Other Projects
In addition to Ninja Sex Party and Game Grumps, Dan Avidan has been involved in a variety of other creative endeavors that showcase his artistic range and passion for music and entertainment.
Starbomb
Starbomb is a comedic musical group formed by Dan Avidan, Brian Wecht, and Arin Hanson. The group blends elements of rap, electronic music, and humor to create songs that parody popular video game characters and franchises such as Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Mega Man, and Street Fighter. What makes Starbomb unique is how it combines the clever lyricism of Arin and Dan with Brian’s catchy and energetic beats, resulting in songs that are both funny and musically impressive.
The group officially debuted in 2013 with their self-titled album Starbomb, which quickly gained popularity online. Their second album, Player Select, was released in 2014, and a third album, The TryForce, followed in 2019. Each album showcases the trio’s creative growth, with increasingly complex lyrics, polished production, and sharper comedic writing. Their music videos, many of which are animated by fans or indie animators, also became popular on YouTube and helped them reach a wider audience.
Starbomb has been praised not only for its humor but also for its appeal to both gamers and music fans. Their songs often poke fun at the quirks and logic gaps in video games, but they do it in a way that feels like a celebration of gaming rather than just a criticism. Fans appreciate the group’s ability to be silly and self-aware while still delivering high-quality music.
Overall, Starbomb stands out as a creative project that shows how Dan, Arin, and Brian use their shared love of video games, comedy, and music to bring something original and entertaining to the internet. It’s another example of how Dan Avidan continues to explore different forms of expression while connecting with audiences through humor, nostalgia, and artistic collaboration.
Shadow Academy
Shadow Academy is Dan Avidan’s newest musical venture, and it represents an exciting shift in tone and style from his earlier comedic work. Formed in collaboration with producer and musician Jim Roach, the band explores a more serious and emotionally driven sound, blending elements of progressive rock, alternative rock, and cinematic instrumentation. Unlike Dan’s previous projects like Ninja Sex Party or Starbomb, which focus on humor and parody, Shadow Academy takes on a more introspective and dramatic approach to songwriting.
The music of Shadow Academy is marked by soaring vocals, layered guitar work, and lyrics that often touch on themes like identity, personal growth, dreams, and inner conflict. Dan’s vocal performance in this project has been praised for its power and emotional range, showing a different side of his abilities as a singer and storyteller. The band’s self-titled debut album, released in 2022, was met with a positive reception from fans and critics alike. Songs like White Whale, Once and Never More, and Daisy highlight the band’s mix of intense energy and haunting melodies.
One of the most notable aspects of Shadow Academy is the way it shows Dan’s versatility as an artist. It proves that he’s not limited to comedic music and that he can thrive in more serious genres as well. The partnership with Jim Roach also brings a level of musical polish and professionalism that helps the band stand out in the modern rock scene. Their music videos, which feature surreal and visually stunning imagery, also add to the band’s mysterious and artistic vibe.
For fans who have followed Dan’s career from Game Grumps and Ninja Sex Party, Shadow Academy is a refreshing and inspiring evolution. It demonstrates Dan’s willingness to take creative risks and push his artistic boundaries, while still maintaining the passion and sincerity that have always made his work so impactful. As Shadow Academy continues to grow, it will likely attract a whole new audience while giving longtime fans even more to appreciate about Dan Avidan’s musical journey.
Collaborations and Appearances
Throughout his career, Dan Avidan has made numerous guest appearances across a wide range of YouTube channels, podcasts, and musical projects, further showcasing his versatility as an entertainer. His unique blend of humor, musical talent, and warm personality has made him a highly sought-after collaborator in the online entertainment world.
On YouTube, Dan has appeared in videos outside of Game Grumps, often collaborating with other creators in the gaming and comedy scenes. For example, he’s been featured on shows like Good Mythical Morning with Rhett and Link, and has participated in charity livestreams and special guest episodes with content creators like Jacksepticeye and The Completionist. These appearances often highlight his quick wit and natural chemistry with other internet personalities, making them fan favorites.
Dan is also active in the podcasting world. He has been a guest on several popular podcasts such as Not Too Deep with Grace Helbig and Dynamic Banter with Steve Zaragoza, where he often discusses topics ranging from his creative process to personal experiences and mental health. His honesty and thoughtful perspective make these interviews especially engaging for fans who want to understand the person behind the performer.
In addition to YouTube and podcasts, Dan has contributed to other musical projects as well. He has done guest vocals for indie artists and appeared on tracks outside of his main bands. His voice acting skills have also come into play, lending his voice to animated shorts, skits, and indie games. Fans appreciate the way he brings characters to life with expressive energy and emotional depth, even in smaller cameo roles.
Overall, Dan’s collaborations and guest appearances have helped him reach broader audiences while also supporting fellow creators. These projects show how much he values community and creativity in the digital space. Whether he’s singing on a friend’s track, guesting on a podcast, or joining a sketch comedy video, Dan continues to bring the same passion and authenticity that have made him such a beloved figure in online entertainment.