We had the good fortune of connecting with Dan Corio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dan, what do you attribute your success to?
One of the most important factors behind my success is perseverance and my ability to adapt. When I get my mind set on a goal I will be creative in finding ways to reach that goal through any obstacles that arise. The support of my family, friends, and former teammates has also greatly impacted the success I’ve had in my life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

From a young age I was writing and creating, and my family was also very musical. Most were drummers but I was exposed to some amazing artists at a very young age. I remember seeing the movie La Bamba when I was around 10 years old and falling in love with the tone of a guitar. I thought I wanted to be Ritchie Valens but as it turns out I apparently wanted to be Lou Diamond Phillips and Los Lobos(The actor who played Ritchie and the band who did the music for the movie)! Although as I dug in and learned about the actual Ritchie Valens the more I grew to love and respect what he did as well as his courage at such a young age to remain true to his craft. I picked up the instrument but stopped playing for many years . At around 19 years old a buddy of mine brought over a VHS of Stevie Ray Vaughan Live at the El Mocambo and that was it for me. I picked up the guitar again and never put it down. The biggest struggle I faced was that I had broken my thumb and wrist as a kid and to this day struggle at times with rotating it in a way that feels natural. I had asked my buddy to speak to his guitar teacher in order to ask for tips as to how I could get around that. The answer I got was that, “can’t be done, he’ll never be able to play guitar.” Well between my love for Stevie Ray and my hate for the word can’t I dove all in and began learning by listening and watching my inspirations, while also beginning to write and compose music. My brother Sean is the drummer in my band when we get the opportunity to play out and his creativeity as well as skill have been driving forces in the feel to many of our songs.

An important moment in my career was the day that man by the name of Lorenzo Mameli heard us play in NY. Lorenzo has a radio show in NY called The Rocker on Makerpark Radio and he invited us to come on and be heard. I have now been interviewed on as well as performed on his show multiple times and he continues to play my songs. Lorenzo has been a huge supporter of mine and has become a dear friend. My gratitude for him is beyond measure.

What sets me apart from others is my experience in my former career with the NYPD where I spent 20 years from 2000-2020. During that time I served on patrol, followed by the SCUBA Team and then the Emergency Service Unit where I retired from. My training and experience has given me the focus and interest to raise awareness regarding mental health and suicide prevention through the use of my music. I believe that the stigma needs to be lifted so that we can have open conversations about finding people the proper care that they need to live happy and healthy lives. I wrote a song called Hold On in an effort to lift people up and to show them that they are not alone. I care deeply for those who are suffering and hope that I can find ways to support anyone who needs help.

I moved to Nashville about 9 months ago now and have been continuing to develop as a song writer, performer and guitar player. I could not be more thankful for the people who have welcomed me here and the talent that they are willing to share. It is both humbling and inspiring.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well for me the first place I played and went to when I got into town was Kimbros Pickin Parlor and it’s exactly where I’d start. The fact that you can end up jamming with random people on the porch or in the back room after catching an amazing band up front is pure magic to me. They also host a songwriters night so I’d bring a guest to see some amazing writers performing their songs. I’d also be sure that they hang out at The Commodore Grill and the Local here in Nashville. If you want the real thing they are two places that for me showcase an amazing environment with indescribable talent. Another place for me that is a must see is Fox and Locke in Leipers Fork. Their Thursday night open mic is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before and I would love for people to experience that for themselves. Alex Tinker is the MC for the show and there is nobody who is more supportive, honest and encouraging to upcoming artists. I’m not a huge foodie so generally after bringing my buddies around to all these places and eating there (because they all have amazing food and staff) I’d probably tell them to hit up a McDonalds and call it a night. But honestly the BBQ is legendary here in Nashville so that is a good place to start. Of course they’d have to see Broadway and the amazing musicians that play along there as well. My final must see would be the Opry. The history the musicians and everything that is inside of that building is nothing short of spectacular.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom and brothers are a huge reason for the success I’ve found. My mother was raising three boys by herself and taught us the meaning of following through. My grandfather Frank Higgins was also a huge inspiration to my life. As far as changing the course of my life I’ve had three teachers that have significantly impacted me from both a young age and in college. Joyce Lentz, and Angela Waters were both teachers of mine when I was younger who both believed in me and encouraged me, They saw through the punky kid and always encouraged my potential. In college I was just about ready to fail out for the second time when I met a professor Jeff Horblit who literally changed the course of my life for the better. I went from almost failing out again to the Deans list within a semester or two just because of his inspiration. My former teammates are also the best individuals I’ve had the honor to know.

Website: https://www.dancoriomusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancoriomusic_official/

Twitter: @dancoriomusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010215918130&mibextid=2JQ9oc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOkq6exb29a7CtVVq3pCvGA

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4owWTbOLsTGoMEsSRP5lEP?si=izfrntoVRk61GnroGU3RDw

Image Credits
Jose Mendez Photography Jeff Crespi Rocks

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