Blog Post

News from Dan
17 July 2015

It’s Been a Hard Days Night, and I’ve Been Working…

Man I love that opening chord. Harrison said it was an “F with a G on top (on a 12-string),” and that “you’ll have to ask Paul about the bass note to get the proper story.” So it’s some kind of slash chord… and yet, musical experts still debate the exact name of the chord. (Check out this link for some great info on that opening chord)

Well, it’s true. It seems like I’ve been busier than ever the past few months; and once again it’s been SO long since I’ve updated you on what’s happening with me, musically.

New Website & Media

If you’re reading this blog, chances are you’ve checked out the new site. If not, have a look around and shoot me a message (“hit me with your best feedback”)… well, ‘fire away’ (k, that was lame). The whole site has been updated – from pics to videos to layout – and I’m very proud of it. Much thanks goes out to Luke Johnson at Open Skies Media for designing me such a stellar site! (See his portfolio here). Also, if you like what you see in the ‘Video Gallery’ – there’s a whole bunch of new live videos on my YouTube channel. So check those out too!

Speaking of my YouTube channel, I’m excited to announce that I’ve started the process of doing ‘Gear Review’ videos as well as short, ‘Guitar Lesson’ videos! I’ve been longing to do this for some time, but there’s always been something in the way (she moves…. k, enough with the Beatles quotes!). As I write to you now, I can say I’ve done most of the ground work; so you can expect the first of these videos to show up in Aug!

Western Canada Summer Games

For those of you who don’t know, I had the amazing opportunity to work as the Producer for the theme song to the 2015 Western Canada Summer Games. It was an amazing experience, and I was re-united with my friend (and Engineer from my album) – Scott Weber. The song (titled “Alive”) was written by Sarah Canning and featured her skills along with drummer Chris Wells. I’m proud to say that we made a great pop song – an anthem – that will be played all over Wood Buffalo for the next month!

There is a wealth of live music opportunities happening throughout the two weeks the athletes are here. The venues I’m performing at range from a few performances at the Visitors Village – to Jubilee Plaza and even Shell Place. It’s unbelievable – the amount of work I have as a result of the Summer Games (and that there’s enough to go around for all local artists in the community!). I’m very thankful. If you look at my ‘Event Listing’ section, you’ll see where I’m on the bill (either with groups or as a soloist) – and I’m hoping to see some of you out at the shows! Probably the biggest opportunity (and I can’t say too much, as I need to keep things a secret) will be my performance at the Opening Ceremonies. What I can tell you, is that this will be the closest thing to a legit ‘Rock Show’ performance (pyro, props and all) that I have ever been a part of – and I’m so excited! I will be joined by a young, upcoming virtuoso – who I’ll reveal at a later date. And I may or may not be doing original material at the Opening Ceremonies…

Times Like These

CanadaDayPicVocal

Another phase to this “time of (my) life” that I’m thrilled to tell you all about is that I’m back into fronting gigs as a vocalist & player – rock n’ roll gigs! Most of you who know me have seen me as primarily a Freelance guy – an accompanist – or a calibrator. When you’ve seen me ‘solo’ it’s almost always been ‘Instrumental Guitar’ – and mostly in Jazz styles. Maybe it’s the long hair (and this inner desire to be Dave Grohl), or it’s the fact that I used to sing and front rock/alt bands in high school and college and I’m feeling the itch again – or that my family just needs a little more cash flow – but, I’m back to performing as a vocalist & player full time (along with my other endeavors)! Don’t hear me wrong, I am still a Freelance player, and I love my instrumental music (as you can see from my album) – and there is an equally significant inner desire – as big as channeling the ff Frontman – to write my own standards and satch-like rock melodies. I can’t get away from my love of country slingers like Johnny Hiland/Brent Mason or Brad Paisley; or players like Wes Montgomery and the eclectic Pat Metheny. It’s just that I do love to sing too – 90’s rock and blues, that is – and sling that Songwriter as much as the Les Paul! Shout out goes to rocker and killer singer Dan Tulk for helping me to get back into this!

We Choose To Go To The Moon…

“What’s ahead?” – you may ask. And the answer is jam packed. There are so many cool opportunities opening up in the fall… and I’m so thankful I can work towards them. Also, there are big changes happening for my family (“all good things, all good things”…. get out of my head Frozen!) in the coming months; and I’ll let you all know as things unfold. It’s going to be a challenging season – but a really good season – and eternally worthwhile. Music-wise, the vision is as strong as ever. I have recording time booked in August for two upcoming solo musical projects; and I am finally pursuing a couple avenues that have been on the back burner for the past couple years.

I’ve been so inspired by the JFK speech, “We Choose to Go to the Moon” lately, and I’ve been really challenged to live by it… It’s right, you know, to do whatever it is you have to do – and feel called to do – to pursue what’s on your heart – and to do it with your family at your side… and “do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard…”

…thanks Brad Paisley for putting that quote on your “Moonshine in the Trunk” album, I love it.

Until we meet again (which is a great Johnny Hiland tune),

Dan

Turning the Page // Dan Gillies
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  2. Horse Chase // Dan Gillies
  3. In the Mood For Modal // Dan Gillies
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  7. Turning the Page (Reprise) // Dan Gillies