Meet Daniel Lyon | Musician & Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniel Lyon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I think it was something I was just drawn to at a young age. I have felt like it’s always been this extension of me that I need to keep expressing. I have pursued many other “non-creative” jobs and just was left feeling unfulfilled, and like I was wasting my time on earth. I’d rather be doing something I love that is creative and moves me, if it turns out to make money that’s a bonus.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The thing I love most about creating music is that you get so many chances to tell a story or paint a picture. You get to create a vibe, or a world for someone to live in for 3-5 minutes at a time (ideally a whole record they would listen to in a sitting). I would say I have been pretty lucky to be able to tour a lot in my career and do some really fun things. It definitely has never been easy. I have sometimes sacrificed time with loved ones, and friends, missing important occasions to either tour or be in the studio. I think for me it’s gone through many different phases of excitement and burnout, depression, or exhaustion. But I think finding that balance can be tough sometimes for musicians who aren’t solely making an income from music. I still fully believe in doing what you love, no matter what gets in your way. Find a way to do the thing, even if it’s on a small scale until you can do it fully.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think this depends if they have been to Seattle before. Usually I like to do a nice blend of city activities and nature things.

For city stuff: it’s fun to just bop around to the different neighborhoods in Seattle, get some great food and drinks and maybe catch a show, go to a Add-a-ball (pinball bar), and then a night cap at Screwdriver in Belltown, Hazlewood Bar in Ballard or Good Voyage in South Park. Of course always fun to take friends to see a show too at Neumos, Crocodile, Tractor Tavern or the other millions of venues I love. Some good daytime stuff to do is: go thrifting, record shopping, head over to Alki beach and walk around or to one of the hundreds of parks here.

For nature things: I love to go to the San Juan Islands, anywhere on the coast, or to some hikes that have a beautiful view or lake at the end. It is a huge reason I love living here, and I love showcasing that to friends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have helped shape who I am and my journey. One person, in particular, was my band Spirit Award’s first manager for 5+ years, Ryan Crowther. He came to us when we had our first EP out and talked about helping out. We were so hesitant to do anything because of being taken advantage of in the past. This situation couldn’t have been more different. He was so selfless and poured his heart and soul into making sure people heard our music. I went through a lot of ups and downs during this time both emotionally, and financially. He kept encouraging and pushing us to keep creating and doing what we loved to do. And it didn’t just stop at me, I witnessed him doing this with friends, people in the community, and strangers. He started Fishermen’s Village Music Festival in Everett, WA which has proven every year to have an amazing lineup. He fills his time taking care of others and building people up and creating a sense of community, and asking for nothing in return. It is that attitude and care I strive to have.

Website: spiritawardmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spirit_award/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spiritawardband/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@spiritaward684

Image Credits
Rachel Bennett, Bella Petro, Meredith Paulson