Today we’d like to introduce you to Dylan Gorenberg.
Hi Dylan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Every musician has a few pivotal moments that made them want to pursue music as a career. My first moment was in the Spring of 2006 when my family went on a vacation where we attended a happy hour at our hotel. We sat with a couple that was getting married that weekend and while talking with them, learned that the woman was Ruta Sepetys, then manager for guitarist Steve Vai. Steve was about to start a tour as a special guest on Dweezil Zappa’s “Zappa Plays Zappa” tribute tour to his late father Frank Zappa. The show featured many of Frank Zappa’s previous band members including Steve Vai, Napoleon Murphy Brock, and Terry Bozzio. Ruta was generous enough to arrange passes for my family to see that tour and meet Steve backstage. That concert changed my life, watching Steve Vai play guitar that night blew my mind. I was mesmerized by his playing because it made me realize the range of the guitar and the possibilities it held. I was able to meet Steve and our brief talk inspired me endlessly. From that moment on I was obsessed with the instrument.
The next pivotal experience for me was thanks to my middle school principal (again, not the most conventional). Before settling down in the San Francisco Bay Area and becoming my middle school Principal, Mr. John Whitney was a guitarist performing with artists such as Eddie Money and Tower of Power. Every Friday morning he hosted Rock N’ Roll Club before school as an outlet for kids who didn’t play orchestral music. Now I am not a morning person at all, but when I tell you I didn’t miss a single Friday morning in those three years, this is no exaggeration. I looked forward to learning new music every week and performing at school events each year. I credit the Rock and Roll club as the reason why I kept up such good grades in school. It really was my everything.
Fast forward to college, where I had been accepted to USC’s Thornton School of Music. At USC, I was constantly surrounded by brilliant musicians who inspired me daily and still do to this day. They made me want to be the person and musician I am today and it was because of them that I decided to continue my educational studies completing my master’s in music and currently pursuing a doctorate in musical arts.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like most other creatives I don’t think my journey has been a straight line but more of a winding road. When the lockdown occurred in March 2020 I felt lost. That March I was supposed to fly to Nashville to perform at the iconic Grand Ol’ Opry which was canceled one week before we were set to leave. Shortly following that, the cruise ship I had signed an eight-month performance contract with was put on indefinite hold. Leading up to that cruise ship commitment I had stepped away from most of my jobs in Los Angeles planning for the upcoming journey at sea. I was at square one and I didn’t know which way to turn. This caused me to essentially start over and look at different avenues and as one door closed a dozen opened. The pandemic gave me time to really learn more about the art of recording and quite frankly made me fall in love with it. That summer, I ended up collaborating and recording for composers and producers all over the world for various film, tv, and artist projects. Although it was a bit bumpy along the way I couldn’t have been more thankful to end up where I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I’ve learned is that performance isn’t the only avenue for a musician. In addition to my live gigs, I am currently working as a consultant for Fender Guitars for their online educational platform Fender Play. I also record and compose for various forms of media such as film, tv, various youtube channels, podcasts, and much more. That work has even led me to consult in curriculum development for a startup specializing in guitar education. Although it can be stressful at times, I love the variety that each day has to offer.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
One of the most important characteristics that I have discovered as a working musician is the flexibility to adapt to the needs of each project. It is also critical to never stop learning about your craft and keep an open mind to new possibilities. It would also be wrong if I did not thank all of my mentors along the way. They have all shaped my musical and personal identity and I couldn’t be more proud to have studied under them. They all helped me become a well-rounded individual with all aspects of music whether it be performing in a wide variety of genres, music technology, and much more.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dylangorenberg.com
- Instagram: @dylan.gorenberg
Image Credits
Kathy Kielar
