In 1990, while a student at the University of Texas at Austin, Daniel formed his second band, Skellington, with Travis Hartnett, Mac Stringfellow, Paul Cannon, and Mike Hurewitz.

Before breaking up, the band released Skellington Rex, which contained songs that were re-recorded on Spoon's debut album Telephono.

[3] The following year, Daniel joined a three-piece rockabilly band named The Alien Beats with Brad Shenfeld.

In 1993, Daniel and ex-Alien Beats drummer Eno, along with guitarist Greg Wilson and bassist Andy McGuire, formed Spoon.

[6] From 2011 to 2013, Daniel was involved in a new band called Divine Fits, consisting of members from Spoon, Wolf Parade and New Bomb Turks.