Published: July 7, 2010 1:14 AM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight July 2010 Edition
Dan F. Hill
Music Now Artist/Band Spotlight Weekly Series
Dan F. Hill
Deep passion, admiration, and respect for his craft Americana/Country/Bluegrass singer/songwriter Dan F. Hill speaks candidly about why he feels he was born to perform. Here is the complete spotlight for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!
Isaac: Let’s get started with this interview. When and how did you first become interested in music? How long have you been playing music?
Dan: Isaac, I started a little late at the age of 18 playing the guitar after being influenced by music around the home. I’ve been playing now close to 30 yrs.
Isaac: Who would you say are your biggest musical influences and why?
Dan: My first interest in music was older Country, definitely Elvis, and some of the great bands of the early Seventies. I connected to the emotional value of music very early, and the effects good or bad. I've always felt music is a part of everyday life.
Isaac: What has been the greatest highpoint in your career so far?
Dan: I'm still on the rise in chasing my dream. But the best part for me is the songwriting or performing.
Isaac: What has been the greatest disappointment in your career so far? What did you learn from that experience?
Dan: My biggest disappointment would be my time spent in Nashville doing the writers thing, I wasn't polished enough, made some bad choices, but everything in life no matter what the outcome is a lesson learned. I’ve become a better writer and more comfortable with the business in general, and realize the ultimate gift is to give satisfaction to others thru my music.
Isaac: What draws you to want to play the type of music that you do?
Dan: In my experience, simple is better, and less is more. My ultimate goal is to create music you can enjoy and relate to.
Isaac: What do you feel it takes to play this type of music that you play?
Dan: I play music because I love it and hope the people relate to it the same way. Maybe my music will give them a moment of enjoyment or relief from life's daily ups and downs.
Isaac: What do you think you will create that will make your performances and who you are stand out in the music industry?
Dan: I love songwriting. Any time you love to do something good comes from it.
Isaac: If you had the opportunity to do one cover, what cover would you do and why? How would you put your own spin on this cover?
Dan: I play a Buddy Holly song, "It Doesn't Matter Anymore", which I believe would be a great remake. I learned the song from a mentor, and have had many compliments on it. A great song is just that no matter who covers it
Isaac: What does it take to be a good songwriter?
Dan: Songwriting is a craft where you attempt to combine multiple elements, from a great story line, to an idea which is universal, but can be absorbed many different ways, but always connecting to the emotions in one form or another...
Isaac: How difficult is it to juggle music, family and work obligation, and life in general? Explain.
Dan: The art of music takes on various forms in your life. The ideal world as a musician is a chance to do that full time. Very few get that opportunity. So you make the best of it, work on your craft as time permits. If you love it, getting past the heartaches is just a part of it. It always makes for "great" songs.
Isaac: What is your definition of being an Indie artist/band?
Dan: An Indie artist to me is someone attempting to be true to his or her passions at all costs.
Isaac: Where can fans access your music online?
Dan: I have a new CD "Twelve Dollars Worth" which is available at CDBaby and all its affiliates, as well as Amazon.com. The music is available for digital download at the above mentioned as well as many more.
Isaac: In five years…….
Dan: In 5 yrs I hope to be healthy, and still writing and performing music that is timeless and helps the world to smile a little.
