Why I QUIT My 6-Figure Music Production Business

My service for working producers: www.darklabelmu...
I share my business lessons here: rb.gy/wybbxr
Have a career question? Ask me here: rebrand.ly/3ai...
• The BUSINESS PLAN #1 H...
This video is dedicated to my mentor, Chris. Rest in peace.

[@darklabelmusic]

Took me a long time to finally release this one. Thanks for watching and hope it helped you in some way.

[@IsmaelAngelus]

This one cuts deep inside my soul... Thanks for sharing your experience, man. It trully helped me a lot do see things clearer now. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@elevationofficialartist]

Shared my story below. It was an interesting video..... i expected something else....but it really turned out wonderful. I'm pretty much rebuilding my music business the same way (but it's not the kind of business you're running) I had to buckle down and figure out something new to shake things up a bit and inspire me to take action on some things i was pretty hesitant to do. And it's not going FAST.......but it's taking the time It should, and it's on track. Thats only one part of it though. Film Scoring, Trailers, Video Game Scores, and some other trade secrets that I'm sorry i cant share......(nothing illegal...just a different approach that people aren't used to) And things are going from really (not looking good). to ....not going to have to worry bout anything other than ....how should we tackle this Job so the client is happy......because Money will not be a thing to worry about anymore. It gives us options. Not happiness Just remember that people :-) We can. create our own success just by Mindset, BELIEF and action....don't listen to everyone....only get advice from people who don't have mental blocks...or are struggling in their own life. Thats pretty obvious ..but i thought i should mention that....Surround yourself with the best people (Friends, colleagues) Everything will work out.and happens for a reason. Garbage hits the fan usually as an indicator that we need to make change......and when we tune in to those subtle (or not so subtle in the case of a fan being hit by garbage lol) Reflect on it, we're always able to adapt and recover.......but not in fight or flight, , panic mode. ;-). i've solved most of the problems i've had whether technical or not....by removing myself from the environment..........or just giving it some time and then more often than not, the thought pops in to my head of (hmmmm can't believe i didn't think of that before) ..well thats cuz i was panicking. lol Totally feel ya on the panic attacks ..they are serious, scary and i get them from time to time from various triggers that are directly related to me almost having to give up music ENTIRELY in 2013 after my speakers went up all the way and even thoughthe doctors said i was fine....I definitel had to go get my mental state checked out lol (it was bad) After getting through some work with a life coach, (and no the medications did nothing ,i stopped them) THATS when i was able to start again in 2014. I watched the Organist play when i was 2 years old......... Music needs to and will be apart of my life (All day ) for as long as i am alive...until It's time for my body to expire of old age and natural causes. This is some raw, passion and reality for people, maybe a bit to explicit but it's needed to emphasize how much I love what i do,,and i'm willing to give it my ALL...until the end 🙂

[@adamgibson7469]

Tysm for sharing your story, man. I have been following you for idk a year plus now and this video is a gem. Really hit home. You are an inspiration and a wellspring of professional and intrapersonal insight. You are appreciated, fam.

[@Prophesized1]

follow your excitement and fall in love with the process. the reward is the journey. and if your journey becomes different. let it be different.

[@simclimie6045]

That was phenomenal

[@donzabonanza]

I worked a session musician for like 10 years but ended up having to go back to the ‘real world’ for like 8 years. A soul crushing experience indeed when you meet people in offices and corporate who literally have zero interests, goals or ambition.

[@danymalsound]

That's exactly how I've felt as a state employee for just about a decade... mixing at night/weekends

[@cx777o]

maybe change careers to cybersecurity, there you might find more people with ambition, vigor and frequently interesting personalities. Or try creating a business, if you know how and what you want to do

[@Tom_Tom_Dad]

I pursued music for 12 years. Signed my first publishing deal at 28. Had two 'major' releases which were album tracks. One album went to UK&I No.1, so I have a nice plaque for that. If I had done this back circa 1995-2000 I'd have estimate lifetime earnings of around $20-30k from those tracks alone. What did I earn? Since 2019, they've earned about £6k. Spotify and DSP's ruined the industry. I get between £100-150 through PRS. I quit music after seeing my first royalty slip. Unless you're writing for superstars, or performing sold out shows in big venues, there's 90% chance you will be a broke musician for your entire life. Good luck to those going for it.

[@donzabonanza]

@@Tom_Tom_Dad what share of the royalties did you have on said records though ? I have a friend with 13 million monthly listeners rn on Spotify (he writes his own tracks minus a few vocal placements that he has to pay for) and he has made 5 million dollars in two years (from streaming).

