We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dan Barracuda. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dan below.

Alright, Dan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I was able to make a full-time living from my creative work by first building up my production and Mixing/Mastering portfolio. In addition to producing and releasing my own music, I would reach out to other musicians on Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit and offer my mixing feedback on their songs. I would tell them what I liked about their music and areas that I felt needed improvement. Then I would offer to work on their music for either free or a very low price. The only thing I asked for in return was a good testimonial. Once I got a solid portfolio going, I started reaching out to studios and companies for work. I was also able to sustain myself with freelance work through word of mouth.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a music producer, composer, engineer, guitarist and artist based in NYC. I do all things music! The main genres I work with are rock, folk, singer songwriter, pop, indie, alternative, and world music. I’m a passionate music producer who loves to help other artists bring their songs to life. I know how great of a feeling it is to see your ideas blossom to fruition because I’m an artist myself. I actually just released my 5th album in July 2023, in addition to 10 singles.

I’m also an avid Spanish guitar player. My instrumental Spanish guitar pieces have garnered over 20 million streams on Spotify over the last 3 years. It’s been a wonderful source of passive income!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to create the best music I possibly can. Authentic, well-crafted, and interesting music. I want to pull out the absolute best from an artist, and that goes for myself as well. I want to keep shaping my style and leave a big mark on the music world.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is channeling your emotions through the art and seeing the art reach its fruition. When it’s complete, you get to share it with others and see how it affects them. It’s a very cathartic experience and process – and you have to love it for what it is, an experience and a process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.danbarracuda.com/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/danbarracuda
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/danbarracudamusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbarracuda/
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/danbarracuda
• Other: https://danbarracuda.bandcamp.com/album/ephemera

Image Credits
Daniel Sanders