Misplaced Pages

Dan Avidan: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editNext edit →Content deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 21:24, 26 July 2018 edit12345tyuhjnm (talk | contribs)5 edits 2003–08: The Northern Hues and Skyhill← Previous edit Revision as of 22:14, 5 December 2024 edit undoSneakycrown (talk | contribs)259 edits Shadow Academy: Shadow Axademy has a vinyl as wellTags: Mobile edit Mobile web editNext edit →
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|American musician and YouTuber (born 1979)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2016}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2016}}
{{Infobox YouTube personality {{Infobox person
| name = Dan Avidan | name = Dan Avidan
| image = File:Dan Avidan at the Hammersmith Apollo in London - October 2017.jpg | caption = Avidan at the ] in 2017
| caption = Avidan at the ] in October 2017 | image = Dan Avidan at the Hammersmith Apollo in London - October 2017.jpg
| birth_name = Leigh Daniel Avidan | birth_name = Leigh Daniel Avidan
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1979|3|14}} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1979|3|14}}<ref name="youtube.com">
{{Citation|last=GameGrumps|title=We Misplaced Pages Dan: The Early Years - PART 1 - Game Grumps|date=2018-07-27|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wO1ArlWzJBI#t=8m05s|access-date=2018-07-28}}</ref>
| birth_place = ], ], U.S. | birth_place = ], ], U.S.
| other_names = Danny Sexbang
| nationality = ]
| alma_mater = ]
| residence = ], California, U.S.
| occupation = {{flatlist| | occupation = {{flatlist|
*] *Internet personality
*musician *musician
*singer-songwriter *singer
*rapper
*songwriter
*actor
*comedian}}
| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| origin = ], ], U.S.
| genre = {{ubl|'''Dan Avidan'''|{{flatlist|
*]
*]
*]}}
'''Danny Sexbang'''|{{hlist|]|]}}}}
| instrument = Vocals
| years_active = 2002–present
| current_member_of = Skyhill, ], ], Shadow Academy
| past_member_of = The Northern Hues
| associated_acts = ]<br> ]
| website = {{url|ninjasexparty.com}}<br>{{url|http://www.skyhillmusic.com}}<br>{{url|https://www.shadowacademymusic.com/}}
}} }}
| module2 = {{Infobox YouTube personality
| website = {{url|ninjasexparty.com}}, {{url|buttsex.info}}
| subbox = yes
| pseudonym = Danny Sexbang
|embed=yes
| channel_name = NinjaSexParty
| channel_display_name = Ninja Sex Party
|years_active = 2009–present
| channel_direct_url = @nsp
| genre = {{flatlist|
| years_active = 2009–present
| genre = {{flatlist|
*Comedy *Comedy
*music *music
*]}} *]}}
| subscribers = 1.14 million | subscribers = 1.38 million
| views = 163.1 million | views = 325.21 million
| associated_acts = {{flatlist| | associated_acts = {{flatlist|
* '']'' * '']''
* ] * ]
}}
* ]
| silver_button = yes
* ]
| silver_year = 2013
* ]
| gold_button = yes
* Skyhill
| gold_year = 2017
* The Northern Hues
| stats_update = October 14, 2024
}} }}
| silver_button = yes
| silver_year =2013
| gold_button = yes
| gold_year =2017
| stats_update = July 26, 2018
}} }}
'''Leigh Daniel Avidan''' (born March 14, 1979), known professionally as '''Dan Avidan''' and by his stage name '''Danny Sexbang''', is an American musician, ], singer-songwriter, comedian, and actor. He is one half of the ] ] ] with ], as well as the co-host of the ] webseries '']'' with ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wordpress.hotpress.com/undertheradar/2014/02/28/ninja-sex-party/|last=O'Flynn|first=Niall|title=Under The Radar: Ninja Sex Party|date=February 28, 2014|newspaper='']''|accessdate=June 16, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.santafenewmexican.com/life/teen/review-the-stars-of-youtube/article_205a4160-1e33-5ef4-8c94-58e008f87af0.html|title=Review: The stars of YouTube|last=Rowland|first=Tyler|date=April 21, 2016|newspaper=]|publisher=Tom Cross|accessdate=June 17, 2016}}</ref> He is also part of the video game-based comedy music trio ], alongside Hanson and Wecht.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2015/04/how-starbomb-used-youtube-to-drive-6000-cd-sales-in-one-week.html|last=Robley|first=Chris|title=How Starbomb Used YouTube To Drive 6000 CD Sales in One Week|date=April 10, 2015|publisher=Hypebot|website=Hypebot.com|access-date=2016-06-15}}</ref>


'''Leigh Daniel Avidan'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32lPJ3QeIuQ|title=Playing Quiplash with Thomas Middleditch and Ben Schwartz!|date=May 2, 2020 |time=20:24|access-date=February 13, 2021|via=]}}</ref> (born March 14, 1979), also known by his stage name '''Danny Sexbang''', is an American musician, internet personality, comedian, and actor. He is one half of the musical comedy duo ] with ], as well as the co-host of the ] webseries '']'' with ].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://wordpress.hotpress.com/undertheradar/2014/02/28/ninja-sex-party/|last=O'Flynn|first=Niall|title=Under The Radar: Ninja Sex Party|date=February 28, 2014|magazine=]|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531003103/http://wordpress.hotpress.com/undertheradar/2014/02/28/ninja-sex-party/|archive-date=May 31, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.santafenewmexican.com/life/teen/review-the-stars-of-youtube/article_205a4160-1e33-5ef4-8c94-58e008f87af0.html|title=Review: The stars of YouTube|last=Rowland|first=Tyler|date=April 21, 2016|newspaper=]|publisher=Tom Cross|access-date=June 17, 2016}}</ref> He is also part of the more rap-based comedy music trio ] with Hanson and Wecht, and the vocalist for the rock duo Shadow Academy, known for its inspiration from classic novels, alongside ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2015/04/how-starbomb-used-youtube-to-drive-6000-cd-sales-in-one-week.html|last=Robley|first=Chris|title=How Starbomb Used YouTube To Drive 6000 CD Sales in One Week|date=April 10, 2015|publisher=Hypebot|website=Hypebot.com|access-date=2016-06-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805133428/http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2015/04/how-starbomb-used-youtube-to-drive-6000-cd-sales-in-one-week.html|archive-date=August 5, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> As of October 2023, Avidan also performs vocals for the electronic music duo Skyhill, originally formed in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Cxxz6u6uHSG/|title=Skyhill Album Announcement|website=Instagram|date=September 29, 2023}}</ref>
==Early life==
Avidan was born and raised in ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-paU3tNmmY#t=2m35s|author='']''|title= ''King's Quest'': Eye for an Eye – PART 7 – ''Game Grumps''|website=YouTube|publisher=]|accessdate=June 22, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxeZoARV60A#t=2m19s|author='']''|title= ''The Evil Within 2'': Professional Sneaker – PART 5 – ''Game Grumps''|website=YouTube|publisher=]|accessdate=December 7, 2017}}</ref> the elder of two children of Debra Schwartz and Avigdor Avidan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10220/us-public-records-index?s=359362461&itemId=268936859&action=showRecord|title=Leigh Daniel Avidan|website=]|publisher=MyHeritage, Ltd.|accessdate=June 18, 2016}}</ref> His father was born and raised in ], and served in the ] before ] to America where he met Avidan's mother.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyrmJyxZEL8|title=Granny Talk|author=GrumpOut|website=YouTube|publisher=]|date=June 2, 2015|accessdate=June 19, 2016}}</ref> His younger sister, Dana Avidan Cohn,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10220/us-public-records-index?s=359362461&itemId=268936836&action=showRecord|title=Dana L. Avidan|website=]|publisher=MyHeritage, Ltd.|accessdate=June 18, 2016}}</ref> is a ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.instyle.com/fashion/accessories/jewelry/avidan-jewelry-mothers-day-gift-ideas|title=Introduce Your Mom to Cool-Girl Earrings This Mother's Day|last=Lee|first=Steffi|website=]|publisher=]|date=April 18, 2016|accessdate=June 18, 2016}}</ref> the executive style correspondent of '']'' magazine, and the executive style director of ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.today.com/video/how-to-shop-like-a-fashion-editor-on-any-budget-38116931996|title=How to shop like a fashion editor on any budget|website=]|publisher=]|date=July 22, 2013|accessdate=June 16, 2016}}</ref> His maternal grandfather Bernard Schwartz assisted in inventing the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJETy3u8GQ0|author='']''|title= Before The Grumps - Arin Interviews Danny|website=YouTube|publisher=]|accessdate=8 November 2016}}</ref><ref name="schwartz-electrode">{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/patents/US3085577|title=US 3085577 A - Body electrode|publisher=]|access-date=8 November 2016}}</ref>


==Early life and education==
After graduating from ] in 1997,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/regional94jona#page/68/mode/2up|title=Jonathan Dayton High School Regionalogue|website=]|publisher=]|accessdate=June 16, 2016}}</ref> Avidan pursued advertising at ] in ], ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHHsoQWL6Kw#t=4m04s|author='']''|title=''Super Mario Sunshine'': Danger Pudding – PART 27 – ''Game Grumps''|website=YouTube|publisher=]|accessdate=June 16, 2016}}</ref> Avidan eventually entered a student exchange program, attending a ] ] in ], ] to study ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfTNZLssib4|author='']''|title=''Wind Waker HD'': Fresh Air – PART 19 – ''Game Grumps''|website=YouTube|publisher=]|accessdate=June 16, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHHsoQWL6Kw|author='']''|title=''Super Mario Sunshine'': Danger Pudding – PART 27 – ''Game Grumps''|website=YouTube|publisher=]|accessdate=June 16, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaMMX1Lx8nI#t=5m09s|author='']''|title=''Dark Souls III'': Just Be Honest – PART 40 – ''Game Grumps''|website=YouTube|publisher=]|accessdate=October 6, 2017}}</ref>
Avidan was born and raised in ], the elder child of Debra ({{nee}} Schwartz) and Avigdor Avidan.<ref name="youtube.com" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10220/us-public-records-index?s=359362461&itemId=268936859&action=showRecord|title=Leigh Daniel Avidan|website=]|publisher=MyHeritage, Ltd.|access-date=June 18, 2016}}</ref> His father was born and raised in Israel, and served in the ] before immigrating to America where he met Avidan's mother. His younger sister, Dana Avidan Cohn,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10220/us-public-records-index?s=359362461&itemId=268936836&action=showRecord|title=Dana L. Avidan|website=]|publisher=MyHeritage, Ltd.|access-date=June 18, 2016}}</ref> is the executive style director of ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.today.com/video/how-to-shop-like-a-fashion-editor-on-any-budget-38116931996|title=How to shop like a fashion editor on any budget|website=]|publisher=]|date=July 22, 2013|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625073558/http://www.today.com/video/how-to-shop-like-a-fashion-editor-on-any-budget-38116931996|archive-date=June 25, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> His maternal grandfather Bernard Schwartz assisted in inventing the ].<ref name="schwartz-electrode">{{cite web|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US3085577|title=US 3085577 A - Body electrode|publisher=]|access-date=8 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109091240/https://www.google.com/patents/US3085577|archive-date=November 9, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Citation |title=Before The Grumps - Arin Interviews Danny | date=November 8, 2016 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJETy3u8GQ0 |language=en |access-date=2022-09-18}}</ref>

After graduating from ] in 1997,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/regional94jona#page/68/mode/2up|title=Jonathan Dayton High School Regionalogue|website=]|year=1994|publisher=]|access-date=June 16, 2016}}</ref> Avidan began pursuing advertising at ] in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gamegrumps.com/about/Dan-Avidan|title=Game Grumps, Dan|access-date=February 17, 2022}}</ref>


==Career== ==Career==
===2002–2005: The Northern Hues===
In response to a ] ad in late 2002, Avidan joined the ] band the Northern Hues, a ]-based ensemble composed of Aron Brand, Jeff Rains, Alex Yaker, Justin "J" Earley, and Ian Creech.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="TNH">{{cite web|url=http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/northernhues |title=''The Northern Hues EP'' |author=The Northern Hues |website=] |publisher=June Records |access-date=June 15, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324075716/http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/northernhues |archive-date=March 24, 2016 |df=mdy }}</ref> Avidan acted as the group's lead-singer, and wrote most of the band's lyrics, having recently moved to ]. They released one self-titled EP on December 14th, 2004 and one live track recorded July 16th, 2005, at ] in Philadelphia.<ref name="TNH" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://myspace.com/thenorthernhues/music/album/world-cafe-live-2005-7771999|title=''World Cafe Live 2005''|author=The Northern Hues|website=]|date=January 2005|publisher=]|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813154542/https://myspace.com/thenorthernhues/music/album/world-cafe-live-2005-7771999|archive-date=August 13, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In mid-2005, the band split up; Avidan attributes the separation to personality conflicts and creative differences between the band's members, as well as a collective inability to gain greater recognition and success.<ref name="youtube.com2">{{citation|last=GameGrumps|title=We Misplaced Pages Dan: Ninja Sex Party - PART 2 - Game Grumps|date=2018-07-27|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHK_D0X15ZM|access-date=2018-11-11}}</ref>


