Biography
Born in 1974 in Neuss, Germany, Daniel Gerhard Holc is a versatile artist currently residing in Spain. His artistic journey commenced at the age of 15, where he delved into graphic design and music independently within Bergheim‘s punk rock and alternative music community. Engaging in local band performances and crafting promotional materials like flyers, posters, and album covers using rudimentary tools such as Xerox machines, cutters, ink pens, and glue, Holc embraced a DIY ethos reminiscent of American 80s hardcore punk culture.
Transitioning to Hamburg in the late 1990s with aspirations of pursuing art studies, he ultimately pursued communication design. Even before completing his master‘s degree in 2000, Holc ventured into the professional realm as a Graphic Designer at Buch Multimedia, contributing to projects for esteemed clients like KIA Motors.
Subsequently, in 2001, he assumed the role of art director at one of Germany‘s leading multimedia agencies, where his exceptional work on the mini. com website earned him a prestigious Silver Lion award in the same year. Dissatisfied with the corporate environment‘s lack of creative stimulation, Holc established his own venture, Designbaustelle, primarily catering to clientele in the music industry.
Concurrently, from 2000 to 2002, he performed as a touring member in the band Venus Vegas, showcasing his skills on guitars and synthesizers, and initiated his electronic solo project, Ascii.Disko. Ascii.Disko afforded Holc global exposure, with performances at renowned electronic music venues and festivals worldwide between 2003 and 2014, complemented by the release of five studio albums and numerous EPs.
Since 2003, he has collaborated with the Spanish artist Ana Laura Aláez, composing music for her installations and video projects, including notable works such as „HELLDISCO“ in Helsinki and Mexico, „ARQUITECTURA DE SONIDO“ in Bogota, and „BRIDGE OF LIGHT“ at the Towada Art Center, Japan. Holc‘s musical contributions have enhanced the artistic endeavors of Ana Laura, infusing vitality into Video installations like „BUTTERFLIES“, “PORTADORAS QUEER EL DOBLE Y LA REPETICIÓN” and many others.
Between 2014 and 2020, Daniel took a break from the music industry under the alias Ascii.Disko, focusing on other music ventures such as THE LEFT HAND PATH and SHDWS. During this period, Daniel preferred performing in artistic settings.
Since 2021, he has been releasing new music as Ascii.Disko, delving into the realms of techno, electro, electronica, and ambient music. Holc, through a blend of sound, video, and illustration, creates immersive and stimulating experiences that challenge the norms of modern electronic music.
As a graphic designer, illustrator, and video editor, Daniel has maintained his out-of-the-box minimalistic approach from his humble beginnings to his recent work, whether it‘s commercial projects or purely art-driven creations.