[@Tom_Tom_Dad]

@@donzabonanzawell first of all I’m a songwriter, not an artist. You make infinitely more money, or at least have the opportunity to do so (writing + performing) and a bigger split on the tracks as the artist. Secondly, 13m monthly listeners is on par with Niall Horan, Slipknot, Muse, Steve Aoki, Paul Mcartney, The 1975… DSP’s will pay a higher royalty rate to bigger artists and also push their tracks organically. My point is more about producer songwriters, and now with AI becoming what it is… it will only get harder to have a career in music

[@FinalfixMusic]

I worked for 14 years to become one of the best neurofunk producers in the world. Not saying I am, but I managed to release on my favourite labels, work with my idols, and get the respect from people I look up to in the music scene. And then it also hit me, the empty feeling. That's when I decided to turn my goal into "gratitude". So that no matter which smaller goal or milestone I achieved, I would not be taken over by emptiness, but by gratitude. Still working on it! If anyone needs mixdowns or mastering. Hit me up.

[@darklabelmusic]

100% - It took me a long time to figure out that gratitude is a "practice" and requires effort. thanks for sharing.

[@littleblue995]

“You have made us for yourself o Lord and our hearts are restless until we find rest in You” ~ St Augustine

[@sspbrazil]

WTF is Neurofunk?

[@hellucination9905]

​@@sspbrazilA kind of fast breakbeat genre which is more intense than D'n'B or Jungle in my opinion.

[@sspbrazil]

@@hellucination9905 no wonder you started to feel empty. I would be out in an instruction if I had to listen to that stuff everyday. Lol

[@KristenMcNamara]

This is why I left LA, NY, Nashville and moved to Key West 13 years ago to make music and get paid to do so while enjoying where I live. ❤ Anyone out there searching for what to do, Hang in there you’ll find your path!

[@blakasmurf]

Are you making a living off your music though? I found if you're not around a hub it's hard to create buzz, this was back in the day though so maybe things have changed?

[@KristenMcNamara]

@@blakasmurf I have been making a full time living on music, both live and online as well as my artwork, yes. For roughly 15 years

[@wasabi333]

@@KristenMcNamara That's insane. I'm happy for you! Where can I listen to your stuff?

[@KristenMcNamara]

@@wasabi333 most platforms!! All socials and iTunes, Spotify etc. 🤩

[@BrodieKellyMusic]

dude this video got to me, this music industry is so tough man. Thanks for sharing your story bro!

[@darklabelmusic]

Not a problem. Appreciate ya!

[@iansmirna5183]

Ironically enough, in my west european country, just surviving and being a musician at the same time seems a lifetime achievement. Never dared to have any other goal or even less having a "career".

[@partymarty6969]

If you wanna make a living in the music industry you gotta understand where the $$ flows i/o. Relying on revenue from “Music producing” on its own is a good way to NOT succeed. If you’re not part of the major side of the industry, your revenue from producing music in the underground sector is not going to be consistent enough to make a living (the odds are definitely NOT in your favor, especially when your dealing with independent music groups that need to record themselves because $$ is already an issue for them). Music Retail is mostly streaming, as most music listeners do not purchase albums individually. So how is a music group supposed to split fractions of a penny per stream with everyone involved? Really think about this … If you want to increase your chances of succeeding in the music industry you need to either be The Entertainer, The Event Organizer, The Venue, OR land yourself a job working for major labels. And if you’re not aiming to work for the major music companies, you gotta learn to pave your own path forward. Prioritize providing solutions to the many problems within the music industry & sell solutions that DISRUPT the current system to create avenues for you and others to break thru. Expecting to make a living JUST “producing music” for the underground industry in 2024 is NOT a realistic mindset as technology is already making it easier for musicians to record/produce themselves.

[@drewmantia]

Professional indie producer saying hi 👋

[@colinrussell2017]

Somebody missed the message in this video.

[@partymarty6969]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@drewmantiaProfessional event organizer saying hi 👋 Please explain how others can get into your field? Here’s my formula for events: Zoom Workplace + ListenTo by Audiomovers + Venue IRL = ‘Moment House’ concerts for a LIVE audience It’s an open market, open to anyone who is willing to learn how to use a 2 channel video mixer and emailing. Find popular artists who want to livestream from their studio using Zoom & ListenTo and then email venues stating you have [insert artist name] who wants to livestream to a venue here in [insert city name]. Showcase your abilities and propose the idea to venues in that city. Venues will love the idea, especially the venues that were experimenting with live-streaming OUT back in 2020-2021.

[@partymarty6969]

@@colinrussell2017Naw, it’s you who misread the title, thumbnail, and skipped the part @ 13:56. It’s a pivot story. Why else would you pivot? Also I’m not selling my HOW TO like this video is. It’s basically an ad for his music production consulting network. Join and you can access our knowledge and network (which is an old gate keeping technique).

[@partymarty6969]

@@drewmantiaAlso, if you’re just hearing about ListenTo by Audiomovers. It’s multichannel lossless streaming from your DAW owned by Abbey Road Studios. And they just launched online mixing and mastering services, so now I can record everything at home and then send off my stems or tracks to Abbey Road Studios for online mixing/mastering. There’s also a ton of music producers who work remotely using ListenTo which gives me real-time listening while they are mixing & mastering my stems remotely.

