Meet Dan Wilson | Songwriter at Black River Entertainment.

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

Hi Dan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued songwriting because I HAVE to write songs. I still remember when I wrote my first song at age 13 and that feeling I got. I’m still chasing that every day on Music Row. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

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.
To me, songwriters are reporters. We report on the world around us. I feel like my super power is curiosity. You have to be curious to do this well. Is the girl on the dance floor, dancing out of her mind happy or sad? Why is the shark skin suit, wing tipped business man so frantic? Why is the beginning chord progression of “Take it Easy” by The Eagles so appealing, so simple? Why do you hate where you’re from? Why do you love where you’re from?

Ordinary people are actually quite extraordinary and talk in lyric on the regular. Listening and being curious is how to write great songs in my opinion.

Out of all the cool things that happened this year, my first radio single, Grand Ole Opry debut, first major label cuts, it’s hard to pick one accomplishment I’m most proud of, but I’m just grateful that after a long time of grinding we are starting to see some fruit of our labors.

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.
Nashville is not just a music town, it’s a FOOD TOWN! Great spots all over.

We would get a cuban at Crema Coffee to start, grab a good brunch at Fenwick’s, head over to The Fox Bar in East Nashville for a cocktail, and chow down at City House in Germantown. Then probably grab a night cap at The Patterson House.

At some point we would catch a show at the Bluebird Cafe or Station Inn, eat a “Recession Special” at Robert’s Western World, drink a Dos Peros and take a trip down memory lane at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It is really hard to only pick a couple people. First and foremost is my wife, Hannah. She is honestly the reason that I am still doing this. She is my number one supporter and encourager. There have been times over the years where I have considered trying something else and she would never have it. She believes in what I’m doing more than I do some days! I also have to thank my mom, dad and my sister. They have encouraged and supported me LONG before anyone on Music Row took a shot on me.

Also my publishers at Black River, Rebekah Gordon, Preston Berger, and Sarah Hudspeth. They are true champions of what I do, get what I do, and fight for me and my songs every day. It truly takes a village to do what we do, and I love winning with my team.

Last but not least, all of my co-writers. It’s a joy to create with all of them. Any day I get to write a song it’s a gift. Collaboration is magic when it’s right, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them and their talents.

Instagram: theotherdanwilson

Image Credits
Nadia Nuyens.