We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dan Gober a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dan, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

My journey of becoming a songwriter was like a switch. Like many people that were my age (early teens) the weight of those years were filled with wonder and creativity. Before I even learned how to play guitar I was writing songs. Of course they weren’t great songs but I was still creating, and that was the important part.

The toolset I was working with at the time was very simply my imagination. A few friends would show you some chords and you’d be up and running. By late high school I took a guitar class which was my first introduction to music theory. Eventually I would continue my education at a local community college with Music Theory and Fundamentals.

What I do wish I experienced more of when I was younger was the recording studio. My view of the studio has always been it is another writing tool. It helped me further my creativity exploring sound and song structure. It is simply amazing to watch and hear a piece of music as it develops. Since studio time is so expensive I did what I could afford. I bought a four track cassette recorder! This allowed me to learn song structure and explore sound.

Dan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a multi-instrumentalist songwriter and producer. I write music for TV/Film, collaborate with other songwriters and I’m a hired gun for touring and studio work. My journey as a young artist started out playing in punk bands and immersing myself in that scene. Like any art it takes time to develop your own style, voice and sound. Throughout my career that sound changed many times until I landed on what I called “Junk Rawk”. It was a total exploration of soundscape using organic percussive sounds. Metal pieces being struck with sledgehammers, glass bottles and woodblocks to name a few. I was creating these textures to build upon.

The feedback I received on my newly discovered style was wonderful. People seem to really relate somehow to my writing. I think some of the attraction is the juxtaposition, the music and my voice could have a raw quality but my message is upbeat and positive. It’s a funny combination that works for me!

I’m very proud of my body of work. Chronologically it shows my development as an artist and producer. My favorite song is always the new one I’m working on. Each piece of music is its own puzzle and that is incredible to explore.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Anything you can do to support art is never wasted! Support artists by attending shows, buying a physical copy of their music, picking up some merchandise. Even simply spreading the word, sharing a social media post or review can further help. I also believe it is important for artists to support each other. We’re all on the same team and there is plenty of room for everyone to shine.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Normal rules don’t apply be weird, be kind and have fun! The community you build supports and encourages one another. Collaborate and bring your very best to every session. Take chances often I find they lead to such wonderful opportunities and new friendships.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dangober.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dangobermusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dangobermusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dangobermusic
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5b5SjQqzM6tmzn4VDZz3uz
  https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dan-gober/193270218