[@shanebyrns7381]

Wow! Daniel, Thank you for sharing your story. This video came at the right time for me and this is such a massive encouragement and a truth bomb that I need to hear. That last little nugget is what hit me the most. Thank you. “Seeking validation through success will NOT fill that void inside of you. And whatever will fill that void, probably won’t come from work or money at all, that will have to be found somewhere else.”

[@darklabelmusic]

Glad it was good timing! Appreciate ya

[@colinrussell2017]

I think I know where the validation should come from. (Hint: It's not external)

[@xj1mmyx]

Blessed that you’re still here to tell the tale Daniel. You should be so proud of what you’re doing & this is only just the beginning. The industry needs more people like you to create more clarity in this world of smoke and mirrors. You’re truly doing gods work 🤍

[@NORBZMUSIC]

This. Was. Awesome. I'm going through my biggest blessing in my career last 4-5years, totally changed my life. It's a blessing yes but it's also scary, weird, lonely at the top, there's no help for once you're up here just traps.. I've also been a lifelong studio-junky/creative kid and I've only had success 3 times, usually a nice spike, this time it's more like a mountain and still growing. I can relate to the deadends, walls, speedbumps, etc. that's why it's so f'n rewarding when things finally line up and work. Props for being vulnerable and telling your story.

[@darklabelmusic]

Congrats on what your accomplishments, Norbz. Happy to connect you with some producers in Dark Label if you need some peers to chat with. I'm sure a few of them would be down. Just reach out.

[@RealHomeRecording]

Your journey doesn't have to be lonely. Reach out to business mentors and consultants.

[@jayrencemusic]

So great hearing your story laid out like this man. I've always heard the pieces but never laid out chronologically like this. Thanks for sharing!

[@jason.heninger]

Wow Daniel, thank you for sharing about your journey. I’m real glad you made it through the dark so you could help so many others. ❤

[@darklabelmusic]

Much love Jason.

[@natejohnson91]

Bro, I'm proud of you for being vulnerable & opening up with your story in this one! Well done. 👏

[@darklabelmusic]

Much love, Nate. Hope you're well! Will holler next time I'm in Nashville!

[@SpellsandCurses]

So how exactly is the music industry broken? Your video basically states that your addictions were what led you to quit, not anything about the industry per se

[@partymarty6969]

Yeah, I had the same thoughts too. It’s a good video though, I just think the thumbnail is better suited for a separate video.

[@blakasmurf]

Skeptic in me says this is just an ad for his business 🙄

[@lcceo22]

Lmao thanks for this I shut the video off the second I saw this and the first comment

[@secondchancestudio2303]

Wow bro this was a good video. Spoke to me. I'm at a point in my life very similar to some of the things you explained. I launched a home studio back in the end of 2018 when I graduated University. I have never really seen the success I want to see as Vocal Engineer/Mixer. I just turned 36. I'm on workers compensation for a back injury I sustained at a day job I got as a truck driver because I had no clients in the studio. The last 6months has been hectic, panic attacks, concern about the future, not leaving my house much. Such a setback. Because the year prior I had such good momentum. I had lost 45kgs (100lbs) from November 2022 to current, I was in the gym, I had no anxiety. Then boom this year happens. It's almost made me pack the whole music thing in. I wanted to get in this industry to serve others & help people. I'm feeling tested to the max at the moment lol then I see this video pop up in my youtube feed. Sorry for the rant but just wanted to say that your story & vulnerability was powerful man. I believe in Jesus & I'm a Christian. I see Gods' hand on your life bro. Keep the faith. Second Chance

[@murmerjangle3016]

Just remember mate, we're all in this together. Men especially need to learn how to share their frustrations with each other.

[@secondchancestudio2303]

@@murmerjangle3016 Correct 🙏 thanks for getting back to me to man.

[@DoctorOscillatorMusic]

Really interesting, as a 15 year old who is making music and will continue to follow my passion when I get older this was genuinely something that I’ll remember 🙌🏻👏🏻

[@darklabelmusic]

Keep at it and don’t forget to have fun

[@eyesintheskies]

On my own journey through music, addiction recovery & really needed to hear something like this. So thank you 🙏 and glad you made it out in one piece 🤛

[@taviqmasteringonline2754]

I'm thankful to hear your story. Addressing voids are about the toughest things you can do in life!

[@colinrussell2017]

Acknowledging voids is the one.of the best things you can do in your life.

[@RipThru]

I’m not in the music industry, just a consumer of it, but this is a real story and took guts to share it. Thanks for doing so and best wishes going forward with this or whatever you choose to do.

[@AdamStantonMusic]

Really appreciate stumbling upon this vid. Super inspirational! Thank you for sharing it with us!

