We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Danny Lipsitz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Danny below.
Danny, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
These days, there’s a very diverse workload that most musical artists take on to be successful. In order to make a living, I am, for example, a bandleader, sideman, recording artist, promoter, and music contractor. Some of my weekly work, like contracting musicians, doesn’t feel like work at all. I love to be in touch with fellow musicians about upcoming work and can spend a long time in this mode without taking a break. However, posting performance clips on social media feels like a chore.
Everyone has bits of their work that come naturally and bits that require deliberate execution. Forcing myself to take on a task at a consistent part of my daily routine – like posting a video right after lunch – reinforces the task until it becomes a habit. Creating a true habit can be a powerful tool.
On a broader level, when I see a potential opportunity or have a strong idea, it can become an all-consuming experience for me to see that it materializes. When my mind has decided to on finish a recording, plan a music event, or get booked on a certain gig, I can, for better or for worse, experience a hyperfixation that overshadows the sensation of hard work.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a professional musician in New York City. I play saxophone, clarinet, guitar, piano — a bunch of stuff. I am currently focused on leading my band, but have been a sideman to countless artists, many whom are world-renowned. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world playing music, develop a small following in NYC, and make a full-time living doing this. I’m honored to make music on a weekly basis with some insanely talented musicians.
It is still a constant hustle to promote my shows, perform, and grow my business. Music school programs may teach you the art but could do better at training young musicians in the practical realities of working in this field.
I would say that my band, Danny Lipsitz and The Brass Tacks, is on an upward trajectory and we recently did our biggest show to date, which was for 1,400 ballroom dancers outdoors at Lincoln Center.
I am on the verge of kicking off my brand new, unannounced (until now), Instagram page, @homecookedjams, where I’ll focus on creative recording 0f original arrangements.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Professionalism is crucial and so often overlooked by many talented musicians. If you show up on time, dress right, have a great attitude, and learn the music, you are absolutely going to get called over someone who doesn’t do these things — even if they’re more artistically advanced than you. There are so many incredible musicians who just can’t get this right and don’t get work. Conversely, there are many who aren’t particularly standout musicians but work all the time because they are professional.
As a bandleader, being attuned to the audience (or client) and having extreme attention to detail has served me well. It’s hard to know just what it is that will attract the next fan, client, or promoter, but I spend a lot of time and energy thinking out the details of each performance. This can mean coming in extra early to get the sound system just right, learning just the right song for a special moment at a wedding, hiring a special guest to boost ticket sales, or making sure my band is dressed great for the occasion. Frankly, I get very frustrated when I do see other bandleaders or entertainment companies phone it in, showing up just to do the job, letting the stage look sloppy, playing too loud, or having awkward dead space between songs.
Finally, as someone who has been a sideman for over 20 years, I think it’s so important to be loyal, honest, and respectful to the musicians I hire. Promoters, fans, and venues will come and go, but I am fortunate to work with some of the absolute best musicians in the world and I want to work with them for a very long time. The product that we create comes down to the people I have in the band, and I don’t take that lightly. I really do try to be a cut above in terms of making sure my musicians are paid, fed, and comfortable.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I often feel overwhelmed with both work I need to do and with work I could be doing to pursue new opportunities. I remind myself that it’s only possible to do one thing at a time. I focus on achieving one small thing for the day – even sending a business text or signing a contract – and then let my progress build until I get into the flow of productivity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dannylipsitz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannylipsitzmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DannyLipsitzMusic
Image Credits
Blackstorm Productions
Buksil Jang
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
