We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dan Wesley White a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dan Wesley, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Ive been looking for the answer to this for many years. Ive always wondered what my purpose in life could be. Ive held many jobs, but it wasn’t until the last few years that I’ve started understanding what I need to do in life. Ive always been interested in music and have the heart of a performer. I joined the military right out of high school. This gave me focus and discipline. I auditioned for the Army band program and made the cut to be enlisted. I stayed in the service for 9 years. During this time i did become burned out and decided to use my benefits to go back to school to be an English Literature major. After i got out, i started working security jobs to make ends meet. The daily grind of a regular job started wearing on me to where i decided to back to school full time and earn a teaching degree. I missed music, so i switched my major to music education to become a band director. I completed my bachelors degree when i was 33 years old. I interviewed in a little border town on the Texas/Mexico border called Del Rio. This year marks my 19th year. I love teaching and passing on the love for music to students, but there was still something missing. 2 years ago, I decided to leave my mark on the artistic world as a legacy for my family when i am no longer around. I began writing out songs and words to emotions I am felt. I found a studio in Nashville that helps singer/songwriters flesh out their creations. With their help I have recorded 7 songs which are available on streaming and radio. I am currently recording my 8th song which should be out before Thanksgiving. The power to create a living art that transforms peoples emotion is something I have never experienced before. It can be very addicting and allows me to bring issues up through song to bring awareness to problems I see in today’s world. This is now my purpose.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Going off what I said before, Ive played 30+ years professionally, but it was always other people’s music. This new freedom to write and record my own feelings and emotions and tell a story or message is great therapy for mental health. If it wasn’t for music, I really don’t think I would be alive today. One of my main goals is to bring awareness to military suicides. After seeing things in the military and how the VA system runs, mental health for our soldiers, sailors and marines is not something that is put too high on the take care of list. I enlisted at a time when taking a mental health break or going to a doctor for health issues was frowned upon. Now years later after many tug o war sessions with the VA for benefits and compensation, the average “Joe” is sent through a bunch of hoops and red tape to receive the care the desperately need. It is because of this runaround that a lot of GI’s have taken their lives to get through the depression. Because they feel there is no help. Until; the US fixes these issues, the 22 a day average of military suicides will not stop but only get worse. This is the reason I wrote my song “22”. To bring awareness to the issue so people can have those conversations. Its also my way of reaching out to those veterans who may be contemplating something and let them know there is hope. For this message I have partnered with some veteran organizations and allow them to use my song in any capacity to get the message out about veteran suicide.
My newest single “Better Than Me” is currently in production and should be out before Thanksgiving next month.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
First big skill is being able to play your instrument. I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I’ve had if I didn’t know how to play my bass guitar at a higher level. I would never have passed the military audition. 2nd, Perserverence. Being able to handle rejection or complete life changes even in the face of overwhelming No’s that life throws at us. 3rd which is really important, mental health. Knowing your limits, listening to your body when it’s sick or tired. Taking a Mental health day to unwind and destress. This is so important to see the bigger picture of your life and interactions. Take care of yourself, because you are the only one who can. Your job will still be there.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
My songwriting skills fall under the Country/Americana style. It is easier for me to relate to not only as a blue collar worker, but also as a veteran. Ive been working since I was 10 years old picking crops and mowing yards around the neighborhood. So I’m looking for collaboration with songwriters and musicians who have a similar upbringing so our messages can complete an idea or thought. That’s not to say I wont work with anyone, not at all, its just I think those type of musicians and songwriters will offer a setting in music that I can compliment them with or vice versa. People interested in collaborating can message me online through my facebook artist page under Dan Wesley White, or contact me on my webpage: www.DanWesleyWhite.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.danwesleywhite.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090200571263
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@danwesleywhite1995
- Other: Tik Tok
https://www.tiktok.com/@danwhite267?_t=8iTquwGoIBC&_r=1
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