[@Coskunmusic]

Man, for the first time I have found a real video talking about being a music producer... Thank you

[@fredirie]

Wow dude. Forever grateful for what you’ve done with Dark Label 💛 thank you for sharing your story with such authenticity

[@darklabelmusic]

Grateful to have you in our community, Fred. Appreciate you!

[@stanleyassor3172]

wow, you can literally see the honesty in his soul through his eyes. Thanks for sharing this champ

[@MichaelDaughtryMusic]

The last part is SUCH TRUTH, and even (or especially) older musicians like myself need the reminder! Thank you for all you do!!!

[@NatJamesWorld]

So glad you put this out Dan. You have an incredible story 🙏🏼 It’s been an honour to be a part of Dark Label

[@darklabelmusic]

Much love buddy!

[@jimrogers7425]

This is a great testimony to the fact that doing the ‘inner work’ is just as important as ‘chasing your dreams’. Self belief is one of the most important factors to succeed in life… especially when it’s based in faith.

[@cajuncrackerranch7990]

Never quit. Always evolve. Life is only lived with passion and purpose in motion with emotion. Each sunrise is a blessing and begins the day. The blank canvass renders thought, plan, commitment, focus, discipline, and follow through. Each sunset is a blessing and closes the day. Change is inevitable. If the body, mind, spirit, and soul is not whole, then weakness will create a hole. The hole will swallow your light and draw you into the abyss on the very edge of the event horizon. There is always a problem, and a solution. There is always a choice, and a consequence. Pain X Reflection = Progress Hope is knowing that Hold On Pain Ends. The human experience is a unique journey genuine and authentic to each their own. To know the difference between the master and the slave provides light to live another day. Thank you for sharing your story, Dan. I will be in touch soon. Peace

[@antoinebreton7632]

I love this. Thank you for being so vulnerable in this one Dan, this is what drew me to work with you guys. Forever grateful for this!

[@darklabelmusic]

Enjoy working with ya my friend!

[@festernassociates]

I spent my whole life wanting to be a touring performer.. moving across the country and living out of my car for years before I realized in my hometown was a college rated one of the top 50 for music production by billboard magazine and that I still haven’t used scholarship money.. a new studio has opened up at the performing arts center and they’ve talked to me about booing my own sessions there. It’s like a dream come true.. except that I had to lose a whole lot to get here.

[@johnnyxmusic]

Well… You certainly have paid your dues. I wish you all the best. The future is unwritten.

[@ItsWesSmithYo]

Banged head, got experience, got clean and became a consultant, kudos brother 🤙🏽🖤😎🕺

[@SURIVANMUSIC]

Amazing story. Thank you so much for sharing this. I’ve been on my artist journey for 2 years and this helped me so much ❤

[@sidalientv]

I'm with you 100% , dude. My story is very very similar to yours. I started in 1986, tried luck in 4 countries with tides high and low in terms of success. Today I earn my money by teaching guitar and bass - which is also a nightmare that sucks the soul of you - . Old man conclusions: If you come from a rich family you got 50 or 60 % the way paved. Money means liberty, independence and contacts. Talent and good ears plays almost a secondary role. If you are born poor - like my case - becoming a self made man in the industry is buying a lottery number, your chances of winning are 0,0000001%. Point 2, today each idiot (me included) owns a little recording studio at home, DAWs, plugins, recording gear are available to each wallet, KZbin tutorials about everything concerned to playing, composing, producing, mastering, and Point 3 is music lost its value actually.

[@officialWWM]

I agree on all counts.

[@yolandacharlesmusic]

Awe man, I teach bass, I truly love it. Sorry you find it sucks the life out of you. Teach them with the love you have for playing the instrument.

[@sidalientv]

@@yolandacharlesmusic I'm teaching since 1997 more or less.

[@yolandacharlesmusic]

@@sidalientv yeah me too started in 1989. Still it’s changed over the years and I’ve found my approach that gets great results and I feel pretty happy with each session. Hope you find your way out and into something meaningful.

[@jibberism9910]

I AM IDIOT.

[@john12168]

What a story. Thank you for sharing, that meant the world to me. You exhibited such resilience and courage in the face of darkness. Thanks for being a light.

[@rjbanks2.0]

I really needed this. God bless your brother 💪🏾

[@BrendanMiranda]

9:55 is so important. So many people, myself included, think there is some magic pill out there that will validate you. There is no replacement for putting in the work and learning to give yourself the power to fill that void internally instead of constantly looking outwards.

[@darklabelmusic]

100% and I don't want to rob anyone of learning that lesson themselves. I think it's important to. My goal with this video is to make sure no one is surprised when they do, and that it's not the end. Thanks for watching Brendan!

