Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Danny Janklow · Accepted Answer

“There are days when the music will be a little frustrating and days where you’ll have huge breakthroughs and epiphanies about the music. Keep learning, keep rehearsing songs you’re learning and keep doing the research. The more you’re dedicated to that, every day will be a growing experience.
“Keep sticking to it. Keep playing as much as you can and having a really positive attitude about the music. The more you practice and the more you play really does equate to you getting better and having more opportunities to grow — that’s the number one thing as a Musician, everyone wants to grow and get better.
“Play with people. Find people better than you and ask them to play. Don’t be afraid to be the worst person at a jam session. When you’re uncomfortable and you put yourself in a situation where you can really get your butt kicked, those are some of the most rewarding experiences.”

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Danny Janklow · Accepted Answer

“Everybody goes about it in different ways but I think the biggest mistake is doing things the way you’re told to do them. If you go about making an entire career based on what other people tell you to do, you may never be able to realize your full potential. You really have to be able to make your own choices whether they’re wrong or right.
“Be creative and think outside the box. A lot of people told me to move to New York right off the bat, for example. I was getting opportunities to play out there and I moved home. I went against what people were telling me. I stuck it out. I’ve been very successful here; I’m very happy.
“Make your own decisions and have the integrity to stick them out and enjoy the process. Be your own person. The greatest advice I can give to anyone is to make your own decisions, stick by them, and learn from doing it wrong. Don’t be afraid to be your own man or woman in this industry.”

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Danny Janklow · Accepted Answer

“Is it hard to be a Musician?
“It’s not hard to be a Musician but it’s hard to be an artist for this reason: it’s not always a consistent career. It’s not a career that has an hourly wage or yearly salary. Things are different week-by-week or month-by-month but, you know, it’s a rewarding career and that’s something people often don’t discuss when they talk about the music industry.
“It’s hard and there are difficulties. It’s not the best time to be an aspiring Musician but it’s very rewarding. If you can stick it out and really develop a good reputation among the community and your peers, I do think the reward is worth it and that’s playing music at a high level and being able to call it your job.”

Question 4

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Danny Janklow · Accepted Answer

“Passion. That drives me more than anything, being passionate about the music and what I can give to people through the music. Being around generous mentors has helped me develop that passion; they have been generous with their love and it’s carrying through me.”

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