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

Hi David, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success comes from discipline. Identifying what’s in my control to manage and craft and improve and that which is outside of my sphere of influence is the single most important thing I’ve ever learned. I’m still working on it too. There are things I can control as a musician and as a business owner, places where I can improve my craft and skills, and then there are outside forces I can’t control. Wasting time and energy on those outside forces is simply burning daylight that could be used on much better things.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am the definition of a “semi pro” musician. I have been playing in bands since I was 14, and still play out most weekends. I’ve played for weddings, churches, funerals, tv and film, musicals; pretty much anything that needed music. A few years back I decided that I wanted to open a different door and learn about music production. I earned two professional certificates from Berklee College of Music while learning the ins and outs of Pro Tools and recording techniques and then set to work. After officially declaring “Dragon’s Den Studios” a small business, I made myself my first client and recorded and released two new albums of original material so I could really get to know my gear and production style. From there, I’ve recorded and produced several singles, EPs, and albums for local artists.

“Dragon’s Den Studios” is a small project studio. My primary clients are singer/ songwriters looking to get their music recorded and released. I’m happy to add to what musical ideas my clients bring, or to just record them as they are. As this is still a side job, I only take on one client at a time to make sure they are getting my best work and undivided attention, and that we can turn around their music from idea to finished and published product in a short time. The process is just as important as the product and I really enjoy working with an artist to grow their sound and message as they take something that is always very personal and prepare it for public release.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I am very aware that I’m working in a small market where what I produce is what will bring the next person looking to work with me. That means I need to make sure what I produce for my clients is the best work we can do together. I also am lucky enough to get “return business” as musicians who enjoyed working with me come back for their next project.

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

Creating. That act of making something that is yours. Watching it come kicking and screaming into existence, forming it, shaping it, That increases exponentially when collaborating with other talented artists. Bouncing ideas around, riffing off of each others creativity, there’s nothing else like that feeling.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dragonsdenstudios.com www.davidmerrickmusic.com
• Instagram: @dragonsdenproductions
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JpzIpvoNO5aQuoFJGLw1s?si=3637222542bb4221