=== 2003–08: The Northern Hues and Skyhill=== ===2006–present: Skyhill===
] in 2008]] ] in 2008]]
In response to a ] ad in late 2003,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJETy3u8GQ0#t=21m8s|title=Before The Grumps - Arin Interviews Danny|date=November 8, 2016|website=YouTube|publisher='']''|accessdate=March 8, 2018}}</ref> Avidan joined the ] band The Northern Hues, a ]-based group created in early 2002, composed of Aron Brand, Jeff Rains, Alex Yaker, Justin Earley, and Ian Creech.<ref name="TNH">{{cite web|url=http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/northernhues |title=''The Northern Hues EP'' |author=The Northern Hues |website=] |publisher=June Records |accessdate=June 15, 2016 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324075716/http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/northernhues |archivedate=March 24, 2016 |df=mdy }}</ref> Avidan acted as the group's lead singer and songwriter, and provided most of the band's lyrics while staying in northern ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://colinwolftales.com/entertainment/2014/02/12/leigh-danny-daniel-avidan/ |last=Moak |first=Denver |title=Leigh "Danny" Daniel Avidan |website=] |publisher=] |accessdate=June 16, 2016 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317172800/http://colinwolftales.com/entertainment/2014/02/12/leigh-danny-daniel-avidan/ |archivedate=March 17, 2014 }}</ref> They released one self-titled EP and one live track recorded in early 2005, at ] in Philadelphia.<ref name="TNH" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://myspace.com/thenorthernhues/music/album/world-cafe-live-2005-7771999|title=''World Cafe Live 2005''|author=The Northern Hues|website=]|publisher=]|accessdate=June 16, 2016}}</ref> In mid-2005, the band split up; Avidan attributes the separation to spending "years in that went nowhere due to lack of planning and focus."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://capescoaching.wordpress.com/2011/08/25/featured-artist-in-action-dan-avidan/|last=Capes|first=Betsy|title=Featured Artist in Action: Dan Avidan|website=Capes Coaching|publisher=]|date=August 25, 2011|accessdate=June 16, 2016}}</ref> In the winter of 2006, Avidan teamed up with Peter Lennox to form a ]-based ] duo named Skyhill.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skyhillmusic.com/|title=Biography|website=Skyhill|publisher=]|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323071055/http://www.skyhillmusic.com/|archive-date=March 23, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Again, Avidan acted as lead-singer and assistant lyricist, and the group released one full album titled ''Run With the Hunted'', on May 16, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/skyhill2|title=''Run With the Hunted''|date=May 16, 2007|author=Skyhill|website=]|publisher=Skyhill|access-date=June 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724034120/http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/skyhill2|archive-date=July 24, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> They toured New York in early 2008,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sonicbids.com/band/skyhill/calendar/|title=Skyhill Show Calendar|website=Sonicbids|publisher=Sonicbids, LLC|access-date=June 16, 2016}}</ref> before eventually separating due to lost passion.<ref name="youtube.com2" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/skyhill/comments/1xychv/memories_of_skyhill/|title=Memories of Skyhill|date=February 15, 2014|author=Dan Avidan|website=]|publisher=Reddit|access-date=October 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727232206/https://www.reddit.com/r/skyhill/comments/1xychv/memories_of_skyhill/|archive-date=July 27, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On October 7, 2015, Avidan and Lennox returned to release the standalone single "Firefly",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/skyhill2|title=''Firefly''|author=Skyhill|date=October 7, 2015|website=]|publisher=Skyhill|access-date=June 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724034120/http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/skyhill2|archive-date=July 24, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> which was acclaimed for the band's "maturing in both lyrics and sound" over their previous album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jfk-etorch.net/804/entertainment/music-2/skyhilll-firefly-review/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160831114656/http://jfk-etorch.net/804/entertainment/music-2/skyhilll-firefly-review/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 31, 2016|title=Skyhill "''Firefly''" Review|last=Tishma|first=Riley|date=November 18, 2015|website=E-Torch!|publisher=]|access-date=June 19, 2016}}</ref> In July 2018, Avidan stated that Skyhill may start new projects in the future, but that nothing was in the works as of then.<ref name="youtube.com2" />


On October 30, 2020, the group released the single "Howling at the Moon" on ], with an eventual release on streaming services in mid-November of the same year.<ref name="youtube.com4">{{citation|last=Skyhill|title=Howling at the Moon|date=2020-10-30|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ika0naEbMv4|access-date=2020-10-31}}</ref> At the end of 2020, it was announced via the Skyhill website that the band would be working on a new album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skyhillmusic.com/news|title=News|website=Skyhill|date=November 19, 2020|access-date=September 15, 2022|archive-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308231258/http://www.skyhillmusic.com/news|url-status=dead}}</ref> The album, titled ''Out in the Moonlight'' released on October 13, 2023.
In the winter of 2006, Avidan teamed up with Peter Lennox to form a band ]-based ] duo named iDK Skyhill.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skyhillmusic.com/|title=Biography|website=Skyhill|publisher=]|accessdate=June 16, 2016}}</ref> Again, Avidan acted as lead singer and songwriter, and the group released one full album, ''Run With The Hunted'', on May 16, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/skyhill2|title=''Run With The Hunted''|date=May 16, 2007|author=Skyhill|website=]|publisher=Skyhill|accessdate=June 17, 2016}}</ref> They toured New York in early 2008,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sonicbids.com/band/skyhill/calendar/|title=Skyhill Show Calendar|website=Sonicbids|publisher=Sonicbids, LLC|accessdate=June 16, 2016}}</ref> before eventually separating due to creative differences.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/skyhill/comments/1xychv/memories_of_skyhill/|title=Memories of Skyhill|date=February 15, 2014|author=Dan Avidan|website=]|publisher=Reddit|accessdate=October 8, 2017}}</ref> On October 7, 2015, Avidan and Lennox returned to release the single ''Firefly'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/skyhill2|title=''Firefly''|author=Skyhill|date=October 7, 2015|website=]|publisher=Skyhill|accessdate=June 17, 2016}}</ref> acclaimed for the band's "maturing in both lyrics and sound" over their previous album. Avidan has stated that Skyhill may start new projects in the future, but as of July 2018, nothing has been announced.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160831114656/http://jfk-etorch.net/804/entertainment/music-2/skyhilll-firefly-review/|title=Skyhill "''Firefly''" Review|last=Tishma|first=Riley|date=November 18, 2015|website=E-Torch!|publisher=]|accessdate=June 19, 2016}}</ref>


===2009–present: Ninja Sex Party=== ===2009–present: Ninja Sex Party===
{{main|Ninja Sex Party}} {{main|Ninja Sex Party}}
In 2008, Avidan began studying storytelling and improv at the ] in New York, under the guidance of ] and Margot Leitman,<ref name="youtube.com"/><ref name="Margot">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLX6ju3HSDM|title=''Super Mario Galaxy'': Here's Looking at Ya – PART 10 – ''Game Grumps''|author=]|website=YouTube|publisher=]|date=July 28, 2015|access-date=June 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104221237/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLX6ju3HSDM|archive-date=November 4, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and had conceptualized the possibility of a new musical project.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://livingmythmagazine.com/blog/2013/07/11/ninja-sex-party-tales-of-strawberries-and-cream/ |last=Milne |first=Gregory |title=Ninja Sex Party: Tales of Strawberries and Cream |date=July 11, 2013 |newspaper=Living Myth Magazine |access-date=June 16, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525175156/http://livingmythmagazine.com/blog/2013/07/11/ninja-sex-party-tales-of-strawberries-and-cream/ |archive-date=May 25, 2016 |df=mdy}}</ref> In need of another band member, Avidan was introduced to ], the musical director of another troupe,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2P00TWKWCs|last=Augustborn|first=Nicolas|title=Ninja Sex Party Interview|date=January 9, 2013|website=YouTube|publisher=Nicolas Augustborn|access-date=April 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117010517/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2P00TWKWCs|archive-date=November 17, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> by mutual friends at the theatre in early 2009.<ref name="Lydia"/>
] as Ninja Brian and Dan Avidan as Danny Sexbang in 2012]]
In 2008, Avidan began studying storytelling and improv at the ] in New York, under the guidance of Margot Leitman,<ref name="Margot">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLX6ju3HSDM|title=''Super Mario Galaxy'': Here's Looking at Ya – PART 10 – ''Game Grumps''|author='']''|website=YouTube|publisher=]|date=July 28, 2015|accessdate=June 19, 2016}}</ref> and had conceptualized the possibility of a new musical project.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://livingmythmagazine.com/blog/2013/07/11/ninja-sex-party-tales-of-strawberries-and-cream/ |last=Milne |first=Gregory |title=Ninja Sex Party: Tales of Strawberries and Cream |date=July 11, 2013 |newspaper=Living Myth Magazine |publisher=Living Myth Magazine |accessdate=June 16, 2016 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525175156/http://livingmythmagazine.com/blog/2013/07/11/ninja-sex-party-tales-of-strawberries-and-cream/ |archivedate=May 25, 2016 |df=mdy}}</ref> In need of a producer, Avidan was introduced to ], the musical director of another troupe,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2P00TWKWCs|last=Augustborn|first=Nicolas|title=Ninja Sex Party Interview|date=January 9, 2013|website=YouTube|publisher=Nicolas Augustborn}}</ref> by mutual friends at the theatre in early 2009.<ref name="Lydia"/>


] performing with ] at The Republik in ] on February 22, 2019]]
Avidan had already chosen the name "Ninja Sex Party," after "everybody's three favorite things,"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://melmagazine.com/ninja-sex-party-wants-to-make-you-smile-56707da8782d|title=Ninja Sex Party Wants to Make You Smile|author=Shaun Raviv|website='']''|publisher=]|date=August 12, 2016|accessdate=March 7, 2018}}</ref> and worked together with Wecht to create characters to represent the band.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jmorvay.wordpress.com/2010/01/14/ninja-sex-party-interview/|title=Ninja Sex Party interview|last=Hill|first=Dave|website=]|accessdate=June 15, 2016}}</ref> They eventually settled with "Danny Sexbang" as Avidan's character, and "Ninja Brian" as Wecht's. The duo first gained popularity by performing as a musical guest on Leitman's ] show ''Stripped Stories''.<ref name="Margot"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://improvresourcecenter.com/forums/index.php?threads/stripped-stories-tonight-at-ucb-9-30.64155/|last=Leitman|first=Margot|title=Stripped Stories tonight at UCB 9:30|date=June 18, 2009|website=Improv Resource Center Forums|publisher=Improv Resource Center|accessdate=July 10, 2018}}</ref> Inspired by ] and ], the band is about "a Jewish superhero who wears a unitard, with his best friend who's a ], and together they sing songs about dicks, and try to hit unsuccessfully on women."<ref name="Lydia">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhABEEqSEuM|last=Nelsen|first=Lydia|title=Ninja Sex Party Interview on ''Lydia Wants to Know''|date=May 24, 2013|website=YouTube|publisher=Third String Kicker|accessdate=June 16, 2016}}</ref>
Avidan had already chosen the name "Ninja Sex Party," after "everybody's three favorite things,"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://melmagazine.com/ninja-sex-party-wants-to-make-you-smile-56707da8782d|title=Ninja Sex Party Wants to Make You Smile|author=Shaun Raviv|website=]|publisher=]|date=August 12, 2016|access-date=March 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531084756/https://melmagazine.com/ninja-sex-party-wants-to-make-you-smile-56707da8782d|archive-date=May 31, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and worked together with Wecht to create characters to represent the band.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jmorvay.wordpress.com/2010/01/14/ninja-sex-party-interview/|title=Ninja Sex Party interview|last=Hill|first=Dave|website=]|date=January 14, 2010|access-date=June 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407185608/https://jmorvay.wordpress.com/2010/01/14/ninja-sex-party-interview/|archive-date=April 7, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> They eventually settled on "Danny Sexbang" as Avidan's character, and "Ninja Brian" as Wecht's. The duo first gained popularity by performing as a musical guest on Leitman's ] show ''Stripped Stories''.<ref name="Margot"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://improvresourcecenter.com/forums/index.php?threads/stripped-stories-tonight-at-ucb-9-30.64155/|last=Leitman|first=Margot|title=Stripped Stories tonight at UCB 9:30|date=June 18, 2009|website=Improv Resource Center Forums|publisher=Improv Resource Center|access-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710200041/https://improvresourcecenter.com/forums/index.php?threads%2Fstripped-stories-tonight-at-ucb-9-30.64155%2F|archive-date=July 10, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Inspired by ] and ], the band is about "a Jewish superhero who wears a unitard, with his best friend, a ], and together they sing songs about dicks, and try to hit on women, unsuccessfully."<ref name="Lydia">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhABEEqSEuM|last=Nelsen|first=Lydia|title=Ninja Sex Party Interview on ''Lydia Wants to Know''|date=May 24, 2013|website=YouTube|publisher=Third String Kicker|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311105933/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhABEEqSEuM|archive-date=March 11, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> They were also inspired by the work of ] to produce music videos and post them to ].<ref name=":0" />


