version of the album. His final singles—The Process of Deterioration (2021), Rail System (2022), and A Seclusion Room / Liberations (recorded in 2022, released in 2024)—were part of the never-released concluding album, A Seclusion Room, 2019–2022, marking the closing chapter of the project.

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Beyond his solo work, Perez plays electric bass for the funk-fusion band Indigo Hall, bringing his versatility and dynamic musicianship to some of Chicago’s most iconic stages, including Beat Kitchen and Martyrs'. In 2025, he was featured as a bassist on The Peacocks, the debut album by vocalist Alfie Jackson, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and sought-after collaborator.

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Perez’s musical journey began at the age of ten, playing guitar alongside his grandfather on Chicago’s north and west sides. This early influence sparked a deep passion for music, leading him to study classical guitar at the prestigious Chicago High School for the Arts, where he was recognized as a scholar-artist. During his time there, he honed his skills as a member of the school’s Jazz Combo, earning multiple awards from the Jazz Institute of Chicago, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), and other notable organizations.

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With his rich cultural background, diverse influences, and commitment to artistic innovation, Daniel Ellis Perez continues to be a rising force in the Chicago music scene, crafting a sound that is both rooted in tradition and boldly forward-thinking.