[@BrendanMiranda]

@@darklabelmusic Anytime. Glad you made the choice to share your experience and passions with us. Your videos and the stuff over on MakePopMusic has given me so much purpose in the last 4 or 5 years, and helped me pursue my music as another facet of my artistry. You inspire me and many others, and from one creator to another, I hope to build a great community like yours one day. 😎

[@CaleMcCollough]

The best advice I got was from a KZbinr talking about how to get the best video editors. He said that every time he hires a video editor who is a DP, he would train them up and after 6 months they would get a job as a DP and leave, causing him to have to hire a new editor and pay to train them on the style he wanted. He said he stopped hiring video editors who were not career editors. You don't want to get lumped in with the rest of the people they can easily predict won't stick around for a while.

[@officialWWM]

That is something ALL employers in every industry have to deal with.

[@user-sb2yw5xd9r]

Wow!!! What a great story. Your channel popped up in my feed; so grateful that it did. I used to have a career as a working actor. [As an aside, clips from one of my films are popping up in KZbin shorts.] I'm at that bottom point you spoke of in the video and am self-assessing as to whether I want to jump back into the creative waters, again. I thought my one chance at the apple bite had passed. Listening to your story makes me realize that second acts truly exist. All the best to you in this new venture.:)

[@walshythemusician]

Dan is a legend. Great video. Hope you are well man.

[@darklabelmusic]

Thank you Eoin! Hope you are well too my friend.

[@kukaro]

Amazing touching story. Thank you for your authenticity and bravery in sharing this. And thanks for the reminder that success won't bring fulfillment necessarily if we're seeking validation or some other internal state from the success.

[@g.e.miller4335]

Success is contentment. Money may not validate you or fill a void inside you, but having it should give you some sense of security - as in - no matter what happens to me or my career - I have enough money that it doesn't matter if it all falls apart and I never work again. Some music artist has a #1 hit song, and then never again, and they fade away. It happens every week. The vocalist and musicians and producers aren't the star. The song is the star.

[@dsmmusicofficial]

Love this Daniel, great video and I think many of us can relate! It’s such a tough industry and I applaud you for being so open about your journey on this video. Hope you’re well man! Things are going great here thanks to you! 🙏

[@darklabelmusic]

Glad to hear you're still crushing it!

[@Child9Music]

I think the takeaway from your life journey is you learn more about yourself as you get older, and what makes you tick, the rise-up is obviously the fulfilling part for you. You can probably relate that to sports and most things in your life.

[@djpapakuma]

Thank you for sharing your story. At 52, I'm going for it as a DJ and artist. It is scary as hell, but I got to do it because I don't think I could stand myself if I didn't at least give it my all and try. This is the least I owe myself.

[@cx777o]

Wow this is such an inspiring video!! Thanks a lot for sharing, especially being so transparent about your struggles makes it much more relatable!

[@DanielHennellMusic]

Thanks for making this video, Dan! Incredible story.

[@philiphjelmstedt1860]

As a 23 y.o. producer doing this everyday for years and recently been physically burnt out I've learnt lots about myself. It's not often I hear about stories like yours. Thanks for sharing!! If you need any help with your work I'm happy to assist. We need more mental health talk in the music industry. Again Inspiring! Love from Sweden.

[@ifeelvoid]

its was great hearing your story man, keep helping producers everywhere you doing a great thing man

[@darklabelmusic]

Promise I will! Thank you.

[@nikokotoulas]

Wow. I'm speechless man, so happy for all of your success. You stayed in there and kept at it!!! What an insane journey.

[@darklabelmusic]

Appreciate ya watching, Niko! Hope you're well bud.

[@AbstraktMusicLab]

A hell of a video!!! thanks for sharing your experience!

[@darklabelmusic]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@danieklerr]

I don't know who you are, and I've never watched your channel. YT suggested the video, so I listened in the background in headphones while working. Very compelling story, I appreciate you sharing it. I'll keep you in my prayers for the next week, and ask the Father to help you build upon the foundation of wellness you have established, and guide you into blessings in the next chapter.

[@TRXST.ISSUES]

Just discovered this channel and can tell this is going to be good 🔥

[@MelodyMathlete]

Wow, what an incredible story Daniel. I 100% relate to a lot of the things you said, especially about achieving "success" and seeking validation externally. I'm glad you're still with us, sharing your wisdom and light with the world. And thanks again for your time and generosity this morning, very grateful.🤘🙏💛

[@universalmeditation8631]

Bro, the post office takes anybody! Seriously, anybody! You can also have a quick exit if needed!

[@beatjuggernauts3828]

I needed this video. Thank you for sharing your story and for continuing to help the producer community.

[@isantiago_]

Thank you for sharing this Dan! Watching your videos has helped me so much and this one has such an invaluable message that deserves to be heard.

[@larryjackson6075]

I was a Hendrix-freak, but I quit when I found out that the singer/songwriter was holding all the aces.

[@willudallmusic]

he was a singer/songwriter?

[@larryjackson6075]

@@willudallmusic I'm making a distinction between the singer/songwriter versus musicians. The CEO and the singer/songwriter have all the power, ask David Geffen. That's WHY Hendrix had to become a singer/songwriter, too. Robin Trower, Carlos Santana, etc, are just flukes.