The group has released several ], many of the latter of which have charted on '']''.<ref name="Billboard Comedy Charts">{{cite web|last=Comedy Charts|first=Billboard|title=Billboard Comedy Charts|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2013-05-04/comedy-albums|publisher=Billboard.com|accessdate=March 18, 2014}}</ref><ref name="Billboard - Billboard 200">{{cite web|title=Ninja Sex Party – Billboard 200|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/6642222/ninja-sex-party/chart?f=305|website=Billboard.com|publisher=Billboard|accessdate=August 22, 2015}}</ref> As of 2018, they have released three studio albums, two cover albums, and are producing a fourth studio album called ''Cool Patrol''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ninja-sex-party/id458720279|title=Ninja Sex Party on iTunes|author=Ninja Sex Party|website=]|publisher=]|accessdate=June 15, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/ninjasexparty/photos/a.321654953926.150135.93490713926/10153481003633927/?type=3&theater|date=March 8, 2016 |author=Ninja Sex Party |title=Eating Food in the Shower |quote=On the set of our upcoming music video for the first song on our FIFTH ALBUM, "Eating Food in the Shower"! |website=Facebook|accessdate=April 11, 2016}}</ref> The group has released several ], many of which have charted on '']''.<ref name="Billboard Comedy Charts">{{cite magazine|last=Comedy Charts|first=Billboard|title=Billboard Comedy Charts|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/2013-05-04/comedy-albums|magazine=Billboard.com|access-date=March 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202165551/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2013-05-04/comedy-albums|archive-date=December 2, 2014|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Billboard - Billboard 200">{{cite web|title=Ninja Sex Party – Billboard 200|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/6642222/ninja-sex-party/chart?f=305|website=Billboard.com|publisher=Billboard|access-date=August 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326000323/http://www.billboard.com/artist/6642222/ninja-sex-party/chart?f=305|archive-date=March 26, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> As of 2020, they have released five original albums, and three cover albums.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ninja-sex-party/id458720279|title=Ninja Sex Party on iTunes|author=Ninja Sex Party|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=June 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923021856/https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ninja-sex-party/id458720279|archive-date=September 23, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/ninjasexparty/photos/a.321654953926.150135.93490713926/10153481003633927/?type=3&theater |date=March 8, 2016 |author=Ninja Sex Party |title=Eating Food in the Shower |quote=On the set of our upcoming music video for the first song on our FIFTH ALBUM, "Eating Food in the Shower"! |website=Facebook |access-date=April 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727232206/https://www.facebook.com/ninjasexparty/photos/a.321654953926.150135.93490713926/10153481003633927/?type=3&theater |archive-date=July 27, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> On September 17, 2018, the band, along with ], performed a censored version of "]" on the ] '']'' as a musical guest, making their live television debut.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://teamcoco.com/video/ninja-sex-party-09-17-18|title=Ninja Sex Party "Danny Don't You Know" 09/17/18|publisher=]|date=September 18, 2018|website=www.teamcoco.com|language=en-US|access-date=September 19, 2018|archive-date=September 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920011348/http://teamcoco.com/video/ninja-sex-party-09-17-18|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/television/8475752/ninja-sex-party-conan-performance-video|title=Ninja Sex Party Delivers Eccentric 'Danny Don't You Know' Performance On 'Conan': Watch|date=September 18, 2018|magazine=]|last=Pedrosa|first=Marina|access-date=September 19, 2018}}</ref>


The band has also appeared in various film festivals, including ], ], and the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://austin2011.sched.org/type/film|title=SXSW Lineup: Friday, March 11|website=Sched.org|publisher=Sched|date=March 11, 2011|accessdate=June 16, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://filmfest.dragoncon.org/in/music-videos/|title=Music Videos|publisher=]|date=September 2011|accessdate=June 16, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.disarraymagazine.com/2011/04/live-review-3rd-annual-la-comedy-shorts.html|last=Garcia|first=Conrad|title=Live Review: 3rd Annual L.A. Comedy Shorts Festival|website=DisarrayMagazine.com|publisher=Disarray Magazine|date=April 19, 2011|accessdate=June 16, 2016}}</ref> The band has also appeared in various film festivals and conventions, including ], ], the now-defunct ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://austin2011.sched.org/type/film|title=SXSW Lineup: Friday, March 11|website=Sched.org|publisher=Sched|date=March 11, 2011|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315103942/http://austin2011.sched.org/type/film|archive-date=March 15, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://filmfest.dragoncon.org/in/music-videos/|title=Music Videos|publisher=]|date=September 2011|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221144737/http://filmfest.dragoncon.org/in/music-videos/|archive-date=December 21, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.disarraymagazine.com/2011/04/live-review-3rd-annual-la-comedy-shorts.html|last=Garcia|first=Conrad|title=Live Review: 3rd Annual L.A. Comedy Shorts Festival|website=DisarrayMagazine.com|publisher=Disarray Magazine|date=April 19, 2011|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221043053/http://www.disarraymagazine.com/2011/04/live-review-3rd-annual-la-comedy-shorts.html|archive-date=December 21, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfFvwSRftfY|title=Ninja Sex Party @ MAGFest 13|website=]|date=January 26, 2015|access-date=April 5, 2024|publisher=]}}</ref>


===2013–present: ''Game Grumps'', Starbomb, and ''Good Game''=== ===2013–present: ''Game Grumps'', Starbomb, and other projects===
{{Main|Game Grumps|Starbomb|Good Game (2017 TV series)|l3=Good Game}} {{Main|Game Grumps|Starbomb|Good Game (2017 TV series)|l3=Good Game}}
]
In mid-2013, ] left his position as co-host of the ] webseries '']''.<ref name="GameGrumps">{{Cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/fans-are-upset-over-youtube-duo-game-grumps-break-up-585225892|title=Fans Are Upset Over YouTube Duo 'Game Grumps' Break-Up|publisher=]|first=Tina|last=Amini|date=June 26, 2013|accessdate=April 6, 2016}}</ref> ], co-creator of ''Game Grumps'', brought Avidan on to replace Jafari as co-host, after being introduced to Ninja Sex Party's content by fellow animator ].<ref name="GG">{{Cite web|url=http://newmediarockstars.com/2013/06/is-jontron-and-egoraptors-breakup-the-end-of-game-grumps-fans-sound-off-on-social-media/|title=Is JonTron and Egoraptor's Breakup The End of 'Game Grumps'? Fans Sound Off on Social Media – New Media Rockstars|website=]|language=en-US|access-date=2016-04-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZDWtnohsiI#t=15s|author=Zac|title=''Game Grumps'' AMA - How did Arin meet Danny?|website=YouTube|publisher=Zac|accessdate=October 26, 2017}}</ref> Avidan would also join O'Donovan as co-host of the ''Game Grumps'' spin-off show '']'', where both hosts play ] games, as opposed to ] games.<ref name="GameGrumps"/> Avidan has remained the co-host of the show since. In addition to this, Avidan has acted as a co-host of other shows from the ''Game Grumps'' platform, including '']'', '']'', and '']'', as well as providing narration for '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polarisgo.com/video/lCGTyTjmgl0F/search/videos/page/58|title=''Game Grumps'' Present: ''Hunting Monsters'' Ep. 1 Qurupeco|author=]|website=PolarisGo.com|publisher=]|date=November 21, 2013|accessdate=June 21, 2016}}</ref>
In 2013, ], co-creator of the comedy gaming YouTube channel '']'', brought Avidan on the show to replace ] as co-host, after being introduced to Ninja Sex Party's content by fellow animator ].<ref name="GG">{{Cite web|url=http://newmediarockstars.com/2013/06/is-jontron-and-egoraptors-breakup-the-end-of-game-grumps-fans-sound-off-on-social-media/|title=Is JonTron and Egoraptor's Breakup The End of 'Game Grumps'? Fans Sound Off on Social Media – New Media Rockstars|website=]|language=en-US|access-date=2016-04-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007001333/http://newmediarockstars.com/2013/06/is-jontron-and-egoraptors-breakup-the-end-of-game-grumps-fans-sound-off-on-social-media/|archive-date=October 7, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZDWtnohsiI#t=15s|author=Zac|title=''Game Grumps'' AMA - How did Arin meet Danny?|website=YouTube|publisher=Zac|access-date=October 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151213113045/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZDWtnohsiI#t=15s|archive-date=December 13, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Hanson had previously animated part of the band's music video for "Dinosaur Laser Fight" in 2011.<ref>{{Citation|last=Ninja Sex Party|title=Dinosaur Laser Fight - Ninja Sex Party|date=2011-08-17|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcmBALxDkRY|access-date=2018-11-03}}</ref> Avidan's first appearances on the show had been originally met with a negative response from fans, with the number of dislikes on each consecutive video increasing. However, fans eventually rejected their initial disapproval of a new co-host after witnessing the chemistry between the two hosts, further introducing the ''Game Grumps'' channel to more professional content and new audiences.<ref>{{Citation|last=GameGrumps|title=Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!: Around the World - PART 1 - Game Grumps|date=2013-06-25|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sdkdQGQxgw|access-date=2019-01-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/fans-are-upset-over-youtube-duo-game-grumps-break-up-585225892|title=Fans Are Upset Over YouTube Duo 'Game Grumps' Break-Up|publisher=]|first=Tina|last=Amini|date=June 26, 2013|access-date=April 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220061900/http://kotaku.com/fans-are-upset-over-youtube-duo-game-grumps-break-up-585225892|archive-date=December 20, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Avidan would join O'Donovan as co-host of the ''Game Grumps'' spin-off show ''Steam Train'', where both hosts play ] games, as opposed to ] games.<ref name="GameGrumps">{{Cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/fans-are-upset-over-youtube-duo-game-grumps-break-up-585225892|title=Fans Are Upset Over YouTube Duo 'Game Grumps' Break-Up|publisher=]|first=Tina|last=Amini|date=June 26, 2013|access-date=April 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220061900/http://kotaku.com/fans-are-upset-over-youtube-duo-game-grumps-break-up-585225892|archive-date=December 20, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Avidan remained a co-host of the show until its discontinuation. In addition to this, Avidan has acted as a co-host of other shows from the ''Game Grumps'' platform, including ''Grumpcade'', ''Table Flip'', and ''Steam Rolled'', as well as providing narration for ''Hunting Monsters''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polarisgo.com/video/lCGTyTjmgl0F/search/videos/page/58|title=''Game Grumps'' Present: ''Hunting Monsters'' Ep. 1 Qurupeco|author=]|website=PolarisGo.com|publisher=]|date=November 21, 2013|access-date=June 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812103332/http://www.polarisgo.com/video/lCGTyTjmgl0F/search/videos/page/58|archive-date=August 12, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In late 2013, Avidan teamed up with Wecht and Hanson to announce a side project band named ], with Avidan as the backup singer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/games/You-Need-Watch-Catchy-Adult-Rated-Music-Video-About-Legend-Zelda-122927.html|last=Herrera|first=Kayla|title=You Need To Watch This Catchy And Adult-Rated Music Video About Legend of Zelda|date=March 7, 2016|website=CINEMABLEND|publisher=Gateway Media|access-date=2016-06-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612170813/http://www.cinemablend.com/games/You-Need-Watch-Catchy-Adult-Rated-Music-Video-About-Legend-Zelda-122927.html|archive-date=June 12, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The band writes ] songs about video games, bringing together the sexually provocative music stylings of Avidan's Ninja Sex Party and the video game-based humor of Hanson. As of 2019, the group has released three albums, all of which have placed on various '']'' charts.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/5863392/starbore/chart?f=326|title=Starbomb – Chart History|magazine=]|publisher=Billboard|access-date=2016-06-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812111541/http://www.billboard.com/artist/5863392/starbore/chart?f=326|archive-date=August 12, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Starbomb – Chart History – Rap|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/5894039/starbomb/chart?f=335|magazine=]|publisher=Billboard|access-date=March 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426232350/http://www.billboard.com/artist/5894039/starbomb/chart?f=335|archive-date=April 26, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Comedy Albums: Year End|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2015/comedy-albums|magazine=]|date=January 2, 2013|publisher=Billboard|access-date=December 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151215032007/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2015/comedy-albums|archive-date=December 15, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In 2015, Internet personalities ] and ] began developing an untitled comedy webseries for ], casting Avidan as ] coach Alex Taylor, alongside Hanson's character, Ryland Smith.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmXJ3OAPbts|title=Our Super Secret Project FINALLY REVEALED|author=]|website=]|publisher=]|date=October 17, 2016|access-date=March 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401000659/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmXJ3OAPbts|archive-date=April 1, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/youtube-red-shows-from-dwayne-johnson-dan-harmon-doug-liman-1201890833/|title=YouTube Orders Shows From Dwayne Johnson, Dan Harmon, Doug Liman|magazine=]|first=Todd|last=Spangler|date=October 17, 2016|access-date=March 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126012717/https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/youtube-red-shows-from-dwayne-johnson-dan-harmon-doug-liman-1201890833/|archive-date=January 26, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> After ] joined as an executive producer in 2016, the project gained media traction,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mashable.com/2016/10/17/harmon-game-grumps-esports/#Rb6sX3xj0Pqw|title='Rick and Morty' co-creator is making an esports sitcom with the Game Grumps|publisher=]|first=Kellen|last=Beck|date=October 17, 2016|access-date=March 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329121658/https://mashable.com/2016/10/17/harmon-game-grumps-esports/#Rb6sX3xj0Pqw|archive-date=March 29, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and was formally announced at ] with the title '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/06/youtube-red-orders-series-produced-dwayne-johnson-dan-harmon-1202118716/|title=YouTube Red Orders Series Produced By Dwayne Johnson, Dan Harmon & More|website=]|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=2017-06-22|access-date=2018-02-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211183441/http://deadline.com/2017/06/youtube-red-orders-series-produced-dwayne-johnson-dan-harmon-1202118716/|archive-date=December 11, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The ]-based series involves Avidan alongside Arin Hanson portraying best friends entering a gaming competition in order to win the grand prize of $1 million.<ref name="Goodgame">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/01/arts/television/whats-on-tv-friday-narcos-and-diana-7-days.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111203717/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/01/arts/television/whats-on-tv-friday-narcos-and-diana-7-days.html|title=What's on TV Friday: 'Narcos' and 'Diana, 7 Days'|first=Sara|last=Aridi|work=]|date=September 1, 2017|archive-date=November 11, 2020|access-date=February 20, 2022}}</ref> Six serialized episodes were uploaded to the ''Game Grumps'' YouTube channel, with the first episode being ], and concurrent episodes requiring a YouTube Premium subscription.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kgvd7Sz2iw&list=PLRQGRBgN_EnrGIejPUT4H-oHJ0-_9K47A|title=''Good Game''|publisher=]|website=]|date=August 30, 2017|access-date=March 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327013852/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kgvd7Sz2iw&list=PLRQGRBgN_EnrGIejPUT4H-oHJ0-_9K47A|archive-date=March 27, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Avidan's performance was very well received by critics, and was cited as "truly fun, believable", and "shining a light on the potential of other projects."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.zedbravo.com/2017/youtube-red-game-grumps-good-game-review/|title=YouTube Red ''Game Grumps Good Game'' Review|publisher=ZedBravo.com|first=Zed|last=Bravo|date=December 3, 2017|access-date=2018-02-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329113451/http://www.zedbravo.com/2017/youtube-red-game-grumps-good-game-review/|archive-date=March 29, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In late 2021, Avidan announced that he had started a new rock band with fellow musician ], named Shadow Academy. Their debut single "White Whale" was officially released alongside a music video on January 28, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/-UhrVpRCOYM|title=White Whale|website=] |access-date=January 28, 2022}}</ref> On February 25, 2022, they released their second single, "Once and Never More" alongside an animated music video.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/shadow-academy-release-animated-video-for-emotive-once-and-never-more|title=Shadow Academy, Once and Never More|website=LouderSound|date=February 27, 2022 |access-date=March 15, 2022}}</ref> Their debut album was released on April 22, 2022.

