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

Hi Dakota, is there something you believe many others might not?
I was told by someone once that I should take things slow. In my experience opportunities don’t often come to people who take things slow. Every time an opportunity came and it was for the betterment of the label or bands I took it. Not all of them worked out but taking hits are necessary. There is something to learn in failure too. My eyes are always set on the horizon with the people at DI Records.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’d have to say it’s our people and the message we send. Each of our bands stands for something to impact the lives of others and help them get through the darkest parts of their lives. There wasn’t just one thing that got us to this point. It was the culmination of opportunities, our people, friends, supporters, dedication, and just a bit of luck. Nothing about it was easy but I wouldn’t trade a single moment I spent with them for anything in the world. We overcame challenges the same way we take on each day, together.

Most of the lessons we learned came about because we didn’t prepare enough. My advice is to have internal paperwork, not just contracts. Get guidelines and a code of conduct as a bare minimum.

Our message is simple: Music can save the soul of a person not just their lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many spots in Pittsburgh to visit one week isn’t enough. We could hit a different venue every day. There is Stage AE and at Mr. Smalls, we have the option of seeing locals and nationals. Then we have East Carson St on the South Side, a single street filled with venues, restaurants, bars, and stores. One of my favorite places to go is the Smiling Moose. It’s a small venue but it has great food, awesome employees, and some of my favorite bands have played there. As I said, one week is not enough when you come to Pittsburgh.

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?
There are so many people who inspire me to not just work in music but to live my life to the fullest. I dedicate this to the people in DI Records and everyone who works alongside my music family. One more shoutout to my brother Ted. He may not be with us anymore but he was the one who pushed hardest for me to create the label.

Website: www.direcordspgh.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DIRecords1

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeeN0q1wjhs3AnNYLzYA7wQ

Image Credits
Shy Montuoro

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.