Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel LeClaire.
Hi Daniel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From a very young age, I wanted to be in Broadway shows and had been doing theatre since two years old. I knew it was what I wanted my whole life and even went to a music and dance conservatory for college. I did plenty of regional shows right out of college at 19 and then got my big break when I was 22.
I quickly realized when I booked the hit Broadway show that maybe this wasn’t for me. I wanted more freedom, more space to create, and most importantly something fulfilling to tell my story, not exactly the same way 8 times a week. I left Book of Mormon after 1,200 shows and three years for a similar yet completely different world. I thought it would be easy… and some aspects were, but the Broadway and Recording industries have very little crossover. I will say I am glad I did theatre first because it trained me to get it right the first time, but I am in love with the music business because it allows me to be open, embrace imperfections (or what I thought were imperfections in my past) and be an uninhibited artist.
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?
My journey has been a wide winding road. Non-conventional to say the least. I am very proud of the path I have taken and am still on, but most importantly I have no regrets, so I consider that a somewhat smooth road. It has not been easy though. I work every day on my craft and I manage myself, so that is the hardest part as of right now… I am booking my musician’s travel, hotels, meals, constantly writing and completing venue contracts, sending invoices, managing social media, and the list goes on! Ideally, I would love to sign with a music manager that believes in my work and sees another side of me that I don’t even see in myself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer, songwriter, and director. I am known for my soulful and honest voice on stage and loyal, empathetic heart off. I am most proud of staying humble throughout the years and keeping my relationships with friends and family at the front of my mind. I think I am successful in the arts because I have a very versatile mind. I can comprehend the business aspects and also create, which I think is extremely important in this industry. Most importantly, I am loyal and honest…. which can be a challenge at times, but I believe that the positive outweighs the negative in the long run!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Well, I am hoping more independent artists like myself can monopolize on their art. I don’t stream my music, I sell it as merch at my concerts and make far more than if I had it online. I am loving that TikTok is exposing artists that wouldn’t normally have a chance to be heard. I would love for artists to be able to monetize while off-stage as well. We are heavily overworked on tour (even though it is my happy place) I would love to see these streaming services, big labels, and entertainers work together to make fair income for the ones creating the content!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DanielLeClaireMusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielleclairemusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanielLeClaireMusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjBlLjMrv1Y&t=456s
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/danielleclairemusic/sets/21st-century-standard
- Other: https://linktr.ee/danielleclairemusic?fbclid=PAAaZ9HjVSIJUUwssw0kx18iq-Ggp7aD_tt4KFCmB487mYwhDUIdH2U0gO6fg