===Other ventures===
In 2009, Avidan and producer William J. Sullivan collaborated to compose and sell multiple theme and background tracks for various shows while Avidan studied in New York,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYL9lTaT-Yk&list=PLRQGRBgN_EnrXfMGfRtveNLqYbZDUstG5&index=51|author=]|title=Sonic Unleashed: Favorite Britishism - Part 51 - Game Grumps |website=YouTube|date=August 29, 2017 |publisher=Game Grumps|access-date=September 23, 2018}}</ref> with clients ranging from '']''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbSZQF7rPII|author=Incoherentist|title=Dan Avidan - ''Power Rangers RPM'' Theme|website=YouTube|date=February 3, 2016 |publisher=Incoherentist|access-date=August 16, 2017}}</ref> to '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBH1SDnZXU0|author=Incoherentist|title=Dan Avidan - Untitled White Collar Song|website=YouTube|date=August 29, 2017 |publisher=Incoherentist|access-date=September 23, 2018}}</ref>

In 2012, Avidan briefly partnered with ] to host a ] miniseries called ''Dirty Shorts'', in which Avidan portrayed an exaggerated version of himself, similar to that of Danny Sexbang.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mondomedia.com/news/view/118/Dirty_Shorts_-_Dick_Figures_Interview|title=''Dirty Shorts'' – Dick Figures Interview|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=June 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916100930/http://mondomedia.com/news/view/118/Dirty_Shorts_-_Dick_Figures_Interview|archive-date=September 16, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The series was not received well, and was dropped after the first 12-episode season. Avidan has commented that the Mondo Media staff experience was welcoming, although he was not confident that the way his character was written would appeal to audiences.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2iEcPbDe5E#t=3m45s|author=]|title=''Zelda Ocarina of Time'': Lava Nap – PART 42 – ''Game Grumps''|website=YouTube|publisher=]|date=April 22, 2016|access-date=June 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727232206/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2iEcPbDe5E#t=3m45s|archive-date=July 27, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Avidan also co-created, co-wrote, and provided voice acting for the studio's short-lived animated comedy miniseries ''DJs in PJs'' with Wecht.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbUF-Ng6nRs|title=''DJs in PJs'' – Pilot|website=YouTube|publisher=]|date=June 22, 2012|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629203620/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbUF-Ng6nRs|archive-date=June 29, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Avidan returned to Mondo in September 2013 to compose "]" for the '']'' soundtrack with Wecht.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dick-figures-movie-song/id698792890?i=698794893|title=''Dick Figures: The Movie'' (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)|author=Nick Keller|website=]|publisher=]|date=September 24, 2013|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921204959/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dick-figures-movie-song/id698792890?i=698794893|archive-date=September 21, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


] at the ] in West Hollywood in 2015]]
In late 2013, Avidan teamed up with Wecht and Hanson to create a side project band named ], with Avidan as the lead singer-songwriter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cinemablend.com/games/You-Need-Watch-Catchy-Adult-Rated-Music-Video-About-Legend-Zelda-122927.html|last=Herrera|first=Kayla|title=You Need To Watch This Catchy And Adult-Rated Music Video About Legend of Zelda|date=March 7, 2016|website=CINEMABLEND|publisher=Gateway Media|access-date=2016-06-15}}</ref> The band writes ] songs about video games, bringing together the sexually provocative music stylings of Avidan's Ninja Sex Party and the video game-based humor of Hanson. As of 2018, the group has released two albums, both of which have placed on various '']'' charts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/5863392/starbore/chart?f=326|title=Starbomb – Chart History|website=]|publisher=Billboard|access-date=2016-06-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Starbomb – Chart History – Rap|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/5894039/starbomb/chart?f=335|website=]|publisher=Billboard|accessdate=March 24, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Comedy Albums: Year End|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2015/comedy-albums|website=]|publisher=Billboard|accessdate=December 5, 2015}}</ref>
Avidan has appeared on various YouTube webseries as a guest, including '']'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.duelinganalogs.com/video/what-you-didnt-know-about-guitar-hero/|title=Things You Might Have Not Known About Guitar Hero|last=Napierski|first=Steve|work=]|date=July 25, 2015|publisher=Time Bomb Media|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701055033/http://www.duelinganalogs.com/video/what-you-didnt-know-about-guitar-hero/|archive-date=July 1, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> a webseries dedicated to video game trivia, '']'',<ref name=sleeve>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fpuBMqud8Q|date=December 16, 2015|title=What's Up My Sleeve? ft. Game Grumps (GAME) #2|author=]|publisher=]|website=YouTube|access-date=June 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430060343/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fpuBMqud8Q|archive-date=April 30, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> a variety show hosted by ], and ''Nacho Punch'',<ref name=nacho>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR7StSaaDKM|title=Hipsters Love Coffee|author=]|date=March 24, 2014|website=YouTube|publisher=]|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425210302/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR7StSaaDKM|archive-date=April 25, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> a sketch comedy webseries.


On August 3, 2015, Avidan performed with ] at their West Hollywood ] venue, singing "]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNNedc13ENs#t=1h15m18s|title=Steel Panther: House of Blues Webcast|date=August 4, 2015|last=Elliot|first=Gordon|website=YouTube|publisher=Gordon Elliott|access-date=June 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512083213/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNNedc13ENs#t=1h15m18s|archive-date=May 12, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The two have collaborated on multiple occasions, with Steel Panther making a cameo in Ninja Sex Party's "Road Trip" music video, and providing vocals for "]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qmU9JLTDy0|title=Road Trip – NSP|date=April 22, 2015|author=]|website=YouTube|publisher=]|access-date=June 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161219160845/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qmU9JLTDy0|archive-date=December 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://amahighlights.com/ninja-sex-party/|title=Ninja Sex Party · AMA Highlights|author=]|website=AMA Highlights|publisher=]|date=July 20, 2015|access-date=June 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420074715/http://amahighlights.com/ninja-sex-party/|archive-date=April 20, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
In 2015, Internet personalities ] and ] began developing an untitled comedy webseries starring the ''Game Grumps'' for ], casting Avidan in a lead acting role as ] coach Alex Taylor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmXJ3OAPbts|title=Our Super Secret Project FINALLY REVEALED|author=]|website=]|publisher=]|date=October 17, 2016|accessdate=March 29, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/youtube-red-shows-from-dwayne-johnson-dan-harmon-doug-liman-1201890833/|title=YouTube Orders Shows From Dwayne Johnson, Dan Harmon, Doug Liman|publisher=]|first=Todd|last=Spangler|date=October 17, 2016|accessdate=March 29, 2018}}</ref> After ] joined as an executive producer in 2016, the project gained media traction,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mashable.com/2016/10/17/harmon-game-grumps-esports/#Rb6sX3xj0Pqw|title='Rick and Morty' co-creator is making an esports sitcom with the Game Grumps|publisher=]|first=Kellen|last=Beck|date=October 17, 2016|accessdate=March 29, 2018}}</ref> and was formally announced at ] with the title '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://deadline.com/2017/06/youtube-red-orders-series-produced-dwayne-johnson-dan-harmon-1202118716/|title=YouTube Red Orders Series Produced By Dwayne Johnson, Dan Harmon & More|website=]|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=2017-06-22|accessdate=2018-02-03}}</ref> Six serialized episodes were uploaded to the ''Game Grumps'' YouTube channel, with the first episode being ], and concurrent episodes requiring a YouTube Premium subscription.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kgvd7Sz2iw&list=PLRQGRBgN_EnrGIejPUT4H-oHJ0-_9K47A|title=''Good Game''|publisher='']''|website=]|date=August 30, 2017|accessdate=March 29, 2018}}</ref> Avidan's performance was well-received by critics, cited as "truly fun, believable," and " a light on the potential of other projects."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.zedbravo.com/2017/youtube-red-game-grumps-good-game-review/|title=YouTube Red ''Game Grumps Good Game'' Review|publisher=ZedBravo.com|first=Zed|last=Bravo|date=December 3, 2017|accessdate=2018-02-03}}</ref>


Avidan is the co-creator and co-host of the ]-centric ] ''Balls in Your Ear'', along with Josh Sprague.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/mz/podcast/balls-in-your-ear-football/id1035182483?mt=2|title=''Balls in Your Ear'' – Football Podcast|website=]|publisher=]|author=Dan Avidan & Josh Sprague|access-date=June 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921184632/https://itunes.apple.com/mz/podcast/balls-in-your-ear-football/id1035182483?mt=2|archive-date=September 21, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/ballsinyourearpodcast|title=''Balls in Your Ear'' Podcast|author=Dan Avidan & Josh Sprague|website=]|access-date=June 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818183723/https://soundcloud.com/ballsinyourearpodcast|archive-date=August 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
===Other collaborations===
In 2009, Dan composed and pitched the theme song for the ] '']'' alongside producer William J. Sullivan. However, due to the tone of the show's plot clashing with Avidan's demo, the song was scrapped.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.prmhub.com/downloads-2/mp3-2/217-prrpm-soundtrack.html|title=Power Ranger RPM Demo 4|website=IRC ''Power Rangers'' Media Hub|author=Lee Levin|publisher=Jeco Music NYC|accessdate=August 16, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbSZQF7rPII|author=Incoherentist|title=Dan Avidan - ''Power Rangers RPM'' Theme|website=YouTube|publisher=Incoherentist|accessdate=August 16, 2017}}</ref>


