Meet Daniel Lape: Musician / Musical Director

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

Hi Daniel, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I believe that risk plays a major part in the trajectory of an artist/musician’s career. My thoughts on risk are that no matter what, calculated risk plays a role in every decision made. You’ll generally fall somewhere on the risk scale when you get into situations that can potentially expand your career. Although once in a while it is necessary, I’ll usually avoid the excessive ranges of risk or lack thereof. Almost certain levels of failure due to risk, you might lose that connection, job, etc… But, too little risk and you’ll never grow. Examples from my own career usually come in the form of when a client asks if I can do something that might be new to me. Like performing on an instrument that’s not my normal, or something technical that I may need to research. I’ll normally calculate risk by the amount of time needed to prepare. There have been plenty of times I’ve pulled all-nighters practicing in order to be ready for the job the next day. Was there still a chance of failure, definitely, but I could manage the risk by attempting to be as prepared as possible.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a music director and musician. I help translate the artist’s music into a live experience. There are many musicians that do what I do but to do it well, you need experience, creative instinct, and a loving heart. When you’re working with someone’s music, that’s their heart and soul in recorded form. You have to know how take care and navigate that. I believe I do a great job of teaming all those aspects to help create a product that everyone associated is proud of. The ideals that got me to where I am today professionally, are hard work and perseverance. Nothing replaces being prepared and going the extra mile when working on a project. It’s definitely not easy. As a musician, you hear many more “noes” than “yeses”. Failed auditions. Being replaced. Late nights and early mornings. You’re trying to make a living in a career that does not offer much job security. In my situation, I’ve always been able to lean on my love of music when times are tough. There’s no other business/career/ job that I’d rather have. The biggest lesson I’ve learned through my career is to enjoy it. There’s usually a drive to be more talented, have better gigs, have better instruments, etc… It wasn’t until recently that I learned that you should also enjoy where you currently are as well. I love Music. The ability to perform it, share it, listen to it, love it, hate it, the friends you make, the places it takes you, and the life it’s currently afforded me. I’m grateful everyday for the connecting ability music has, and I’m always honored I get to play a role in that.

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?
My family and colleagues. My family for allowing me the space to pursue music and their praise and guidance for every little success and setback along the way. My colleagues for being there to support and push me through my career. Music is meant to be shared. So when I create with them, there’s nothing better.

Website: daniellape.com

Instagram: instagram.com/dlapemusic

Youtube: youtube.com/daniellapemusic