[@larryjackson6075]

@@willudallmusic We worshipped Trower simply because he sounded like Hendrix, and if he hadn't used a Univibe, we wouldn't have worshipped Trower.

[@bridgestreetdesign]

I’ve been in music and music production for close to 40 years, and I’ve never heard anyone ever say “you only get one shot to make it in the music industry.” I know many people, including myself, who have had multiple shots at making it. I’m sorry to hear you bought into that for so long, but I’m also very happy to hear you now realize that just isn’t true.

[@AliahSheffield]

This is amazing. I'm three years sober and I loved the way you turned your life around ❤️

[@darklabelmusic]

Congrats to ya, Aliah!

[@trevorkeith3813]

Thank you for sharing your story. Inspired me to share mine here since I'm feeling it right now. It'll be a longer post and probably just typing for self I've never felt like I've had an opening. or at least the one I had I couldn't take. I have only music in my life for a short time in comparison to most my peers. It started when I switched majors and transferred colleges. I hadn't heard about music production until college level and realized that the way a producer listens to music was the way that I do. I didn't have a background in music, the most i had was taking a guitar class in high school. But I knew I wasn't a performer so I thought music wasn't for me. But then the tech side was introduced and i fell in love. And I listened to a lot of music. I haven't met many people who listened to as much music as I do. With the passion, I took the leap with change of majors and school. I quickly learned that I was a head deep in water of things to learn but I was persistent and finished my degree on time and did a lot of learning in three years. However, I was still down a major credit, experience. I didn't have the years of practice and all of the school opportunities were ones I couldn't use because I was busy being in practice room and computer room learning. I hit a very low point when I graduated school as I felt like all my hard work wasn't going to pay off. I couldn't find an opening and I didn't even have money to purchase the tools that I had when I was in school (like a computer to run a daw or a keyboard, etc). So i worked a regular job to build the money... and to pass the time since the depression was really bad. And unfortunately, this was time away from music and some of the skills I learned in school faded because i wasn't able to practice them. And about the time I was starting to feel like I was going to do the push to try to get into the industry, covid happened. As an essential worker, my wallet was happy (sort of) but my time was work and that's where it went. Got enough money to move to Nashville (another grocery job) and then I got a mac the following holiday. A keyboard in the following months. I worked on releasing an album and then I released it. I again fell into depression. I didn't think releasing an album would fix everything but it just felt so empty after I put it out. Like i did this thing and nobody cared. I really struggled with validation. During my time in college, I didn't make many friends in the same major. I felt outcasted by my peers. Living in Nashville, I couldn't make good friends with other producers/artists. I couldn't get collaborations to get off the ground. My music didn't really turn any heads (granted it still needed work). I didn't know how to get things to work. I made a list of the open mics and writing meet ups but the few times I tried, I was doing it alone and it required me to initiate and I struggle with social anxiety and so I ended up just sitting and listening. I just felt like an island that no one was interested. And it didn't help that I didn't drink nor am I good at small talk. This cloud of lack of validation and rejection was one I couldn't escape. It haunted me everywhere I went. I worked on my craft and I improved a lot in the meantime but the cloud followed me still. And then I was forced to move out of Nashville. My wife was really unhappy in the city and she couldn't take feeling isolated there away from her family (this event is lot more in depth but that's a different story). And a some months later, I get contacted by someone who manages artists and their company was hiring more people and they came across my linkedin profile. It wasn't my dream job but it was my one opening so far and I had to pass on it since it was local only. There was no way I was going to move my wife back... and we were completely out of money. I try to tell myself that if I can open one door, I can do another but nothing has showed up since. All I have been doing is planning a way to get in doing my best with what I can do. I mentioned the cloud of lack of validation and rejection. I did manage a way to make peace with it. It came from "Everywhere. Everything. All At Once." (slight spoilers if that matters) I was seeing life as nothing matters. I couldn't get validation so nothing I did mattered. That life was feeling worthless. If it did, I would receive some validation. But I was reminded through this movie of how I used to see life. I deconstructed my religion and I lost a bit of myself in doing so. But it was the kindness and love I had. I didn't lose it fully but I lost it in the way that I viewed life. But now I regained it through inverting my view. That it doesn't matter but it does to me. That nothing matters still but that's the joy of it not the end of it. That instead of being mad at how the world is and how much life sucks I can be better. I can be the joy and hope that I want to be in the world and its me who makes the difference. I still want Ryan Tedders job (maybe without the pop side lol) but the best I can do is love the ride and keep trying today. I took a break from music cause I'm really tired of the grocery store job that really takes the joy out of life. And my wife and I are rebuilding our lives rn financially. And as soon as I'm able, I'm pursuing music with my all. The cringe of social media, the love of music. But I'm not going to let the cloud take it from me. And I'm going to balance the love of wife with it too. Get bad habits out. I have to make the best of today that I have instead of wishing I was doing something else. The something else will come and I can't waste time being mad it isn't here

[@TaeglicheNarzisst]

Blessings to your channel! 🧡💛💚

[@mootbooxle]

THANK YOU for this video! Thank you for sharing your story. I can relate to so much of it! I’ve been a full-time musician and producer for 16 years (been gigging and teaching for 24) and I still live from check to check. I have gone through some intense periods of burnout over the years. I’ve been overtaken by addiction at points along the way. I just turned 41 and I’m trying to reboot my life! Everything you said resonated with me. I was among the first music KZbinrs to find success, back when the pond was much smaller and there was no monetization. I want to get back to it, but I can’t do it the way I used to. It was not healthy for me!

