Interview with Rising Toronto Musician Dan Goldman

Early Musical Passion and Influences

Norm:

When did your passion for music begin? What keeps you going?

Dan:

I can't pinpoint the exact moment my passion for music began; it feels like it was always there. My earliest memories involve listening to my parents' old records and 8-track tapes, ranging from Kenny Rogers to Neil Diamond. My father played the piano, and I loved pressing my ear against the soundboard to feel the vibrations.

Norm:

Who were the musicians that influenced you?

Dan:

There are too many to list, but if I had to narrow it down, I'd say The Beatles, The Who, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, my uncle Issac, classical guitar repertoire including Bach and Spanish composers, Joni Mitchell, Jim Hall, and Bill Frisell. Currently, I'm into Wilco, Joanna Newsom, and Lisa Germano.

Touring and Audience Reactions

Norm:

When on tour, do you notice any differences in audiences from one city to the next? How would you compare audiences in Vancouver to those in Toronto or Montreal?

Dan:

Yes, the main difference is how saturated the market is. In cities like Calgary, where there are fewer touring bands, I receive a warmer and more appreciative reception. In Toronto, the sheer volume of musicians can numb the audience. However, every performance is unique, and sometimes I have unexpectedly great gigs in the least likely situations.

Challenges and Overcoming Them

Norm:

What challenges or obstacles do you encounter while traveling and performing? How do you overcome these challenges?

Dan:

I often get nervous before shows. I'm fine once I'm on stage, but the hours leading up to the performance can be stressful. It's crucial for me to eat and rest properly to manage this stress. I also set aside time each day for warming up and meditation.

Favorite Cities and Inspiration

Norm:

Which is your favorite city to perform in and why?

Dan:

I don't have a single favorite city. Any place where the audience is receptive and supportive becomes my favorite.

Norm:

How do you get the inspiration for your songwriting?

Dan:

I love music, so inspiration comes naturally. The challenge is following through and staying consistent with my writing practice. I find that spending the necessary time is crucial, even if the results aren't immediate.

First Composition and Goals

Norm:

What was the first piece of music you ever wrote? What was the reaction?

Dan:

I can't remember the first piece I wrote, but it was likely something in the classical guitar idiom. I always sought feedback from supportive people, ensuring a positive response.

Norm:

Do you set daily, weekly, or yearly goals? If so, what are some of your goals?

Dan:

Yes, I set daily goals to ensure productivity. For example, I might dedicate an hour to writing lyrics. Long-term goals, like touring the world by a certain age, are more challenging to materialize. However, consistent writing and touring will lead to greater accomplishments and a larger fan base.

Multifaceted Talents and Grants

Norm:

You are a guitarist, songwriter, poet, and arranger. Which do you prefer and why?

Dan:

Currently, I'm focused on being a singer-songwriter. It's what I practice daily and how I'm becoming known.

Norm:

Have you received any travel grants to perform at festivals outside your province? How beneficial have they been?

Dan:

Yes, I've received assistance from the Canada Council for the Arts, which has been extremely helpful. A tour grant last year allowed me to tour across the country, providing me with a new network of supportive people, including my current manager, Candace Elder.

Music and Travel Connection

Norm:

Do you think there is a connection between music and travel?

Dan:

Absolutely. Traveling provides new perspectives and backdrops to your experiences, making your story more vibrant and worthy of documentation, which is a key purpose of art.

Future Plans

Norm:

What is next for Dan Goldman? Is there anything you wish to add?

Dan:

I have a tour starting in August that I hope will take me from coast to coast. I'm also working on new songs and am excited to record them in the new year.

Thanks, Dan, and good luck with all your future endeavors.

To read more about Dan or listen to his music, CLICK HERE.

Interesting Stats

• Music Industry Growth: The global music industry is expected to grow from $53.77 billion in 2020 to $65.74 billion by 2023 (Source: Statista).
• Canadian Music Market: Canada is the sixth-largest music market in the world, generating $1.5 billion in revenue in 2020 (Source: IFPI).
• Touring Impact: According to a study by Eventbrite, 50% of concertgoers in North America attend live music events to discover new artists (Source: Eventbrite).

These statistics highlight the growing opportunities and challenges in the music industry, emphasizing the importance of touring and audience engagement for emerging artists like Dan Goldman.