Avidan, alongside co-creator Kyle Carrozza, performed the theme song for the ] series '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yJRhOBVJcE|author=Wakko Warner|title=Mighty Magiswords Credits|website=YouTube|date=September 6, 2016 |publisher=Wakko Warner|access-date=August 22, 2017}}</ref> Avidan also provided the voice of the character Dan in the sixth episode of the second season, "]". According to Carrozza, Avidan's take on the character was an impression of his father.
In 2012, Avidan briefly partnered with ] to host a ] ] written by ] called '']'', in which Avidan portrayed an exaggerated version of himself, similar to that of Danny Sexbang.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mondomedia.com/news/view/118/Dirty_Shorts_-_Dick_Figures_Interview|title=''Dirty Shorts'' – Dick Figures Interview|website=]|publisher=]|accessdate=June 15, 2016}}</ref> The series was not received well, and was dropped after the first 12-episode season. Avidan has commented that the Mondo Media staff experience was welcoming, although he was not confident that the way his character was written would appeal to audiences.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2iEcPbDe5E#t=3m45s|author='']''|title=''Zelda Ocarina of Time'': Lava Nap – PART 42 – ''Game Grumps''|website=YouTube|publisher=]|date=April 22, 2016|accessdate=June 21, 2016}}</ref> Avidan also created, wrote, and provided voice acting for the studio's short-lived animated comedy miniseries '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbUF-Ng6nRs|title=''DJs in PJs'' – Pilot|website=YouTube|publisher=]|date=June 22, 2012|accessdate=June 16, 2016}}</ref> Avidan returned to Mondo in September 2013 to compose "]" for the '']'' soundtrack with Ninja Sex Party.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dick-figures-movie-song/id698792890?i=698794893|title=''Dick Figures: The Movie'' (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)|author=Nick Keller|website=]|publisher=]|date=September 24, 2013|accessdate=June 16, 2016}}</ref>


In September 2017, the band Night Runner released an album entitled ''Thunderbird'', which featured Avidan on the fourth track, called "Magnum Bullets".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://nightrunnermusic.bandcamp.com/track/magnum-bullets-feat-dan-avidan |title=Magnum Bullets (feat. Dan Avidan) |access-date=September 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920093238/https://nightrunnermusic.bandcamp.com/track/magnum-bullets-feat-dan-avidan |archive-date=September 20, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> A music video was released in February 2020, with animation from Knights of the Light Table.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuHe9lm5vUE |title=Night Runner - Magnum Bullets (feat. Dan Avidan) |website=] |date=February 27, 2020 |access-date=February 29, 2020}}</ref>
Avidan has appeared on various YouTube webseries as a human, this is inincluding '']'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.duelinganalogs.com/video/what-you-didnt-know-about-guitar-hero/|title=Things You Might Have Not Known About Guitar Hero|last=Napierski|first=Steve|work=]|date=July 25, 2015|publisher=Time Bomb Media|accessdate=June 16, 2016}}</ref> a webseries dedicated to video game trivia, '']'',<ref name=sleeve>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fpuBMqud8Q|date=December 16, 2015|title=What's Up My Sleeve? ft. Game Grumps (GAME) #2|author=]|publisher=]|website=YouTube|accessdate=June 3, 2016}}</ref> a variety show hosted by ], and '']'',<ref name=nacho>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR7StSaaDKM|title=Hipsters Love Coffee|author='']''|date=March 24, 2014|website=YouTube|publisher=]|accessdate=June 16, 2016}}</ref> a sketch comedy webseries.


On August 3, 2015, Avidan performed with ] at their ] venue, singing "]."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNNedc13ENs#t=1h15m18s|title=Steel Panther: House of Blues Webcast|date=August 4, 2015|last=Elliot|first=Gordon|website=YouTube|publisher=Gordon Elliott|accessdate=June 21, 2016}}</ref> The two have collaborated on multiple occasions, with Steel Panther making a cameo in Ninja Sex Party's "Road Trip" music video, and providing vocals for "]."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qmU9JLTDy0|title=Road Trip NSP|date=April 22, 2015|author=]|website=YouTube|publisher=]|accessdate=June 21, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://amahighlights.com/ninja-sex-party/|title=Ninja Sex Party · AMA Highlights|author=]|website=AMA Highlights|publisher=]|date=July 20, 2015|accessdate=June 21, 2016}}</ref> In May 2018, Tupper Ware Remix Party released an album entitled ''Together Through Time'', which featured Avidan on the ninth track, called "Starlight Brigade".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://twrp.bandcamp.com/track/starlight-brigade-feat-dan-avidan |title=Starlight Brigade (feat. Dan Avidan) |access-date=February 29, 2020}}</ref> A music video was released in May 2019, also featuring animation from Knights of the Light Table.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9Q3i5w6-Ug |title=TWRP - Starlight Brigade (feat. Dan Avidan) |website=] |date=May 23, 2019 |access-date=February 29, 2020}}</ref> The video was aired on ]'s late-night anime block ] on August 3, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/Toonami/posts/2199212090369626|title=Hop aboard and take off into this new animated music video for "Starlight Brigade" by TWRP featuring Dan Avidan.|author=Toonami|website=www.facebook.com|publisher=Toonami|date=August 4, 2019|access-date=October 5, 2020}}</ref>


On April 17, 2020, Avidan released a collaborative album of ] ] together with previous NSP collaborators Super Guitar Bros, titled ''Dan Avidan & Super Guitar Bros''; the first single, a cover of ]'s "]", was released earlier that month.<ref>Archived at {{cbignore}} and the {{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AezO6Kt9OI| title = Kiss From A Rose - Dan Avidan & Super Guitar Bros. | website=]| date = April 3, 2020 }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://danavidansuperguitarbros.bandzoogle.com/home|title=PREORDER - Dan Avidan & Super Guitar Bros. CD signed by Dan Avidan - Dan Avidan & Super Guitar Bros|website=danavidansuperguitarbros.bandzoogle.com|access-date=April 6, 2020|archive-date=April 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406174151/https://danavidansuperguitarbros.bandzoogle.com/home|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Avidan is the co-creator and co-host of the ]-centric ] ''Balls In Your Ear'', along with Josh Sprague.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/mz/podcast/balls-in-your-ear-football/id1035182483?mt=2|title=''Balls in Your Ear'' – Football Podcast|website=]|publisher=]|author=Dan Avidan & Josh Sprague|accessdate=June 18, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/ballsinyourearpodcast|title=''Balls in Your Ear'' Podcast|author=Dan Avidan & Josh Sprague|website=]|publisher=]|accessdate=June 19, 2016}}</ref>


On September 12th 2024, Avidan was announced as a voice actor for an indie stop motion studio called , a studio both ] and ] has collaborated with in the past. He will play the roll of 'Ruff Ruff Red' in their upcoming series .<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33371678/fullcredits?ref_=ext_shr_lnk |title=Ruff Ruff Danger Dogs (TV Series) - IMDb |access-date=2024-09-14 |via=www.imdb.com}}</ref>
Avidan, alongside co-creator ], performed the theme song for the ] series '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yJRhOBVJcE|author=Wakko Warner|title=Mighty Magiswords Credits|website=YouTube|publisher=Wakko Warner|accessdate=August 22, 2017}}</ref> Avidan also provides the voice of the character Dan in the sixth episode of the second season, "]". According to Carrozza, Avidan's take on the character was an impression of his father.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mitosis-jones.tumblr.com/post/173550973308/i-got-an-extreme-game-grumps-dan-avidandanny#notes|title=Welcome to Hell|author=mitosis-jones|website=]|publisher=]|accessdate=May 9, 2018}}</ref>


==Personal life==
In September 2017, the band Night Runner released an album entitled ''Thunderbird'', which featured Avidan on the fourth track, called "Magnum Bullets".<ref>https://nightrunnermusic.bandcamp.com/track/magnum-bullets-feat-dan-avidan</ref>
Avidan announced his marriage to his wife, Ashley Anderson, on an episode of '']'', which was uploaded on February 2, 2022.<ref>{{Citation|title=YIPPEE! - Lemmings| date=February 2, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0xcRei_RdU|language=en|access-date=2022-02-20}}</ref>


== Discography == ==Discography==


===The Northern Hues=== ===The Northern Hues===
;EPs
*''The Northern Hues EP'' (2004)
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
*''World Cafe Live 2005'' (2005)
! scope="col" rowspan="1" | Title
! scope="col" rowspan="1" | Album details
|-
! scope="row" | ''The Northern Hues EP''
|
*Released: December 14, 2004
*Label: Self-released
*Formats: CD, Digital download
|-
! scope="row" | ''World Cafe Live 2005''
|
*Released: July 16, 2005
*Label: Self-released
*Formats: CD
|-
|}


===Skyhill=== ===Skyhill===
;Studio albums
*''Run With The Hunted'' (2007)
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
*''Firefly'' (2015)
! scope="col" rowspan="1" | Title
! scope="col" rowspan="1" | Album details
|-
! scope="row" | ''Run with the Hunted''
|
*Released: May 16, 2007
*Label: Self-released
*Formats: CD, Digital download
|-
! scope="row" | ''Out in the Moonlight''
|
*Released: October 13, 2023
*Label: Self-released
*Formats: CD, vinyl, digital download
|-
|}

;Singles
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Album
|-
! scope="row" | "Firefly"
| 2015
| {{Non-album single}}
|-
! scope="row" | "Howling at the Moon"
| 2020
| rowspan="2"| ''Out in the Moonlight''
|-
! scope="row" | "The Last Domino"
| 2023
|}


===Ninja Sex Party=== ===Ninja Sex Party===
{{main|Ninja Sex Party discography}} {{main|Ninja Sex Party discography}}
* '']'' (2011) * '']'' (2011)
* '']'' (2013) * '']'' (2013)
* '']'' (2015) * '']'' (2015)
* '']'' (2016) * '']'' (2016)
* '']'' (2017) * '']'' (2017)
* '']'' (2018) * '']'' (2018)
* '']'' (2019)
* ''Under the Covers, Vol. III'' (2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ninjasexparty/status/993914342415495168?lang=en|title=tentative album schedule|publisher=Ninja Sex Party's official Twitter|date=May 8, 2018|access-date=July 2, 2018}}</ref>
* ''The Prophecy'' (2020)
* ''Level Up'' (2021)
* ''The Very, Very, Very, Very Classy Acoustic Album'' (2021)
* ''These Nuts'' (2024)


===Starbomb=== ===Starbomb===
{{main|Starbomb#Discography}}
*'']'' (2013) *'']'' (2013)
*'']'' (2014) *'']'' (2014)
*''The TryForce'' (2019)
*''Starbomb Boom: Rise of Lyrics'' (2024)

===Shadow Academy===
;Studio albums
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col" rowspan="1" | Title
! scope="col" rowspan="1" | Album details
|-
! scope="row" | ''Shadow Academy''
|
*Released: April 22, 2022
*Label: Self-released
*Formats: CD, Digital download, vinyl
|}

;Singles
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Album
|-
! scope="row" | "Once and Never More"
| rowspan="3"| 2022
| rowspan="3"| ''Shadow Academy''
|-
! scope="row" | "Invisible"
|-
! scope="row" | "White Whale"
|}

===Solo===
*''Dan Avidan & Super Guitar Bros'' (2020)
*''Dan Avidan & Super Guitar Bros 2'' (2023)


===As a guest=== ===As a guest===
*William J. Sullivan – "Backside" (2014)
*] – "Mighty Magiswords" (2015) *] – "Mighty Magiswords" (2015)
*Night Runner – "Magnum Bullets" (2017) *Night Runner – "Magnum Bullets" (2017)
*] – "Starlight Brigade" (2018) *] – "The No Pants Dance" (2017)
*] – "Starlight Brigade" (2018)<sup>1</sup>
*Skyfactor – "A Thousand Sounds" (2018)
* NateWantsToBattle – "] (] cover ft. Dan Avidan of Ninja Sex Party)" (2020)
*] – "Black Swan" (2020)
*] – "The Eve of the War" (2022)
*Red Spring Studio – "Every Time We Touch" (2024)
<!-- Despite what Avidan said in "We Misplaced Pages Dan", please do not add other TWRP songs on which he sung. Those were songs credited to TWRP featuring Ninja Sex Party, and as such belong on the Ninja Sex Party discography article, whereas "Starlight Brigade", "Black Swan" and "The Eve of the War" are their only collaborations on which Avidan is credited as a solo artist.-->


<sup>1</sup><small>For Tupper Ware Remix Party songs in which Avidan sang as a member of Ninja Sex Party, see ].</small>
== Filmography ==


=== Film === ==Filmography==
===Film===
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
!Year !Year
Line 125: Line 258:
!Role !Role
|- |-
|2019
|TBA
|'']''
|Alien 2
|-
|2022
|''In Space with Markiplier''
|Sexy Crew
|-
|Unreleased
|''The Players' Score: A Video Game Music Documentary'' |''The Players' Score: A Video Game Music Documentary''
|Himself |Himself
Line 131: Line 272:
|} |}


=== Television === ===Television===
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
!Year !Year
Line 138: Line 279:
!Notes !Notes
|- |-
|2018 | rowspan="2" |2018
|'']'' |'']''
|Dan (voice) |Dan (voice)
|Episode: "Changeable Terraingable" |Episode: "Changeable Terraingable"
|-
|'']''
|Himself
|Musical guest (as Ninja Sex Party)
|} |}


