We were lucky to catch up with Daniel Gilad recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Daniel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

My journey hasn’t been easy, and earning people’s trust in my work took time. I graduated from Audio Engineering school in 2012 and quickly secured a regular 9-to-5 job, which marked the beginning of my professional path and gave me valuable experience. Even though I had a stable job in sound and recording, I knew I wanted more. On my days off and during free time, I sought out additional opportunities, some of which were unpaid, and others that paid modestly. This hustle allowed me to get my foot in the door and connect with many artists and bands on the scene.

In 2018, I was let go from my 9-to-5 job, which at the time felt like the worst thing that could happen. However, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Being forced to go freelance allowed me to fully immerse myself in the work I truly wanted to do and focus on collaborating with artists I was passionate about.

No longer working for someone else, I dedicated everything to my growth. This shift encouraged me to become the best version of myself and sharpen my skills to stand out in the competitive field. It also allowed me to learn new skills and gain a deeper understanding of topics such as the music business, which eventually led to the creation of my second company a few years later.

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?

My name is Daniel Gilad, and my journey in the music industry is rooted in a lifelong passion for music. Originally from Israel, I moved to Hawaii in 2006 with no clear plans but an open mind to wherever life would take me. From an early age, I was drawn to music, playing guitar with various bands, which naturally led me to pursue a career in music production.

In 2012, after earning my degree in audio engineering, I began working in the vibrant music scene of Honolulu, Hawaii. My early years were spent recording, mixing, and producing artists across a range of genres, as well as providing support for live concerts. This hands-on experience not only honed my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of music as a powerful form of expression and connection.

In 2014, I took the leap and founded my own music production company, DG Sound Creations. Through this venture, I offer a range of services, including sound design, music production, mixing, and mastering. What sets my work apart is my commitment to providing the “color” of sound—a unique touch that I’ve developed through years of experience and global travels. To me, music is about creating relationships through sound. Each piece of music I work on reflects the artist’s soul and tells a story, and it’s my job to shape that into something that can be shared with the world.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of Hawaii’s most talented musicians, gradually building a reputation within the Honolulu music scene. You can listen to some of my work at www.dgsoundcreations.com.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen challenges to the music industry, but it also gave me the time to deepen my knowledge of the music business. I used this period to further refine my production skills and to explore the business side of music, leading to the creation of a publishing and distribution company. I now offer consultation and advice to artists navigating the complexities of the music industry. If you’re interested in learning more or seeking advice, you can reach me at [email protected].

One of the highlights of my career has been my ongoing collaboration with Henry Kapono, a legendary figure in Hawaiian music. I’ve had the honor of working with Henry both in the studio and on live shows, and in 2022, he invited me to lead a new program under his foundation called “On The Rise.” This program is dedicated to supporting up-and-coming musicians in Hawaii through mentorship, management, and showcasing their talent. My role involves finding these artists, guiding them with my experience and knowledge, and helping them grow alongside Henry and other esteemed local musicians. You can learn more about the program at www.henrykaponofoundation.org.

I am incredibly proud of the work I do, not only for the music I create but for the relationships I build with the artists I work with. My goal is to continue shaping the sound of Hawaii’s music scene and to help artists share their unique voices with the world.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The driving force behind my creative journey is a deep love for both music and helping others. As creatives, it’s easy to get caught up in our work and forget the human element at the core of what we do. This element is what makes us unique and capable of creating amazing things. My mission is to help musicians craft their sound and show them that music can not only be a form of expression but also a viable way to support themselves—if they understand how to navigate the industry.

While music is indeed a business, it’s also a profound way to tell stories and convey emotions. Many artists struggle to balance their creative vision with the demands of running a business, which is where I come in. My goal is to help them achieve their dreams by bridging that gap, allowing them to focus on their art while I guide them through the complexities of the business side.

For me, there’s no greater feeling than helping others realize their vision. I’m incredibly grateful to be in a position where I can support so many artists on their journeys, helping them see that their creative dreams are not only possible but within reach.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to share my heart and soul with the world. It’s about touching someone else’s heart and creating connections that transcend borders. When I create music, or help an artist bring their music to life, I’m channeling a part of myself into the world. That energy, that message, becomes something tangible that people can connect with and experience, no matter where they are.

As I mentioned before, I have a deep passion for helping people and making music, and I feel incredibly honored to do so. It’s easy to take what we do for granted, but that’s where the human element comes into play. We need to dive deep within ourselves, sometimes drawing out our best or even our worst, to create something truly meaningful. For me, being able to do this and knowing that my work can resonate with others is the most fulfilling part of my creative journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dgsoundcreations.com
• Instagram: @dgsoundcreations , @benevolentmusicpub
• Facebook: dgsoundcreations