Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Washington.
Hi Daniel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
How I got started with music is a funny story actually. I have always been a lover of music and the feelings it evokes, the way it makes moments memorable, and just how it was always a song that, in some way or another, I could resonate with. What really got me started as a musician is at the church that I still attend; during a special event with a guest speaker and choir, they had a piano player; we had a drum set, but neither of us had a drummer. Suddenly, my Apostle, who was sitting in the very front of the church, pointed to me and then at the drums, albeit reluctantly at first, and having no actual experience, I went anyway. I was not that bad, according to the piano player. From that moment, I decided if I was going to play the drums, I might as well learn and proceeded to teach myself. I have been playing for 16 years now. As I have grown and experienced, I came to realize that I enjoy making music as well. I have recently graduated from Lawson State with my associate degree in music production and will be going in for my master’s degree.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it definitely has not been an easy road. I faced a lot of obstacles along the way, from lack of support to my parent delaying me from getting into college and not knowing what I actually wanted to major in once I got in, which led to changing my major three times before I finally found my niche in music while maintaining life and work. I am thankful that these experiences have added to my resilience, but I also can not help but wonder how much earlier I could have completed the first half of my education if I could have started college when I originally intended.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a musician and aspiring producer who dabbles in lyricism and correction and specializes in instrumentals and live performances. Since I am still building my brand Gaijin Productions, I do not have something that I am known for but best believe I will very soon. I am most proud of not giving up. I know that sounds very cliché, but considering I did not plan to live this long, it means a lot to me.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The advice I would tell anyone no matter what is trust the process and remain diligent. Something that I wish I had known when I started is to not be afraid to show my art and be proud of what I create, no matter how small it may seem in my eyes; it is something that I made from my own thoughts and is a part of me so be proud of it and myself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: lwicorp.org
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/gaijin-p
Image Credits
Lawson State Community College and Friends
