Meet Daniel Chandler | Hip Hop Artist for Christ, Music Teacher, and Multi-Instrumentalist

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

Hi Daniel, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Music has been a part of my life since the very beginning. Both of my parents are trained musicians and taught me how to sing, play piano, and play the trombone since a very early age. Trombone became my primary instrument as I started high school. During this time, I participated in marching band, wind ensemble, honor band, and jazz band. As I continued my musical journey in high school, I developed an interest in poetry in high school English class, which led me to try writing my own rhymes and poems. I thoroughly enjoyed making stories through my words and hearing the flow as they came together. I began learning music composition and beat making in college and in 2021 I released my first single, making DANCHAN my artist name. My purpose in my art and creativity is to share truth, clarity, and beauty through music. I hope many are blessed and impacted as they listen.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The professional career began in 2017 when I became the music director at Castaic Middle School. It was a long path of many hours of hard work to achieve this milestone, but every moment shaped me and prepared me for this full time career as a music educator. I got my first experience teaching, working as camp counselor and instructor with the Boy Scouts of America at an aquatic camp in San Diego, located on Fiesta Island. I worked this job for 4 summers between 2011 and 2014, becoming the Mariner Program Director, in which I trained junior high and high school students on fundamental skills and techniques required for the rank of Eagle Scout. This opportunity greatly developed my passion for teaching as well as my love for people, and I grew much during this time.

I started at the Master’s University in 2011 with my declared major as music education. This endeavor became very difficult early on for me, as I struggled to grasp the knowledge in my music theory courses. At one point, I almost changed majors, but the encouragement of my professors and some very dear friends boosted my spirits and determination, and I stuck with it. I finished my courses well with great endeavor, earning my bachelor’s degree in music education in 2015. Once graduating, I received some excellent counsel and stepped out in faith to purse earning my California teaching credential, also at the Master’s University. This program was extremely challenging and tested me greatly, but God was with me every step of the way. I was able to earn my credential in 2017 and nine days later, was hired by the Castaic Union School District to be the next music director at Castaic Middle School.

During these past 7 years as a full time music educator, I have built many connections with families and the surrounding community in Santa Clarita. I have taken another part time job after school hours, teaching as many as 15 students per week. This side profession has been a tremendous blessing and has helped not only provide for my family and me, but also has continued to fuel my passion for teaching and investing in the lives of young people.

These past 7 years I have continued to develop my lyric writing and music artistry in making hip hop. I have found great joy and fulfillment in making my own music and expressing myself through it. I also make many YouTube shorts of me playing the trombone and other instruments I have learned.

Last but least, my other part time job as a freelance musician has been a tremendous joy and blessing to me. Since graduating college, I have become a member of several big bands, including the Baker Brother’s Big Band, the Great American Swing Band, the Christian Anthony Music Group, the Golden Coast Gold (GCG) Big Band. and the Grace Baptist Church Big Band. I also auditioned in 2017 with the professional level Grace Community Church Brass Ensemble and Orchestra, earning the position as the 2nd trombonist. In addition to playing with these numerous musical groups, I have subbed with my other bands and orchestras and continue to develop myself as a professional trombonist and musician.

I have learned many valuable lessons in my journey as a professional musician, hip hop artist, and music educator. Amongst these lessons, I have learned how important it is to work hard and stay focused and determined to achieve my goals. I have learned to persevere, even when it is difficult, and I am feeling exhausted. I have learned more about seeking counsel and feedback from those who are in my career and those who have gone before me. The greatest lesson that I have learned of all is to stay humble and be patient, and to trust God above all. My career as a hip hop artist has been slow, and it has been very expensive to produce my music at a high level. While it is not my goal to become popular and makes lots of money with my music, it certainly would be a welcome blessing so I can further provide for my wife and family. However, I am learning each day to trust God and rely on Him for His provision. I know all things happen according to His will and that He will always take care of me.

I want the world to know about my music and my story, not because I want to be recognized for all my achievements and creativity, but because I can have the platform to share the testimony of God’s grace in my life and why I do what I do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are many places I would like to take my best friend too. On the list I would include several beaches, including Ventura, Venice, and Huntington Beach. We would also spend some time at the Last Bookstore, and most likely visit several coffee shops in Santa Clarita and LA, including Havana Savannah, Honu Coffee, and Verve Coffee Roasters. We would also go see some baseball games at the Dodger Stadium and do some surfing in Malibu. Lastly, there are several restaurants we would love to eat at, including Bricks Burgers, the Odyssey, and the Sunset Restaurant.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to several people. First and foremost, I want to recognize my parents, who worked very hard to both provide and support me in my musical education. Secondly, I would like to recognize my college professor Dr. Stephen Opfer, who pushed my to strive for musical excellence and instilled a passion for practicing and performing consistently at a high level. Last but not least, I would like to recognize my beautiful wife, Alexandra Romero Chandler. Alex has been my rock and biggest support in my music career, and she has constantly stood at my side, providing excellent feedback, advise, and encouragement along the way. With these people, I would not be the artist or person that I am today. I thank God for each of them!

Website: https://linktr.ee/dtchanfam

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556142701388

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@danchan166soun

Other: https://www.cmsroarsmusic.org/