[@darklabelmusic]

Wow, you weren't kidding about being one of the first. Nice chops too btw! Thank you for the comment. Glad the video resonated with ya!

[@mootbooxle]

@@darklabelmusic Thank you so much for checking out my stuff, that’s awesome of you! 🙏

[@jb.scottandthemidnightreveries]

Really appreciate you sharing your ups and downs, it’s a relief figuring out we’re all pretty damn similar as musicians

[@tanzim5479]

you are an inspiration bud! Keep doing what you are doing and wish you all the best!!

[@milo-ki-music]

Wow! This video really got me! I deeply related to every word you said. Thanks for sharing your story. Knowing that there's someone out there that has been through similar struggles as myself definitely made me feel less lonely and hopeful. I've given most of what I have to music production, a wonderful but incredibly difficult business. I will definitely continue to hang in there, because creating music maybe isn't the only key to happiness, but expressing my deepest feelings through sound has saved my life many times, so even if I have to continue working a non music related part time job, I will gladly do so, just to have time to keep making music. Hopefully someday I will turn this dream into a full time career. Thanks again for this inspirational video, it made my day!

[@mundo1288]

thank you so much for sharing this. Truly inspirational. I teared up cuz I resonated with your struggle and perseverance so much..

[@user-ef8hr3si8v]

Thank you Dan, just what I needed to hear today 🩶 beautiful story!

[@darklabelmusic]

Thanks for listening, Jeremy!

[@alvinkasule3450]

Thanks for being honest and real👌🏾💯.Thats rare to find nowadays.

[@Edizonstudio]

This is what "they say" and I've been experiencing lately this thing. I still have things to achieve, but if there is things that needs to be fixed they need to be focused. Fame, money or other things like that isn't going to fix those problems. I do find big zen feelin from my achievements. I'm already really proud of what I was able to achieve. But naturally show must go on! =) "Best thing is allways coming" -Edizon

[@gregbuell1009]

Bless you brother.. I'm glad you're still here ❤

[@SgtBoudreau]

Great job hanging on Dan! I'm glad you didn't jump off the ledge. I've lost three buddies to suicide.

[@AronOttignon]

Thanks you! Really inspiring. Gave me what I needed to keep my head up right now through a tough spell

[@iq2mixvh9]

Thank you. I was wanting to give up…..of course most fam and friends love my music, but…..I’m about to just look for a soul stealing regular job. Ugh. Yeah needed to hear this. Thank u.

[@ScottSmithMusic]

Glad you kept going. I’m still working it from an artist perspective and been there with all the VIPs and all that and back to small stages busking, churches, cafe shows etc… it’s been a humbling 20 years and I keep going too. It’s definitely not for fame. It’s for making a living, making a positive impact in this world, even if it’s one person at a time.✨

[@darklabelmusic]

Much love!

[@joebarker5719]

Appreciate the share, Man! Needed this!!!❤

[@km3musiclab]

Thanks you so much for sharing your story. THIS TOOK COURAGE! The most powerful takeaway for me was that you didn't take the ("easy exit route") but decided to go to rehab and get help. That is the magical moment of change. You stop looking down at how bad things were and started looking up at how great things could be. You are inspiring, and this was such a powerful story.

[@darklabelmusic]

Best decision ever. Thanks for the comment and for checking out the video!

[@faulrevere8938]

Great video, brother! Thanks for sharing, and keep up the good work helping others fulfill their dreams🔥🙏

[@prod.gerero]

I’ve been feeling so discouraged I grabbed a beer to drown out the emotions, even tho I don’t drink much, the. I clicked on this video I’m tryna stay positives

[@anomaliuniverse]

Thanks for the share. this is similar to my experiences, i'm going thru a dark phase hoping to see light on the other end. congrats to your achievements. this is inspiring.

[@joecoleman288]

I just stumbled onto this, I appreciate your openness. I'm just a musician, so my path in the industry isn't as easy. Especially with my young family and bills, and work. I play for artists and am in a band, I play at church too. I just wish all that paid enough to do it full time, you know?!

