Listen to Episode 20: iTunes – Spotify – Stitcher – Soundcloud
Dan Quinn is an event entertainment expert, multi-instrumental live looping musician, singer, DJ, and Master of Ceremonies (MC) who specializes in private events such as weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, festivals, school events, and private parties.
Guitarist. Singer. Live Looping Master. One Man Band. MC. DJ. Party Starter. Limit Pusher. Pretty fun guy to hang out with. Totally responsible suburban dad. Known by friends and fans alike as “DQ” or even “DQB”, Dan Quinn has received rave reviews for both his live shows and DJ performances, treating each and every party as if it was his own.
Whether a live acoustic set of familiar pop songs for a backyard birthday party, a wild, multi- instrumental display of musicianship at a corporate event, a minimal or deep house DJ set for a swanky cocktail party, or an “all hands in the air” dance party at a prom or wedding reception, nothing makes Dan more excited than pumping energy into a room through great music.
As a full time professional musician based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Dan performs at over 100 events per year, specifically at private events such as weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, and house parties. Having mastered the art of his live “one man band” and mixing beats across all tempos and genres as a DJ, Dan takes the time to know his clients and their needs before every event, working to create moments that will last as memories for years to come.
Over the past 15 years, Dan has performed on stages of all sizes- small intimate house parties, weddings and fundraisers with hundreds of people on hand, and large corporate events at AT&T Stadium, the American Airlines Center, The House of Blues, and Gilley’s in Dallas. He has traveled for events across the country, and has even taken the stage (twice) at the Hard Rock Cafe in Bogota, Colombia.
Topics mentioned:
- Pursuing an engineering degree while learning guitar
- Playing pubs, fraternity houses, coffee shops and fundraisers in college
- Getting into looping and beatboxing
- Balancing a corporate job and music
- Moving to Bogota, Columbia
- Battling the starving artist stigma to pursue music full time
- Developing a business plan
- Taking control of your music career
- The difference between a $100 gig and $1,000 gig
- Making up to $5,000 per gig
- The reality of playing at a club, restaurant or bar
- Why private parties pay more
- The secret to charging higher rates
- Truly connecting with clients
- The power of love
- Using music to create a customized experience and build trust
- Taking an emcee class
- Dan’s big “aha” moment
- Using the power of your mind
- The one things stopping you from making more money
- Believing in yourself
Resources & Names mentioned:
- Universitiy of Rochester
- Eastman School of Music
- Texas Instruments
- DLP Systems
- Brad Thompson
- “The Madrigals” by Howie Day
- IDT Band
- How To Set Your Rate Blog/Podcast Episode
- Gigmasters
Connect with Dan
Thanks for listening and keep thriving!
