An Interview with Marc Daniels

If you aren't too familiar with the sounds of Marc Daniels, then let us be among the first to introduce you to the artist who recently dropped a brand new single called "Good Old Days", which is a track that reflects exactly that. The good old days.

The so-called good old days are different for all of us, but a lot of us have them. What's funny is we don't realize they're the good old days while they're happening. We only look back and realize a little later in life.

Mark has hit the essence and feeling of looking back at your good old days, and he can pinpoint certain aspects of his own throughout the song, but some of those aspects are the same for plenty of us.

The song was like sitting down and talking with a friend you haven't seen in a long time. There's just something that feels inviting about it, and I took that invitation with open arms.

Marc Daniels is known for his country-rock approach. This track is an excellent example of his style. He puts forth a great vibrancy and energy into the song and, in doing so, makes it even more relatable.

It's like you can tell he's actually excited about the concept of the track itself and its entire sentiment, which is important because it does have that message behind it.

The message is that we're lucky to have good old days. We miss them, of course, but when you realize that you've had your good old days, you can look back on them and smile.

It's the kind of thing that keeps you on your toes. Maybe there's something about right now that will be another set of good old days for you. You never know.

These are the kinds of thoughts that the song brings up for me.

That Americana, country, and rock combination works wonderfully throughout this track, along with his vocals, delivering this set of harmonies a lot of the time and laying out those lyrics with that bright and vibrant approach.

The song also has a lot of great hooks throughout it, both musically and vocally, which I think in country music is a key factor.

Country music in general is one of those last genres that deliver musical hooks the way classic rock used to.

Country music has always had those hooks since the beginning, and this is a refreshing, updated, energetic country single that has its southern swing but hits with a new school sort of vibe.

This was the track that really worked its magic on me, and I'm sure it will for others too.

With the release of such a well-woven single, we wanted to have a sit-down with Marc to find out more about where the song came from exactly and what may be coming up next for the artist as well.

Here's what happened.

Buzz Slayers: Hey Marc! let;s talk about "Good Old Days"! I love this track because it is so nostalgic lyrically! Great Country feel and undertone as well! Where did this track come from exactly?

In all honesty, I was influenced to write Good Old Days when I was watching one of my favorite shows, The Office at 10pm one night.  Andy Bernard’s character had a great line at the end of one of the episodes. He said, “I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them. Someone should write a song about that.”  That really resonated with me, because I’m starting to realize how precious each day is on this earth the older I get.  In the last several years, I’ve faced some real challenges that come with getting older.  I think it's natural as we age to reminisce about the carefree days of our youth when we had our whole lives in front of us and things were so much simpler, but the truth of the matter is we are living the Good Old Days as we speak.  I told the story of the Good Old Days from the perspective of me as an older dad catching my son sneaking in late at night.  I assure him he’s not in trouble, but instead remind him to live these days to the fullest because they sure go by fast.  But the underlying message of this song applies to everyone at any age because you will never be younger than you are today, so we all need to get on living our good old days. 

Buzz Slayers: I can hear Country and Americana along with some other styles here! Who are some of your biggest musical influences? 

I have way too many influences to count but a few that come to mind for this song in particular are Rascal Flatts and Luke Combs.  I’ve always loved the way Rascal Flatts delivers their vocals with soulful layered harmonies and powerful leads. The songwriting of Luke Combs and how he combines modern country with wholesome and honest songwriting is something we need a lot more of.  A lot of country music right now is cut and paste, and falling under the same predictable patterns. When I write I want to speak from my own personal experiences because that’s when as artists we write the best music.  The minute we start to write the songs we “think” people want to hear, that’s when you lose your authenticity.  

Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as a songwriter and artist?

My family has always gravitated towards music.  Both my Grandmother and Mother were very talented singers so it was just a natural thing in our household to have music around us.  My parents enrolled me and my sister in piano lessons when I was 9 years old and have been playing ever since. When I reached my 20’s I got a lot more into singing and eventually got discovered by a band while out singing Karaoke one night.  From there that’s when things really took off and I ended being a front man for several bands in the Pacific Northwest for over 10 years.  The challenge though is that bands rarely stay together.  Over time people grow up and life happens.  You get married, have kids, or have other responsibilities that take priority over music and it becomes harder to keep a group together.  It was at that point I realized I would be better off doing my own thing and decided to become a solo artist. Over the course of years I had made so many connections in the music industry that this was an easy transition.  I was finally able to make the music “I” wanted to make, and I was surrounded by all the people that could help make that happen.  Once I paired up with my producer and good friend Tom Chandler, the rest is history. 

Buzz Slayers: Are you playing shows or touring in support of the release now?

Not at the moment. I have two very young children at home and I want to spend as much time with them during these special years.  I don’t want to miss out on these good old days if you know what I mean!  

Buzz Slayers: Where did you record this one and what are you performing on the track itself instrumentally?

This song was recorded all over the Los Angeles area by some of the most incredible musicians I have ever worked with.  My producer Tom Chandler (who I’ve worked with since the early Marc Daniels days) has newly put together an all-star roster of producers and musicians under the label Elite Recordings and they all contributed to the Good Old Days.  On a typical Marc Daniels song, Tom would usually track guitars and bass and I would track piano parts but we really wanted to take these tracks to the next level so we pulled out all the stops getting the absolute best to record each part.  The level of professionalism and polish really shines there here, and we have so many great musicians to thank for that. 

Buzz Slayers: What's next for you now that this is out?

The Good Old Days is a great song for the nostalgic vibe that comes from all the great memories we make during summer, so for the next few hot months we are going to be pushing this hard and introduce new fans to my sound. The Good Old Days is just another chapter in the evolution of the Marc Daniels journey.  Those that know me for Redheads, Summer song and Dirty South will feel right at home, and those that are hearing for the first time will get a front row seat to one of the songs I’m the most proud of. 

Buzz Slayers: Are you already working on anything new right now?

We have two more singles coming out in the next six months also being released under Elite Recordings.  I don’t want to spoil the surprise but those that know me for Redheads are going to love this next track coming out around Halloween that shows appreciation to the women out there that “age like a fine wine!”

Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?

It's a mix of everything but I’m on a bit of a nostalgic trip right now.  Brooks and Dunn, Mitchell Tenpenny are getting rounded out with a little Supertramp, Aerosmith and even Allan Parson’s Project.  I have a really eclectic background of music I listen to and I encourage everyone to broaden your music horizons beyond what you already know.  There is so much great music out there past and present. 

Buzz Slayers: What would you say people can expect from this track?

Listeners should expect a nostalgic and emotional journey through the past while getting wrapped up in the bittersweet feeling of growing up.  I think listeners will come away feeling good about the memories they have made so far, and optimistic about the memories that have yet to be made. A message being delivered over some of the best musical production out there. 

Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to express to fans of the music?

I’m so grateful for all of you, and I hope my music moves you in some way emotionally.  There is something in my catalog for everyone, and I hope if you like Good Old Days that you will listen to my older hits and to stick around for the new tracks coming later in the year.  Share me with your friends and thank you for following me on this musical journey of life. - Marc Daniels. 

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