[@baksagimm5890]

Wow. Just Wow. Thanks for sharing this. I'm surprised that you share a very similar story with me. I also had a successful career as a music producer (South Korea), produced couple of massive national hits. When I finally arrived at the point where people might see me that I 'made it', things started to unravel. As my dream was always about making no.1 song and when I finally arrived at the point where my dreams where accomplished, I had nothing else to do and felt massive void in my life. Life without any purpose or goal can be really depressing. Now I'm doing well and started to realize not to set life goal to be something that has an end, but rather set goals that can be consistent, like making family happy, serving your customers etc.

[@deadlymarsupial1236]

Experience is what you get just after you needed it. There is no substitute for experience, both the good and the bad.

[@darklabelmusic]

I like that

[@jibberism9910]

I hit rock bottom early 2023. I wish I knew what could fill that void. Good to see you found your way, tnx for sharing and keep up the good fight!

[@willow810]

Yeah so many people think that just moving to LA or NYC means you made it and you're moving your way up in the world. It's a mistake many creatives and dreamers make - going to the big (expensive) city like LA or NYC and thinking the red carpet will be rolled out for you without having a strong foundation first. Your friend was spot on. Glad to see you're doing better. Life is a roller coaster of highs and lows. Wishing you all the best.

[@rob011]

Dude! I often wondered where you dipped off to after MPM. Stoked you’re not just alive but kicking!

[@rockhills]

I watched this video randomly...man you've got a helluva story! Seems to me you're a natural born entrepreneur at heart. I've a question around 3:40 you mentioned that studios you interviewed at said your skillset was going out of style. What does that mean? I mean what's the difference between you then and the "modern producer" you needed to become?

[@SwishBeats]

amazing video!! thank you for sharing & being vulnerable 🙏🏾

[@darklabelmusic]

Thanks Swish!

[@michael-bivens]

Good to hear from you Dan. Thanks for sharing your story. Hope you are well these days!

[@darklabelmusic]

Hope you're well too Michael! Great to hear from ya. Thanks for watching.

[@Appleloucious]

One Love! Always forward, never ever backward!! ☀☀☀ 💚💛❤ 🙏🏿🙏🙏🏼

[@dubbylabby6068]

Thanks for your work. God bless you and I hope you will never reach that sad point again.

[@blindboydevita]

Thank you for this video! I'm aspiring to make a career in music as well, i live in Switzerland/Italy and tried lots of 'the traditional ways' but I am finding out that through the internet being curious in general reading books. There's other exciting ways to make a living with music and these kinds of videos are very helpful. Thank you!

[@musuku15]

You're a strong man, this will help many.

[@ADHSo_undnichtanders]

Missed the shot once. Thanks for giving me hope with this video.

[@SteveBays]

I needed this inspiration bad today. Subscribed❤

[@darklabelmusic]

Thanks Steve. Welcome!

[@bemaddbeats]

Incredibly inspiring story bro, thank u for sharing it!

[@dawboxstudio]

Great story and redemption. I’ve been doing pro audio and production, acoustics for 25 years. I’ve always been a solo artist and songwriter recording and producing my own music. I always have that multi gig $$$$ stream because you never know what’s going to happen. It’s been a real journey I fully understand and I’m glad you’re in a good place doing your thing! There are so many ways to help others realize goals through experience and mentorship. 👊🏻❤J

[@darklabelmusic]

Appreciate it! I agree.

[@LibertyMediaArts]

That's kind of what I'm doing, minus working for other people. It's cool that you at least get to do what you enjoy. I just took up, beat making with a midi controller. Hopefully soon I won't have to do everything by hand anymore.

[@JackShoreMusic]

Thank you for sharing, what a vulnerable Story yet familiar.

[@jacksp8de]

I love this!!! I’m super impressed by the storytelling! This is a documentary. Im very impressed. And this is really inspiring.

[@darklabelmusic]

Glad you enjoyed that, Jack! Means a lot coming from you.

[@HopFilms]

Bro I feel you. I’ve come in and out of the industry multiple times. It’s a game of runs. Sometimes by choice. Sometimes by force. I’ve been to the top and all the way back to homeless. Multiple times. It’s a really hard lifestyle to maintain.

[@aidanflynncarey7950]

Hey man, I'm not sure if you remember me, but this is Aidan. I emailed you about a year ago feeling a little stuck. I just wanted to let you know that I am feeling much better now. I am still pursuing a career as a working drummer and percussionist, but I've shifted towards film and media composing instead of producing. Additionally, I have been writing, producing, and releasing my own songs as a recording artist. The great thing about the latter two pursuits is that you can hire a mixing engineer and orchestrator and work completely remotely with them. You helped me realize that making money producing music for others versus producing your own are not the same thing. I also believe that freelance producing is not necessarily easier, but it allows you to do something you really want to do. I also wanted to thank you for being open and vulnerable about your own problems and issues. I struggled with terrible anxiety and depression in my early 20s. Feel free to check out my KZbin channel, where I am releasing more vulnerable songs that I think a lot of people would relate to!