Meet Dan Schiz | Professional Touring Guitarist and Songwriter

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

Hi Dan, how do you think about risk?
Risk is pivotal to success. For most of my life, I’ve known exactly what I wanted to do as a career, which is music. But that also meant that I had to stand at a fork in the road and decide to have a life that is comfortable or a life where I do what I love, despite any negative consequences. There aren’t any perfect situations in life. Everything comes with risk. I decided to make choices that I would not regret. I would rather say yes to risky opportunities that would benefit me in the long term than to be comfortable in the short term.

Deciding to pursue music as a full-time career was an important step to my success. I get to travel, play great music with amazing musicians, and connect with passionate fans. It hasn’t been easy, but the journey has taught me more about myself and about life than if I didn’t take that crucial step to just go for it. Life is on the other side of the comfort zone. But I also think that as an extension of that, your true potential is on the other side as well.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I play guitar professionally. I play in the band Powerman 5000. Instead of just focusing on my skill, I decided to focus on other aspects of playing music that often get ignored. I like to be early, well prepared, and reliable. I also rather work smarter than harder and look at the big picture. It hasn’t been easy but I’ve found that my way of working helps save the day. For example, I sometimes might not be somebody’s first choice. But the first choice typically doesn’t work out and then I ultimately get the call for a gig.

The journey to becoming a professional musician was long and difficult, but the biggest challenge was when I actually became a professional. You have to risk it all and even lose it all. Fortunately I didn’t have to lose it all, but the adjustment was very uncomfortable.

I overcame the challenges by changing my mindset. I used to think that every opportunity would be my last and that was the lens that I saw my career and life through. Although that might be true to a certain extent, now I believe that there is limitless potential. I feel hopeful that more work will come to me in the future and that I have something of value to offer. It’s about having an abundance mindset vs. a scarcity mindset.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned are simple: show up on time, be prepared, get everything in writing. Another piece of advice that I can give as a songwriter is never only accept money on the “back end.” That’s the biggest scam in the music industry. Always ask for money upfront.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spot is South Denver. It’s an artsy area with a cool music venue called Herman’s Hideaway. There are a lot of great locally owned restaurants and coffee shops too.

Powerman 5000 are also playing at Mission Ballroom with Mudvayne on August. 8th. Don’t miss it!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout is my friend and bandmate Murv Douglas. He plays alongside me in Powerman 5000. He saw things in me that I did not quite see in myself and believed in my talent. He’s an amazing mentor, songwriting collaborator, and all around great person to be around. He taught me that all of the things I used to judge about myself are the very things that make me unique and will lead me to getting a gig. He was right.

Website: www.danschizmusic.com

Instagram: @danschizmusic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dschiz

Image Credits
Edson Ochoa (@luckyshot_photos)