=== Web series === ===Web series===
{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year !Year
Line 151: Line 296:
!Notes !Notes
|- |-
|2012 | rowspan="2" |2012
|'']'' |''Dirty Shorts''
| Himself | Himself
|12 episodes |12 episodes
|- |-
|''DJs in PJs''
|2012
|'']''
|Slice (voice) |Slice (voice)
|2 episodes |2 episodes
Line 166: Line 310:
|Co-host |Co-host
|- |-
|2013–2014
|2013
|''Nacho Punch''
|Uncredited
|2 episodes
|-
| rowspan="2" |2013
|''Idiots Always Ask''
|Himself
|3 episodes
|-
|'']'' |'']''
|Himself (voice) |Himself (voice)
|Episode: "Getting Grumpy With The Game Grumps" |Episode: "Getting Grumpy With The Game Grumps"
|- |-
|2014 | rowspan="2" |2014
|'']'' |'']''
|Danny Sexbang
|Himself
|Episode: "]"
|Episode: "Hipsters Love Coffee"
|- |-
|2014
|'']'' |'']''
|Himself (voice) |Himself (voice)
|Episode: "Twisted Metal" |Episode: "Twisted Metal"
|- |-
|2015 | rowspan="4" |2015
|'']'' |'']''
|Himself (voice) |Himself (voice)
|Episode: "Guitar Hero" |Episode: "Guitar Hero"
|- |-
|2015
|'']'' |'']''
|Lap Fed (voice) |Lap Fed (voice)
|2 episodes
|Episode: "]"
|- |-
|2015
|'']'' |'']''
|Himself |Himself
|Episode: "RTX 2015 (ft. Game Grumps)" |Episode: "RTX 2015 (ft. Game Grumps)"
|-
|'']''
|Danny Sexbang
|"YOUR GRAMMAR SUCKS #100"
|- |-
|2015–2017 |2015–2017
Line 201: Line 355:
|2 episodes<ref name=sleeve /> |2 episodes<ref name=sleeve />
|- |-
|2016 | rowspan="3" |2016
|'']'' |'']''
|Waiter |Waiter
|Episode: "#DoYourJob"
|Episode: "#DoYourJob"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/gamegrumps/comments/4estfr/danny_featured_in_new_doyourjob_video_misc/|title=Danny featured in new #DoYourJob video!|location=], ]|publisher='']''|date=13 April 2016|access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref>
|- |-
|2016
|'']'' |'']''
|Himself |Himself
|Episode: "Can Gamers Defuse BOMBS?" |Episode: "Can Gamers Defuse BOMBS?"
|- |-
|2016
|'']'' |'']''
|Himself (voice) |Himself (voice)
|Episode: "Technical Difficulties" |Episode: "Technical Difficulties"
|- |-
|2017 | rowspan="2" |2017
|'']'' |'']''
|Himself (voice) |Himself (voice)
|Episode: "Down with Sighty" |Episode: "Down with Sighty"
|- |-
|2017
|'']'' |'']''
|Alex Taylor |Alex Taylor
|6 episodes |6 episodes
|- |-
|2018 | rowspan="2" |2018
|'']'' |'']''
|Himself |Himself
|3 episodes |Various episodes
|-
|''SuperMegaCast''
|Himself
|Episode: "Dan's Big Secret"
|-
|rowspan="2" |2021
|'']''
|Super Lad
|Episode: "The Beaster Bunny"
|-
|''] - The Movie
|Xenonian Official
|Fan movie
|-
|} |}


Line 240: Line 405:
|- |-
|2012 |2012
|'']'' |''DJs in PJs''
|2 episodes |2 episodes
|- |-
|2013 | rowspan="7" |2013
|'']'' |'']''
|3 episodes |3 episodes
|- |-
|"Have You Ever"
|2013
|Co-writer; ''The Mythical Show'' music video
|-
|"CLOWN SHARK SONG"
|Co-writer; ''The Mythical Show'' music video
|-
|"YO MAMA BATTLE (of Compliments)"
|Co-writer; ''The Mythical Show'' music video
|-
|"Famous Last Words 2"
|Co-writer; ''The Mythical Show'' sketch
|-
|"]" |"]"
|Co-writer |Co-writer; ''The Mythical Show'' music video
|- |-
|2013
|"]" |"]"
|Co-writer |Co-writer; ] music video
|} |}


Line 263: Line 438:
! Role ! Role
|- |-
|2016
|2017
|''Pulsar Arena''
|Danny Sexbang<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwzbEVqJQBg|title=Pulsar Arena: Trailer|website=YouTube|date=23 Nov 2016|access-date=4 Aug 2018}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" |2017
|'']'' |'']''
|Daniel the Monster<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamepressure.com/e.asp?ID=1447|title=Pinstripe released on Steam with cameos from PewDiePie, Jacksepticeye and more|date=April 25, 2017|website=GamePressure|accessdate=March 8, 2018}}</ref> |Daniel the Monster<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamepressure.com/e.asp?ID=1447|title=Pinstripe released on Steam with cameos from PewDiePie, Jacksepticeye and more|date=April 25, 2017|website=GamePressure|access-date=March 8, 2018}}</ref>
|- |-
|2017
|'']'' |'']''
|Robert<ref>{{cite web|url=https://geeksofcolor.co/2017/06/25/dream-daddy-a-dad-dating-sim-launching-in-3-weeks/|title=Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Sim Launching in 3 Weeks|date=June 25, 2017|website=Geeks of Color|accessdate=July 20, 2017}}</ref> |Robert<ref>{{cite web|url=https://geeksofcolor.co/2017/06/25/dream-daddy-a-dad-dating-sim-launching-in-3-weeks/|title=Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Sim Launching in 3 Weeks|date=June 25, 2017|website=Geeks of Color|access-date=July 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018101033/https://geeksofcolor.co/2017/06/25/dream-daddy-a-dad-dating-sim-launching-in-3-weeks/|archive-date=October 18, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
|-
|2018
|'']''
|Fellow Student
|-
|2019
|'']''
|]<ref>{{cite video game | developer=] | title=River City Girls | publisher=] | scene=Ending credits, 4:32 in, VOICE ACTORS | year=2019}}</ref><!-- url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XibiklRC94A -->
|-
|2020
|'']''
|Dan<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-game-grumps-are-the-latest-people-to-be-added-to-comedy-porn-game-house-party/|title=The Game Grumps are the latest people to be added to comedy porn game House Party|publisher=]|first=Steven|last=Messner|date=2020-03-25|access-date=2020-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408091849/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-game-grumps-are-the-latest-people-to-be-added-to-comedy-porn-game-house-party/|archive-date=2020-04-08}}</ref>
|- |-
|Unreleased
|TBA
|'']'' |'']''
|Himself<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nintendoenthusiast.com/news/hex-heroes-attains-kickstarter-goal/|title=Hex Heroes Attains Kickstarter Goal|last=Long|first=Shawn|date=April 23, 2014|website=Nintendo Enthusiast|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming|accessdate=June 16, 2016}}</ref> |Danny<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nintendoenthusiast.com/news/hex-heroes-attains-kickstarter-goal/|title=Hex Heroes Attains Kickstarter Goal|last=Long|first=Shawn|date=April 23, 2014|website=Nintendo Enthusiast|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming|access-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426183519/http://nintendoenthusiast.com/news/hex-heroes-attains-kickstarter-goal/|archive-date=April 26, 2014|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
|} |}


== Awards == ==Awards==
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top" |- valign="top"
Line 286: Line 476:
!| Ref !| Ref
|- valign="center" |- valign="center"
| rowspan="2"|2010 || rowspan="2"| INNY Awards || Best Original Comedy Song || "]" || {{won}} || style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://improvisationnews.typepad.com/improvisation-news/in-side-2010-inny-award-winners/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405022035/http://improvisationnews.typepad.com/improvisation-news/in-side-2010-inny-award-winners |dead-url=yes |archive-date=2010-04-05 |title=INNY Awards 2010 }}</ref> | rowspan="2"|2010 || rowspan="2"| INNY Awards || Best Original Comedy Song || rowspan="2"| "]" || {{won}} || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="INNY">{{cite web|url=http://improvisationnews.typepad.com/improvisation-news/in-side-2010-inny-award-winners/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405022035/http://improvisationnews.typepad.com/improvisation-news/in-side-2010-inny-award-winners |url-status=dead |archive-date=2010-04-05 |title=INNY Awards 2010 }}</ref>
|- valign="top" |- valign="top"
| Best Comedy Video Short || {{won}}
| Best Comedy Video Short || "]" || {{won}} || style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://improvisationnews.typepad.com/improvisation-news/in-side-2010-inny-award-winners/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405022035/http://improvisationnews.typepad.com/improvisation-news/in-side-2010-inny-award-winners |dead-url=yes |archive-date=2010-04-05 |title=INNY Awards 2010 }}</ref>
|- |-
| rowspan="2"|2014 || rowspan="2"| ] || People's Voice – Comedy: Individual Short or Episode || "]" || {{won}} || style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="webbyawards.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.webbyawards.com/winners/2014/online-film-video/general-film-categories/comedy-individual-short-or-episode/|title=Comedy: Individual Short or Episode}}</ref> | rowspan="2"|2014 || rowspan="2"| ] || People's Voice – Comedy: Individual Short or Episode || rowspan="2"|"]" || {{won}} || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="webbyawards.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.webbyawards.com/winners/2014/online-film-video/general-film-categories/comedy-individual-short-or-episode/|title=Comedy: Individual Short or Episode|access-date=July 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717100129/https://www.webbyawards.com/winners/2014/online-film-video/general-film-categories/comedy-individual-short-or-episode/|archive-date=July 17, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
|- valign="top" |- valign="top"
| Webby Award – Comedy: Individual Short or Episode || "]" || {{nominated}} || style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="webbyawards.com"/> | Webby Award – Comedy: Individual Short or Episode || {{nominated}}
|} |}


== See also == ==See also==
*] *]


== References == ==References==
{{reflist|2}} {{reflist|2}}


Line 307: Line 497:


{{Game Grumps}} {{Game Grumps}}
{{Starbomb}}
{{Ninja Sex Party}} {{Ninja Sex Party}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|United States|Internet|Video games|Music|Comedy}}

{{authority control}} {{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Avidan, Dan}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Avidan, Dan}}
] ]
]
]
] ]
]
]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
]
]
]

Revision as of 22:14, 5 December 2024

American musician and YouTuber (born 1979)

Dan Avidan
Avidan at the Hammersmith Apollo in 2017
BornLeigh Daniel Avidan
(1979-03-14) March 14, 1979 (age 45)
Springfield, New Jersey, U.S.
Other namesDanny Sexbang
Alma materBoston University
Occupations
  • Internet personality
  • musician
  • singer
  • rapper
  • songwriter
  • actor
  • comedian
Musical career
OriginPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Genres
InstrumentVocals
Years active2002–present
Member ofSkyhill, Ninja Sex Party, Starbomb, Shadow Academy
Formerly ofThe Northern Hues
Websiteninjasexparty.com
www.skyhillmusic.com
www.shadowacademymusic.com
Musical artist
YouTube information
Channel
Years active2009–present
Genres
Subscribers1.38 million
Total views325.21 million
Associated acts
Creator Awards
100,000 subscribers2013
1,000,000 subscribers2017

Last updated: October 14, 2024

Leigh Daniel Avidan (born March 14, 1979), also known by his stage name Danny Sexbang, is an American musician, internet personality, comedian, and actor. He is one half of the musical comedy duo Ninja Sex Party with Brian Wecht, as well as the co-host of the Let's Play webseries Game Grumps with Arin Hanson. He is also part of the more rap-based comedy music trio Starbomb with Hanson and Wecht, and the vocalist for the rock duo Shadow Academy, known for its inspiration from classic novels, alongside Jim Roach. As of October 2023, Avidan also performs vocals for the electronic music duo Skyhill, originally formed in 2007.

Early life and education

Avidan was born and raised in Springfield, New Jersey, the elder child of Debra (née Schwartz) and Avigdor Avidan. His father was born and raised in Israel, and served in the Yom Kippur War before immigrating to America where he met Avidan's mother. His younger sister, Dana Avidan Cohn, is the executive style director of PopSugar. His maternal grandfather Bernard Schwartz assisted in inventing the body electrode.

After graduating from Jonathan Dayton High School in 1997, Avidan began pursuing advertising at Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts.

Career

2002–2005: The Northern Hues

In response to a Craigslist ad in late 2002, Avidan joined the indie rock band the Northern Hues, a Philadelphia-based ensemble composed of Aron Brand, Jeff Rains, Alex Yaker, Justin "J" Earley, and Ian Creech. Avidan acted as the group's lead-singer, and wrote most of the band's lyrics, having recently moved to Philadelphia. They released one self-titled EP on December 14th, 2004 and one live track recorded July 16th, 2005, at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia. In mid-2005, the band split up; Avidan attributes the separation to personality conflicts and creative differences between the band's members, as well as a collective inability to gain greater recognition and success.

