Daniel Herring

A bit slower but still moving forward.

I was born in Atlanta, Georgia on a cold and rainy day. Tried the Navy at 17 but they didn't know what to do with me. My school of hard knocks was the open road. I traveled the highways and byways of this great nation for nigh on 15 years. My main work experience was in social service as a manager for both the Salvation Army and the Sioux City Gospel Mission. In the year 2000, I bought music generation software at Staples and began composing music on my computer. At present, I have around 200 works. It's just something I like to do.

Profile

Instruments

Genres

Influences

Equipment

What is music to you? What does it give you?

Neither the beat nor the melody can be repetitious. Music must keep the ear engaged and interested.

What is your music dream?

An amalgam of David Lanz, Paul Speer, Vangelis, and Enya is a good place to start.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

I would outlaw butterbeans.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

The Grandfather Clock.

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

David Lanz and Paul Speer. Enya. Vangelis. Cusco. The Guess Who. CCR. The Chieftans. Dougie McClean. Neil Diamond. John McClean. The Seekers. John Denver. And many more.

What inspires you to make music?

When I hear an imaginative work, my mind begins to do something of the same nature. I see the shape of it, the direction it takes, I see myself transported and lifted up to similar efforts.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

No message. It's just music. If someone likes it, I feel justified.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

I do not perform.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

Initially, I was gladdened to see the whole self-publishing mindset roll in. I thought the little guy would finally get his footing. Unfortunately, the suits in charge scattered their henchmen throughout the new landscape. When everything settled, there were countless trolls each holding his own little bridge for ransom. Now, the little man still has to jump through someone else's hoop. We still have pay out the nose and suffer the inbred prejudices of the old industry diehards. A good place to begin would be to rid ourselves of the trolls and, thus, insure free passage over every bridge.

What do you think of Drooble?

I am new to Drooble but I like the concept. Open platforms that actually work are hard to find.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

The prejudice some sites have against computer music. Paying for a 'pro' upgrade only to find that I am still charged for certain features. Jumping through someone else's fiery hoop -- I was never one to beg for treats.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

Sadly, I am too busy with my day job.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

Musicians already have all the right qualities. The larger audience is like the greener grass on the other side of the fence. The fence is the problem.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Dom Nelson, Jerry Norman Jr., Ruta Statkeviciute.