Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabe McDaniel.
Gabe, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve played guitar since I was a sophomore or junior in high school but have dabbled with music since about 4th grade when I as in choir in Kansas. Moved to Texas in the 7th grade and my school did not have choir. Got into guitar and attempted to write a ton of really bad songs until I stumbled on a few that really meant something to me. Had a bad situation with a girl and wrote an album about it. That ended up being my first record. I recorded it with Nathan Walters at Echo Lab studios and then we did an album release at the Wounded Ostrich (RIP) in Deep Ellum. Nathan matched me with Aaron Payton and Ian Brothers as my bass player and drummer, respectively. Had a killer gig and became good friends and that’s when I knew it was time to start recording full band music. From there, I began writing an EP and recorded with at Echo Labs with the crew. Recruited Rafael Powers to be my sax and flute player and put that EP out. Following this, we had the opportunity to open for Denver Williams with the full band and really stretch our legs with the new tunes. Now we’re all working on a full length album that will be out in 2026 and we’re looking to put some DFW gigs on the calendar for 2026. This band pushes me to be my best and we continually push the bounds of what we are capable of and I think that that will be addictive for live audiences.
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?
It has been smooth… ish. Recording is always a difficult process and as musicians, we’re perfectionists and I always have it in the back of my head “is this actually good”. With this day in age, everything is so dependent on social media and at times, it’s daunting to constantly post and be active to try to grow the brand and audience. That being said, my band and my media manager Mason May of MayMedia are the foundation for me and are those honest friends that tell me if something is really good or really bad. They constantly push me to be my best and I do my best to return the favor. Overall, I’d say the road is smooth but has some curves that my boys help me navigate every single day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a singer/songwriter but at my core, I’m a nerdy guitar player. I like making cool songs and cool sounds with meaningful and honest lyrics. If I had to mark a specialty, it’s being open. The great joy of playing with my band is that they can play music or so many different genres and all have very unique perspectives. When we get in a room, something unique and fresh is bound to come out because of that openness and all of our willingness to listen to each other and respond musically. That dynamic is our specialty, what we are and will become known for, and what I’m most proud of. I know that this is about “Gabe McDaniel”, but my band is what helps me set myself apart from other people. We’re cultivating something that is just very special and I think when we start gigging more consistently, this will be super obvious in our chemistry and through the music.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Be open to anything! Talk to the person next to you and be human. Put the phone down and look people in the eyes. Smile, have a drink with them, hang out at cool spots and see what happens. Go to cool restaurants where you have no idea what the food will be like. Why I say all of this is that if you are a comfortable, open person, the networking happens more naturally. I stumbled into Echo Labs and Nathan on a whim and we became instant friends because I’m very open and he’s the same and in art, that’s what it takes to work with others. I think that translates to really any profession.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gmcdanielmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555022887179
- Twitter: https://x.com/gmcdanielmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBniLXpD4cy0GmMN6f8Mccg
Image Credits
Mason May