2006–present: Skyhill

Avidan performing with Skyhill at The Bitter End in 2008

In the winter of 2006, Avidan teamed up with Peter Lennox to form a Brooklyn-based alternative rock duo named Skyhill. Again, Avidan acted as lead-singer and assistant lyricist, and the group released one full album titled Run With the Hunted, on May 16, 2007. They toured New York in early 2008, before eventually separating due to lost passion. On October 7, 2015, Avidan and Lennox returned to release the standalone single "Firefly", which was acclaimed for the band's "maturing in both lyrics and sound" over their previous album. In July 2018, Avidan stated that Skyhill may start new projects in the future, but that nothing was in the works as of then.

On October 30, 2020, the group released the single "Howling at the Moon" on YouTube, with an eventual release on streaming services in mid-November of the same year. At the end of 2020, it was announced via the Skyhill website that the band would be working on a new album. The album, titled Out in the Moonlight released on October 13, 2023.

2009–present: Ninja Sex Party

Main article: Ninja Sex Party

In 2008, Avidan began studying storytelling and improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York, under the guidance of Zach Woods and Margot Leitman, and had conceptualized the possibility of a new musical project. In need of another band member, Avidan was introduced to Brian Wecht, the musical director of another troupe, by mutual friends at the theatre in early 2009.

Ninja Sex Party performing with TWRP at The Republik in Honolulu on February 22, 2019

Avidan had already chosen the name "Ninja Sex Party," after "everybody's three favorite things," and worked together with Wecht to create characters to represent the band. They eventually settled on "Danny Sexbang" as Avidan's character, and "Ninja Brian" as Wecht's. The duo first gained popularity by performing as a musical guest on Leitman's improvisational comedy show Stripped Stories. Inspired by Tenacious D and Flight of the Conchords, the band is about "a Jewish superhero who wears a unitard, with his best friend, a ninja, and together they sing songs about dicks, and try to hit on women, unsuccessfully." They were also inspired by the work of The Lonely Island to produce music videos and post them to YouTube.

The group has released several studio albums and singles, many of which have charted on Billboard. As of 2020, they have released five original albums, and three cover albums. On September 17, 2018, the band, along with Tupper Ware Remix Party, performed a censored version of "Danny Don't You Know" on the late-night talk show Conan as a musical guest, making their live television debut.

The band has also appeared in various film festivals and conventions, including SXSW, Dragon Con, the now-defunct LACS and MAGFest.

2013–present: Game Grumps, Starbomb, and other projects

Main articles: Game Grumps, Starbomb, and Good Game
Arin Hanson (Egoraptor) and Avidan, hosts of Game Grumps, in 2015

In 2013, Arin Hanson, co-creator of the comedy gaming YouTube channel Game Grumps, brought Avidan on the show to replace Jon Jafari as co-host, after being introduced to Ninja Sex Party's content by fellow animator Ross O'Donovan. Hanson had previously animated part of the band's music video for "Dinosaur Laser Fight" in 2011. Avidan's first appearances on the show had been originally met with a negative response from fans, with the number of dislikes on each consecutive video increasing. However, fans eventually rejected their initial disapproval of a new co-host after witnessing the chemistry between the two hosts, further introducing the Game Grumps channel to more professional content and new audiences.

Avidan would join O'Donovan as co-host of the Game Grumps spin-off show Steam Train, where both hosts play PC games, as opposed to console games. Avidan remained a co-host of the show until its discontinuation. In addition to this, Avidan has acted as a co-host of other shows from the Game Grumps platform, including Grumpcade, Table Flip, and Steam Rolled, as well as providing narration for Hunting Monsters.

In late 2013, Avidan teamed up with Wecht and Hanson to announce a side project band named Starbomb, with Avidan as the backup singer. The band writes parody songs about video games, bringing together the sexually provocative music stylings of Avidan's Ninja Sex Party and the video game-based humor of Hanson. As of 2019, the group has released three albums, all of which have placed on various Billboard charts.

In 2015, Internet personalities Jesse Cox and Michele Morrow began developing an untitled comedy webseries for YouTube Premium, casting Avidan as eSports coach Alex Taylor, alongside Hanson's character, Ryland Smith. After Dan Harmon joined as an executive producer in 2016, the project gained media traction, and was formally announced at VidCon 2017 with the title Good Game. The esports-based series involves Avidan alongside Arin Hanson portraying best friends entering a gaming competition in order to win the grand prize of $1 million. Six serialized episodes were uploaded to the Game Grumps YouTube channel, with the first episode being free-to-view, and concurrent episodes requiring a YouTube Premium subscription. Avidan's performance was very well received by critics, and was cited as "truly fun, believable", and "shining a light on the potential of other projects."

In late 2021, Avidan announced that he had started a new rock band with fellow musician Jim Roach, named Shadow Academy. Their debut single "White Whale" was officially released alongside a music video on January 28, 2022. On February 25, 2022, they released their second single, "Once and Never More" alongside an animated music video. Their debut album was released on April 22, 2022.

Other ventures

In 2009, Avidan and producer William J. Sullivan collaborated to compose and sell multiple theme and background tracks for various shows while Avidan studied in New York, with clients ranging from Power Rangers RPM to White Collar.

In 2012, Avidan briefly partnered with Mondo Media to host a sketch comedy miniseries called Dirty Shorts, in which Avidan portrayed an exaggerated version of himself, similar to that of Danny Sexbang. The series was not received well, and was dropped after the first 12-episode season. Avidan has commented that the Mondo Media staff experience was welcoming, although he was not confident that the way his character was written would appeal to audiences. Avidan also co-created, co-wrote, and provided voice acting for the studio's short-lived animated comedy miniseries DJs in PJs with Wecht. Avidan returned to Mondo in September 2013 to compose "Dick Figures: The Movie: The Song" for the Dick Figures: The Movie soundtrack with Wecht.

Avidan performing with Steel Panther at the House of Blues in West Hollywood in 2015

Avidan has appeared on various YouTube webseries as a guest, including Did You Know Gaming?, a webseries dedicated to video game trivia, Good Mythical Morning, a variety show hosted by Rhett and Link, and Nacho Punch, a sketch comedy webseries.

On August 3, 2015, Avidan performed with Steel Panther at their West Hollywood House of Blues venue, singing "Party All Day". The two have collaborated on multiple occasions, with Steel Panther making a cameo in Ninja Sex Party's "Road Trip" music video, and providing vocals for "6969".

Avidan is the co-creator and co-host of the football-centric podcast Balls in Your Ear, along with Josh Sprague.

Avidan, alongside co-creator Kyle Carrozza, performed the theme song for the Cartoon Network series Mighty Magiswords. Avidan also provided the voice of the character Dan in the sixth episode of the second season, "Changeable Terraingable". According to Carrozza, Avidan's take on the character was an impression of his father.

In September 2017, the band Night Runner released an album entitled Thunderbird, which featured Avidan on the fourth track, called "Magnum Bullets". A music video was released in February 2020, with animation from Knights of the Light Table.

In May 2018, Tupper Ware Remix Party released an album entitled Together Through Time, which featured Avidan on the ninth track, called "Starlight Brigade". A music video was released in May 2019, also featuring animation from Knights of the Light Table. The video was aired on Adult Swim's late-night anime block Toonami on August 3, 2019.

On April 17, 2020, Avidan released a collaborative album of acoustic covers together with previous NSP collaborators Super Guitar Bros, titled Dan Avidan & Super Guitar Bros; the first single, a cover of Seal's "Kiss from a Rose", was released earlier that month.

On September 12th 2024, Avidan was announced as a voice actor for an indie stop motion studio called Apartment D Films, a studio both Ninja Sex Party and Game Grumps has collaborated with in the past. He will play the roll of 'Ruff Ruff Red' in their upcoming series Ruff Ruff Danger Dogs.

Personal life

Avidan announced his marriage to his wife, Ashley Anderson, on an episode of Game Grumps, which was uploaded on February 2, 2022.

Discography

The Northern Hues

EPs
Title Album details
The Northern Hues EP
  • Released: December 14, 2004
  • Label: Self-released
  • Formats: CD, Digital download
World Cafe Live 2005
  • Released: July 16, 2005
  • Label: Self-released
  • Formats: CD

Skyhill

Studio albums
Title Album details
Run with the Hunted
  • Released: May 16, 2007
  • Label: Self-released
  • Formats: CD, Digital download
Out in the Moonlight
  • Released: October 13, 2023
  • Label: Self-released
  • Formats: CD, vinyl, digital download
Singles
Title Year Album
"Firefly" 2015 Non-album single
"Howling at the Moon" 2020 Out in the Moonlight
"The Last Domino" 2023

Ninja Sex Party

Main article: Ninja Sex Party discography

Starbomb

Main article: Starbomb § Discography

Shadow Academy

Studio albums
Title Album details
Shadow Academy
  • Released: April 22, 2022
  • Label: Self-released
  • Formats: CD, Digital download, vinyl
Singles
Title Year Album
"Once and Never More" 2022 Shadow Academy
"Invisible"
"White Whale"

Solo

  • Dan Avidan & Super Guitar Bros (2020)
  • Dan Avidan & Super Guitar Bros 2 (2023)

As a guest

  • William J. Sullivan – "Backside" (2014)
  • Kyle Carrozza – "Mighty Magiswords" (2015)
  • Night Runner – "Magnum Bullets" (2017)
  • TWRP – "The No Pants Dance" (2017)
  • TWRP – "Starlight Brigade" (2018)
  • Skyfactor – "A Thousand Sounds" (2018)
  • NateWantsToBattle – "My Own Worst Enemy (Lit cover ft. Dan Avidan of Ninja Sex Party)" (2020)
  • TWRP – "Black Swan" (2020)
  • TWRP – "The Eve of the War" (2022)
  • Red Spring Studio – "Every Time We Touch" (2024)

For Tupper Ware Remix Party songs in which Avidan sang as a member of Ninja Sex Party, see TWRP songs featuring NSP.

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role
2019 A Heist with Markiplier Alien 2
2022 In Space with Markiplier Sexy Crew
Unreleased The Players' Score: A Video Game Music Documentary Himself

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2018 Mighty Magiswords Dan (voice) Episode: "Changeable Terraingable"
Conan Himself Musical guest (as Ninja Sex Party)

Web series

Year Title Role Notes
2012 Dirty Shorts Himself 12 episodes
DJs in PJs Slice (voice) 2 episodes
2013–present Game Grumps Himself Co-host
2013–2014 Nacho Punch Uncredited 2 episodes
2013 Idiots Always Ask Himself 3 episodes
The Indoor Kids Himself (voice) Episode: "Getting Grumpy With The Game Grumps"
2014 Dick Figures Danny Sexbang Episode: "DFTM Fan Music Video feat. Ninja Sex Party"
Co-Optitude Himself (voice) Episode: "Twisted Metal"
2015 Did You Know Gaming? Himself (voice) Episode: "Guitar Hero"
Red vs. Blue Lap Fed (voice) 2 episodes
On the Spot Himself Episode: "RTX 2015 (ft. Game Grumps)"
Your Grammar Sucks Danny Sexbang "YOUR GRAMMAR SUCKS #100"
2015–2017 Good Mythical Morning Himself 2 episodes
2016 Jash Waiter Episode: "#DoYourJob"
MatPat's Game Lab Himself Episode: "Can Gamers Defuse BOMBS?"
The Legacy Music Hour Himself (voice) Episode: "Technical Difficulties"
2017 Harmontown Himself (voice) Episode: "Down with Sighty"
Good Game Alex Taylor 6 episodes
2018 YouTubers React Himself Various episodes
SuperMegaCast Himself Episode: "Dan's Big Secret"
2021 Eddsworld Super Lad Episode: "The Beaster Bunny"
Space Quest - The Movie Xenonian Official Fan movie

As writer

Year Title Notes
2012 DJs in PJs 2 episodes
2013 The Mythical Show 3 episodes
"Have You Ever" Co-writer; The Mythical Show music video
"CLOWN SHARK SONG" Co-writer; The Mythical Show music video
"YO MAMA BATTLE (of Compliments)" Co-writer; The Mythical Show music video
"Famous Last Words 2" Co-writer; The Mythical Show sketch
"Breaking Bad: The Middle School Musical" Co-writer; The Mythical Show music video
"Epic Rap Battle: Nerd vs. Geek" Co-writer; Rhett & Link music video

Video games

Year Title Role
2016 Pulsar Arena Danny Sexbang
2017 Pinstripe Daniel the Monster
Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator Robert
2018 Monster Prom Fellow Student
2019 River City Girls Billy Lee
2020 House Party Dan
Unreleased Hex Heroes Danny

Awards

Year Award Show Category Work Result Ref
2010 INNY Awards Best Original Comedy Song "I Just Want to (Dance)" Won
Best Comedy Video Short Won
2014 Webby Awards People's Voice – Comedy: Individual Short or Episode "Breaking Bad: The Middle School Musical" Won
Webby Award – Comedy: Individual Short or Episode Nominated

