We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dan Snyder a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
My parents sadly passed a couple years back so this is something I have given a lot of thought to. Both of them gave me completely different things. My dad was determined, someone who always saw life as something that would work out for him even if his odds dictated otherwise. He fantasized and dreamed and held strong ideas close. I can’t imagine participating in something as brutal as the music industry without his love for music (and stubbornness).
My mother was a world class mural painter. She instilled in us the value of art and always encouraged me to go further. She never expressed disappointment when I dropped out of college. She always supported and understood the artist life and often checked in to see if I needed support.
It’s a true regret that they only saw me struggle with my career while they were alive. Shortly after their passing is when work finally started to take off for me. Mom really loved country music and know she would have loved getting to see me play at the Grand Ol’ Opry.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
In 2006, my wife and I decided to quit our jobs and pursue things we were more passionate about. For me that was music and I quickly found myself in a full time roll of recording/touring. I was mostly playing keyboards for other artists. Over several years, I slowly began to give myself permission to share things that I was writing. The vulnerability of it was difficult but it led to starting of an alternative indie band called Paper Lights that toured nationally and recorded an album between 13 different National Parks.
As of recent, I have been given a lot of opportunities to work with more artists. I’ve always preferred touring as a sideman for someone else as opposed to being the frontman. It feels natural to support the creative vision of another artist and I definitely feel more equipped to support them have been in their shoes.
I feel really lucky to be in a position to utilize different parts of the industry to fulfill different creative needs.
Touring is still a huge part of my life. I have never grown tired of the travel or playing keys and singing harmonies with a band. I’m also really grateful for the wide variety of genres that I have been privileged to tour with. In recent years I’ve gotten to play a lot of country music but before then it was more pop, gospel, and songwriter stuff. Lately I’ve enjoyed getting to produce more songs for film and artist albums.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I enjoy getting to contribute in a small way to art, something that I believe can have a positive and residual effect. I also believe that everyone holds creative potential so it’s fun to encourage and help other artists along with their visions and dreams.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Overall, I feel privileged to get opportunities to work with so many artists and brands. Recently I’ve intentionally been using songwriting solely as a type of therapy for myself. I’m excited to see what continues to develop from that in the future. As far as live music, there are still a couple of venues I would like to get a chance to perform in. Namely Red Rocks!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dansnydermusic.com
- Instagram: @DanimalSnyder
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danimalsnyder
- Twitter: @ThePaperLights
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PaperLightsMusic
Image Credits
Jeremy Cowart, Cory Michael, and Katlyn Bretting