See also

References

  1. ^ GameGrumps (July 27, 2018), We Misplaced Pages Dan: The Early Years - PART 1 - Game Grumps, retrieved July 28, 2018
  2. ^ "About Ninja Sex Party". YouTube.
  3. "Playing Quiplash with Thomas Middleditch and Ben Schwartz!". May 2, 2020. Event occurs at 20:24. Retrieved February 13, 2021 – via YouTube.
  4. O'Flynn, Niall (February 28, 2014). "Under The Radar: Ninja Sex Party". Hot Press. Archived from the original on May 31, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  5. Rowland, Tyler (April 21, 2016). "Review: The stars of YouTube". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Tom Cross. Retrieved June 17, 2016.
  6. Robley, Chris (April 10, 2015). "How Starbomb Used YouTube To Drive 6000 CD Sales in One Week". Hypebot.com. Hypebot. Archived from the original on August 5, 2016. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  7. "Skyhill Album Announcement". Instagram. September 29, 2023.
  8. "Leigh Daniel Avidan". MyHeritage. MyHeritage, Ltd. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
  9. "Dana L. Avidan". MyHeritage. MyHeritage, Ltd. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
  10. "How to shop like a fashion editor on any budget". Today. NBC News. July 22, 2013. Archived from the original on June 25, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  11. "US 3085577 A - Body electrode". Google Patents. Archived from the original on November 9, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  12. ^ Before The Grumps - Arin Interviews Danny, November 8, 2016, retrieved September 18, 2022
  13. "Jonathan Dayton High School Regionalogue". Archive.org. Internet Archive. 1994. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  14. "Game Grumps, Dan". Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  15. ^ The Northern Hues. "The Northern Hues EP". CDBaby. June Records. Archived from the original on March 24, 2016. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  16. The Northern Hues (January 2005). "World Cafe Live 2005". Myspace.com. Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on August 13, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  17. ^ GameGrumps (July 27, 2018), We Misplaced Pages Dan: Ninja Sex Party - PART 2 - Game Grumps, retrieved November 11, 2018
  18. "Biography". Skyhill. Squarespace. Archived from the original on March 23, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  19. Skyhill (May 16, 2007). "Run With the Hunted". CDBaby. Skyhill. Archived from the original on July 24, 2016. Retrieved June 17, 2016.
  20. "Skyhill Show Calendar". Sonicbids. Sonicbids, LLC. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  21. Dan Avidan (February 15, 2014). "Memories of Skyhill". Reddit. Reddit. Archived from the original on July 27, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2017.
  22. Skyhill (October 7, 2015). "Firefly". CDBaby. Skyhill. Archived from the original on July 24, 2016. Retrieved June 17, 2016.
  23. Tishma, Riley (November 18, 2015). "Skyhill "Firefly" Review". E-Torch!. WordPress. Archived from the original on August 31, 2016. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  24. Skyhill (October 30, 2020), Howling at the Moon, retrieved October 31, 2020
  25. "News". Skyhill. November 19, 2020. Archived from the original on March 8, 2023. Retrieved September 15, 2022.
  26. ^ Game Grumps (July 28, 2015). "Super Mario Galaxy: Here's Looking at Ya – PART 10 – Game Grumps". YouTube. Game Grumps. Archived from the original on November 4, 2015. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  27. Milne, Gregory (July 11, 2013). "Ninja Sex Party: Tales of Strawberries and Cream". Living Myth Magazine. Archived from the original on May 25, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  28. Augustborn, Nicolas (January 9, 2013). "Ninja Sex Party Interview". YouTube. Nicolas Augustborn. Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
  29. ^ Nelsen, Lydia (May 24, 2013). "Ninja Sex Party Interview on Lydia Wants to Know". YouTube. Third String Kicker. Archived from the original on March 11, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  30. Shaun Raviv (August 12, 2016). "Ninja Sex Party Wants to Make You Smile". Mel Magazine. Medium. Archived from the original on May 31, 2017. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  31. Hill, Dave (January 14, 2010). "Ninja Sex Party interview". WordPress. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  32. Leitman, Margot (June 18, 2009). "Stripped Stories tonight at UCB 9:30". Improv Resource Center Forums. Improv Resource Center. Archived from the original on July 10, 2018. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
  33. Comedy Charts, Billboard. "Billboard Comedy Charts". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  34. "Ninja Sex Party – Billboard 200". Billboard.com. Billboard. Archived from the original on March 26, 2016. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  35. Ninja Sex Party. "Ninja Sex Party on iTunes". iTunes. Apple. Archived from the original on September 23, 2016. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  36. Ninja Sex Party (March 8, 2016). "Eating Food in the Shower". Facebook. Archived from the original on July 27, 2018. Retrieved April 11, 2016. On the set of our upcoming music video for the first song on our FIFTH ALBUM, "Eating Food in the Shower"!
  37. "Ninja Sex Party "Danny Don't You Know" 09/17/18". www.teamcoco.com. Conan. September 18, 2018. Archived from the original on September 20, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  38. Pedrosa, Marina (September 18, 2018). "Ninja Sex Party Delivers Eccentric 'Danny Don't You Know' Performance On 'Conan': Watch". Billboard. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  39. "SXSW Lineup: Friday, March 11". Sched.org. Sched. March 11, 2011. Archived from the original on March 15, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  40. "Music Videos". Dragon Con. September 2011. Archived from the original on December 21, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  41. Garcia, Conrad (April 19, 2011). "Live Review: 3rd Annual L.A. Comedy Shorts Festival". DisarrayMagazine.com. Disarray Magazine. Archived from the original on December 21, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  42. "Ninja Sex Party @ MAGFest 13". YouTube. MAGFest. January 26, 2015. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  43. "Is JonTron and Egoraptor's Breakup The End of 'Game Grumps'? Fans Sound Off on Social Media – New Media Rockstars". NewMediaRockstars. Archived from the original on October 7, 2016. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
  44. Zac. "Game Grumps AMA - How did Arin meet Danny?". YouTube. Zac. Archived from the original on December 13, 2015. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  45. Ninja Sex Party (August 17, 2011), Dinosaur Laser Fight - Ninja Sex Party, retrieved November 3, 2018
  46. GameGrumps (June 25, 2013), Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!: Around the World - PART 1 - Game Grumps, retrieved January 12, 2019
  47. Amini, Tina (June 26, 2013). "Fans Are Upset Over YouTube Duo 'Game Grumps' Break-Up". Kotaku. Archived from the original on December 20, 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  48. Amini, Tina (June 26, 2013). "Fans Are Upset Over YouTube Duo 'Game Grumps' Break-Up". Kotaku. Archived from the original on December 20, 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  49. Polaris (November 21, 2013). "Game Grumps Present: Hunting Monsters Ep. 1 Qurupeco". PolarisGo.com. Maker Studios. Archived from the original on August 12, 2016. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  50. Herrera, Kayla (March 7, 2016). "You Need To Watch This Catchy And Adult-Rated Music Video About Legend of Zelda". CINEMABLEND. Gateway Media. Archived from the original on June 12, 2016. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  51. "Starbomb – Chart History". Billboard. Billboard. Archived from the original on August 12, 2016. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  52. "Starbomb – Chart History – Rap". Billboard. Billboard. Archived from the original on April 26, 2016. Retrieved March 24, 2015.
  53. "Comedy Albums: Year End". Billboard. Billboard. January 2, 2013. Archived from the original on December 15, 2015. Retrieved December 5, 2015.
  54. Jesse Cox (October 17, 2016). "Our Super Secret Project FINALLY REVEALED". YouTube. Jesse Cox. Archived from the original on April 1, 2018. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  55. Spangler, Todd (October 17, 2016). "YouTube Orders Shows From Dwayne Johnson, Dan Harmon, Doug Liman". Variety. Archived from the original on January 26, 2018. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  56. Beck, Kellen (October 17, 2016). "'Rick and Morty' co-creator is making an esports sitcom with the Game Grumps". Mashable. Archived from the original on March 29, 2018. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  57. Petski, Denise (June 22, 2017). "YouTube Red Orders Series Produced By Dwayne Johnson, Dan Harmon & More". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 11, 2017. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  58. Aridi, Sara (September 1, 2017). "What's on TV Friday: 'Narcos' and 'Diana, 7 Days'". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved February 20, 2022.
  59. "Good Game". YouTube. Game Grumps. August 30, 2017. Archived from the original on March 27, 2018. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  60. Bravo, Zed (December 3, 2017). "YouTube Red Game Grumps Good Game Review". ZedBravo.com. Archived from the original on March 29, 2018. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  61. "White Whale". YouTube. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
  62. "Shadow Academy, Once and Never More". LouderSound. February 27, 2022. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  63. Game Grumps (August 29, 2017). "Sonic Unleashed: Favorite Britishism - Part 51 - Game Grumps". YouTube. Game Grumps. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
  64. Incoherentist (February 3, 2016). "Dan Avidan - Power Rangers RPM Theme". YouTube. Incoherentist. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  65. Incoherentist (August 29, 2017). "Dan Avidan - Untitled White Collar Song". YouTube. Incoherentist. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
  66. "Dirty Shorts – Dick Figures Interview". Mondo. Mondo Media. Archived from the original on September 16, 2016. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  67. Game Grumps (April 22, 2016). "Zelda Ocarina of Time: Lava Nap – PART 42 – Game Grumps". YouTube. Game Grumps. Archived from the original on July 27, 2018. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  68. "DJs in PJs – Pilot". YouTube. Mondo Media. June 22, 2012. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  69. Nick Keller (September 24, 2013). "Dick Figures: The Movie (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". iTunes. Apple. Archived from the original on September 21, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  70. Napierski, Steve (July 25, 2015). "Things You Might Have Not Known About Guitar Hero". Dueling Analogs. Time Bomb Media. Archived from the original on July 1, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  71. ^ Rhett and Link (December 16, 2015). "What's Up My Sleeve? ft. Game Grumps (GAME) #2". YouTube. Rhett and Link. Archived from the original on April 30, 2016. Retrieved June 3, 2016.
  72. Nacho Punch (March 24, 2014). "Hipsters Love Coffee". YouTube. Nacho Punch. Archived from the original on April 25, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  73. Elliot, Gordon (August 4, 2015). "Steel Panther: House of Blues Webcast". YouTube. Gordon Elliott. Archived from the original on May 12, 2016. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  74. Ninja Sex Party (April 22, 2015). "Road Trip – NSP". YouTube. Ninja Sex Party. Archived from the original on December 19, 2016. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  75. Ninja Sex Party (July 20, 2015). "Ninja Sex Party · AMA Highlights". AMA Highlights. Reddit. Archived from the original on April 20, 2016. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  76. Dan Avidan & Josh Sprague. "Balls in Your Ear – Football Podcast". iTunes. Apple. Archived from the original on September 21, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
  77. Dan Avidan & Josh Sprague. "Balls in Your Ear Podcast". SoundCloud. Archived from the original on August 18, 2016. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  78. Wakko Warner (September 6, 2016). "Mighty Magiswords Credits". YouTube. Wakko Warner. Retrieved August 22, 2017.
  79. "Magnum Bullets (feat. Dan Avidan)". Archived from the original on September 20, 2017. Retrieved September 20, 2017.
  80. "Night Runner - Magnum Bullets (feat. Dan Avidan) [Official video]". YouTube. February 27, 2020. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  81. "Starlight Brigade (feat. Dan Avidan)". Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  82. "TWRP - Starlight Brigade (feat. Dan Avidan) [Official video]". YouTube. May 23, 2019. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  83. Toonami (August 4, 2019). "Hop aboard and take off into this new animated music video for "Starlight Brigade" by TWRP featuring Dan Avidan". www.facebook.com. Toonami. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  84. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Kiss From A Rose - Dan Avidan & Super Guitar Bros". YouTube. April 3, 2020.
  85. "PREORDER - Dan Avidan & Super Guitar Bros. CD signed by Dan Avidan - Dan Avidan & Super Guitar Bros". danavidansuperguitarbros.bandzoogle.com. Archived from the original on April 6, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  86. Ruff Ruff Danger Dogs (TV Series) - IMDb. Retrieved September 14, 2024 – via www.imdb.com.
  87. YIPPEE! - Lemmings, February 2, 2022, retrieved February 20, 2022
  88. "Pulsar Arena: Trailer". YouTube. November 23, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2018.
  89. "Pinstripe released on Steam with cameos from PewDiePie, Jacksepticeye and more". GamePressure. April 25, 2017. Retrieved March 8, 2018.
  90. "Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Sim Launching in 3 Weeks". Geeks of Color. June 25, 2017. Archived from the original on October 18, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  91. Wayforward. River City Girls. Arc System Works. Scene: Ending credits, 4:32 in, VOICE ACTORS.
  92. Messner, Steven (March 25, 2020). "The Game Grumps are the latest people to be added to comedy porn game House Party". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on April 8, 2020. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
  93. Long, Shawn (April 23, 2014). "Hex Heroes Attains Kickstarter Goal". Nintendo Enthusiast. Enthusiast Gaming. Archived from the original on April 26, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  94. "INNY Awards 2010". Archived from the original on April 5, 2010.
  95. "Comedy: Individual Short or Episode". Archived from the original on July 17, 2018. Retrieved July 17, 2018.

External links

Game Grumps
Members
Current
Former
Shows
Related articles
Starbomb
Studio albums
Related articles
Ninja Sex Party
Original albums
Cover albums
Singles
Related articles
Portals: Categories: