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Iceland // Johannes H

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Photo by Ashley Osborn.

#daniel sumstine #chicago #bottom lounge #resolution tour #ashley osborn

Little Things: A Short Story

In loving memory of Joel Manary.

Sometimes I find myself looking back on Friday nights in High School and the neon lights of our local movie theater. I think about how the red mustang would never start, so we all piled into my best friends family van. And how Chase’s dad would drive us. And how he had this really cool, slicked back haircut. And how everyone was there that night with the same youthful promise of a relatively ordinary occasion. And how that was enough. And the brand new seats of the theatre smelled like summer. And the lobby smelled like liquid butter. And how beautiful she was. God, was she beautiful. But come to think of it, I don’t even know where she is now. I’m just as much still figuring out where I am. What did I really feel like back then? I’m hopeful to believe I was perfectly content with suburban streets and weekly routines, although I can’t really know for sure. I could have had my own former set of wrongs and worries which would seem pretty juvenile to me now. Oh, naivety. These former versions of ourselves seem so distant and we can’t go back, but I swear some days I wish I could. Because as we grow older, the neon lights don’t shine as bright as they used to. And we no longer are content with the promise of sharing nights that are ordinary. And the fresh new theater seats that once smelled like summer have begun to smell a bit like carpet cleaner. And the lobby…well, that still smells like butter. And Chase’s dad with the cool slicked back hair won’t be driving all of us around town tonight, because on July 15th of this year he fought his final battle with cancer. And some days I miss the little things.

Album update: After months of writing, I'm finally headed into the studio next month to begin recording my next release. I've found comfort in change and these songs are a great representation of that. Thank you all very much for your continued patience, love, and support. Photo by Ashley Osborn.

The story behind my song "Baldwin Avenue"

I met a girl one summer that changed my life. I had just graduated High School and unlike many of my former classmates, had very little on my plate to worry about. I was content with going to a junior college and staying in my small town because I had her and she was beautiful. During my time with her, I’d spend what little money I had from working as a busser at a local Italian restaurant on gas so I could go up and see her on weekends. Sometimes I’d sleep on the couch in the guest room only to wake up a few hours later to start the 2 and a half hour drive back home.

I was tired, broke, and I was in love.

Two years went by of making our long distance relationship work. We developed small traditions like watching Saturday Night Live together after dinner. In the summer, we’d go swimming and play basketball outside with her younger sibilings. I grew close to them, and they accepted me as someone they didn’t mind stealing time away from they’re older sister. Our relationship wasn’t perfect and it was far from ideal, but it was the process of making it all work that made it worth it for me.

I’m sure you have that gut sense of where this story is headed, so I won’t waste your time with anymore of my favorite reflections. It all eventually become too much. Our lives were changing and we were changing too. She couldn’t do it anymore, and so ended those late night drives in my car listening to Jimmy Eat World’s “Futures” album up and down the 5 freeway.

I still really love that album.

I believe some people come into your lives so that you can look back on them and remember how much you’ve grown. I also believe that sometimes the brightest songs come from the darkest places. One night, while I was supposed to be working at my other job for the city, I opened a closet and found this old dusty piano inside. I sat down and within the first 10 minutes I had written a song that would later be called "Baldwin Avenue”. The piano riff and accompanied melody just came pouring out of me and anyone who is a songwriter knows how great a feeling this can be. I can remember sitting there smiling but at the same time full of sadness. It was a very empty yet fulfilling feeling for me. Before I left, I recorded the melody into the voice memo app on my phone so I wouldn’t forget it and a few weeks later I was recording the song in a studio in Northern California. A month later, I threw the song up on iTunes and so began my career of writing and performing music.

This post is not to rub the small successes of my past since then in her face, but rather to thank her for showing me what it means to love something so much that you’ll do anything to chase it. I can still feel her in my music every now and then because of this. You know, it’s funny…sometimes a bunch of people can hear your song but the one person you want to hear it more than anyone else never does. I’ve grown to accept that because when I stand on a stage and watch people sing it back to me there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. There’s no one else I’d rather share that song with.

I’ve learned that people will come and go throughout your life, but a good song can make those memories you had together timeless. Speaking of things that are timeless, well...I’ll have to save that story for another week.

Success or something like it.

Lately I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the word “success” and what it all really means. Some people view success as going to college, getting a degree, and landing some outrageously high paying job. More power to them if that’s what makes you happy, but that will never be me. Being a musician, success is typically measured by strong album sales, landing a spot on the biggest tour of the year, or having your song placed on top 40 radio. These things are really great and I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t want them, but I think that along with that sometimes comes the sacrifice of losing what really matters ; doing things because you love them. When I first started playing music, I did it in a garage with 4 of my best friends from high school. We were absolutely terrible, but we loved playing music together and didn’t care how bad we sounded. When I first got into songwriting, I didn’t care what other people were going to think or how it would fit into a certain mold because I was writing them for me. I was writing them because it was my only way to express what I was going through. Sometimes you really have to take a step back from all of these stupid complications and go back to doings simply because you love it. I’ve been trying to find that state of innocence when writing for my next album.

Throughout my years of playing music, I’ve been very blessed to tour and play in cities I never thought I’d be able to see. I’ve been fortunate to meet and see people who care about what I do and develop friendships with many of them. Still, it remains hard not to be cynical about certain things after doing it for awhile. Touring eventually becomes bittersweet. You romanticize about the days of putting flyers in school lockers and being completely stoked if 10 of your close friends came out to see a show. You never knew what mechanical royalties or backing tracks were but you knew that you were passionate about something and that was enough. When I have kids one day and I’m telling them stories of my days of playing music, it’s not going to be about how many units I sold first week or what “famous” people I met along the way. It’s going to be the photos of people who have tattoos of my lyrics and the letters I’ve been lucky to receive from some of them. I’ve been looking back on those things a lot lately and it’s really what prompted the idea of writing this blog. Through everything, I’ve found that success is finding that thing you love and sharing it with people who care about it as much as you do. Whatever makes you happy is what makes you successful.

One more analogy before I end this week’s post. There’s a scene in the movie “Moneyball” where Jonah Hill is talking to Brad Pitt and says to him, "You hit a home run and didn’t even realize it." After the Oakland A’s failed to reach the world series, Pitt felt as though their season was, in his opinion, a complete failure. However, Hill is quick to point out that the 22 game win streak during the regular season was the longest in MLB history and that incredible feat alone made the season worth it. I’m slowly starting to realize that this is a perfect metaphor for my music career. I probably will never have my songs on the radio, or experience what it’s like to play a sold out arena, but I’d much rather write an honest song that has had a significant impact on people’s lives. That truth alone has made this whole thing worth it for me. As Steve Moakler says in his song “Rather Make A Living”, I’d rather make a living just being myself than a killing being someone else. I’m proud of the songs I’ve written, and even more proud of where you guys have taken them. So in closing, thank you for being apart of my winning season, and here’s to spending many, many more together.

Greetings from Nashville

Hello all,

I’ve decided that while working on my next album, I’m going to start writing weekly updates of my experiences in Nashville and Los Angeles. Starting tonight, and hopefully every Thursday after that, I’ll be giving my followers an inside look at the writing/recording process as well as share a few stories behind some songs I’ve released in the past. This is what I hope to be a great way of connecting with all of you while I’m away from the road for awhile. So yeah, let’s get right into it.

This past week, I flew out to Nashville for my first week of cowrites. For those unfamiliar with what a cowrite is, it’s basically an arranged meeting with multiple song writers who come together to combine ideas and write a song. With all of my releases in the past, it has just been me in my bedroom with my M-Audio keyboard or Taylor guitar. That can be really great if you’ve written something special on your own, but sometimes bringing in other writers to help develop your ideas can be mutually beneficial. I really wanted to experiment with this on my next album rather than trying to do everything on my own again. So, on Monday morning I met up with a talented friend of mine named Andy Albert. Andy previously sang with a few bands such as Holiday Parade and more recently, Bonaventure. The song we wrote together is one that I’m very proud of and something I’m even more excited to head into the studio with. I won’t say much as to the title or lyrics yet, but the concept is something that’s been all too familiar for me lately ; uncertainty. We all get to a certain point in our lives where we start to question where were going, how we got there, and why were so afraid of what comes next. For me, it’s really about finding that place where you’re supposed to be and believing that what you’re doing there holds a higher purpose. I don’t really talk about it much on Twitter, but these past few months I’ve been in between living situations all while trying to pay the bills being away from touring. It’s been pretty rough. That’s just one of the many complications that comes along with being an artist. Sometimes you can’t enjoy a simple life and chase your dream too. I’ve grown to accept that. I think it’s natural that we all question ourselves, what makes us happy, and whether or not the choices we’ve made will all fall into place one day. One thing I am sure of is that I’ll always be writing and playing music because through all the ups and downs I’ve faced this past year it truly is what makes me happiest. I’m working really hard to get this new music out to you guys by summer, so thank you for being so patient.

One quick story before I wrap this thing up. The night I got into Nashville, I was starving and craving some good old southern BBQ. I asked my hotel shuttle driver where the best place might be to get my hands on some. Immediately after I asked him, the dude swerves over 3 lanes, drives me to this small BBQ joint, and waits in the car for me to go inside and pick something up. After driving me back to the hotel, I insisted on giving him a tip. He wouldn’t accept cash, so I gave him my CD and told him the next time I have a show in Nashville he’ll be the first name on my guest list. Southern hospitality at it’s finest. I really think I’ll be moving here some day soon. Maybe it’s that place I talk so much about in my new song. Maybe.

-Daniel

A Year In Review

As 2013 comes to a close, I wanted to take a second to reflect on the past year. 115 shows later (50 full band, 65 acoustic), I can’t help but think about how much has changed since packing the van and leaving for Boston that night.

The year started with my first full U.S tour ever, the Resolution tour. After following tours with a half functional pair of headphones for the previous 12 months, I finally got a break I had been hoping for. My friends in Action Item asked me to be apart of the tour, alongside Paradise Fears and Before You Exit. What followed in the months of January and February were some of the best memories of my life. I had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people, as well as grow closer with the ones who had been supporting me from the start. Playing a sold out show at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City where, only a year earlier I stood outside selling CD’s in order to pay for a bus ticket to the next city made me pretty emotional. Performing at dates in Canada, a country I never thought I’d be able visit let alone play for people in made me think of how far you can go if you never give up on yourself. Most important, I developed friendships with some people on that tour that will last a lifetime.

Next up was the “Timeless Tour”, my first ever headliner. I added my friends in Jocelyn and Once Upon A Time because I knew how hard they had both been working to have their music heard. As with any tour, we were worried whether anyone would even show up. What if nobody came? How embarresing would that be? Luckily, you guys showed up in big numbers and it made me realize that this whole music thing is so much bigger than I am. There’s only one one of me, but what we’ve done collectively really is a beautiful thing. For every concert ticket purchased, for every shirt purchased to get us another 30 miles, and for every word that’s been sung, you’ve become a part of my story. Therefore, I just want to say thank you. It is because of your support that I owe a good majority of my happiness this past year to. It’s the reason I’ve been able to get by and support myself this past year as an independent artist. That’s a very hard thing to do these days. This fan base is a blessing I will never take for granted and the reason I am eternally in debt to all of those who are apart of it.

All this being said, I’m still not where I want to be with my music. There’s not a chance that I’ll ever stop trying. I’m writing a new album right now and I’ve never been more excited to see what comes next. For most of these next few months, I’ll be back and forth between Nashville and LA doing co-writes with a couple different writers I admire. I don’t want to release anything until I know it’s perfect. I owe that to you guys. It might seem like I’m going away for a while, and to be honest that scares the hell out of me. In fact, I think a musicians greatest fear is being forgotten. I promise you that’s not the case though. I’ve always been a strong believer in the belief that you should never sacrifice yourself for being known. I need this time away, because in the end the only thing that should matter is these songs and not how many likes I get on an Instagram post of my cat. I’ll still be posting plenty of videos and updates regarding the recording process. So to wrap things up, thank you from the bottom of my heart, for sticking with me and getting me to where I am today. Get ready for new music, and a new direction. It’s time for a new chapter in our story.

Love,

Daniel

New York City | Studio Webster Hall. Photo by Nikolitsa Boutieros.

#concert #hello highway #webster hall #new york #city

Ashley Osborn Photography.

Who I am.

I write this from a Starbucks somewhere in downtown Los Angeles. I moved into a new apartment here this week and there seems to be a lot on my mind, so I thought I’d share a bit of that with you all. I’d like to start by saying that I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, as cheesy or taken from a line in The Notebook as that sounds. This is who I am. When I was 20 years old, my parents got divorced and a girl I really cared about, and still do care about decided to call it quits. I turned to writing music as an escape. After that, I wasn’t afraid of anything. It was as if nothing in this world could hurt me as much as the past month had. That’s when I started following tours, taking myself seriously, and building this fan base into what it is now. It was the toughest thing I have ever done following those tours by myself, but I’m so glad I did because it led to me to where I am now. I know in my heart that I created something special completely on my own. Fast forward to now…where I’ve boarded countless airplanes, driven thousands of miles in vans and rental cars, and yet the single thought that keeps me going is the fact that I’ll end up in a place where people appreciate my music. Being a touring musician in every aspect is bittersweet and lonely. You chase what kills you. You love what you hate. Don’t get me wrong, I have so much love and appreciation for every single one of you who has provided me with this lifestyle, and I have such a different outlook on life because of it, but as I’m sure all of you have felt at one point or another it’s very easy to question yourself sometimes and feel bummed out about the way things go. It all gets a little overwhelming sometimes, and this is my attempt at being honest as I can be with you guys. I really believe that my music could help a lot of people, and you guys have proven that to me in every conversation we’ve had at a show or through your letters. I live for those moments. I count down and wake up every day for the opportunity to do it all over again. Maybe it’s true that I’m not the most talented musician, and maybe for whatever reason I’ve rubbed a few people the wrong way, but one thing I can proudly say is that I’ve personally written some honest songs that people believe in, I’ve seen a lot/met a lot of incredible people through them, and I’ve built a future for myself that I can only pray you all will be apart of. It would mean everything to have you in it, despite what you may hear or believe from others. It’s been very hurtful reading people say things about me when they have no knowledge of the situation. I keep telling myself I need to just focus on the people who matter and the ones who know me as I really am, not what others make up. Maybe things will work out, and maybe they won’t. I don’t know. And maybe it’s true that all we really are, and all we’ll ever be is just pictures that fade away but right now, during this time of my life…I want those pictures to be with the people who love and support me most. And I think that’s a really great thing to look forward to.

The thing with being an artist is that you're always going to want more. More importantly, you'll always have the heart to pursue it. As I sit in the back of this 12 passenger van, driving through the snow covered hills of Nebraska, I can't help but think about my life, and how I got here. It's a very bittersweet feeling when you finally get everything you ever wanted, but then find yourself not only wanting more, but praying it never ends. I always knew I loved playing music, but I used to only dream of people believing in mine. I think back to High School, when kids would laugh at the thought of me doing anything like I am now. I think back to 3 weeks ago, when I played a sold out show in New York City in front of close to a thousand people. I think about you guys, my fans. Finally, I find myself thinking how I'm in a 12 passenger van driving through snow covered hills of Nebraska. And how someway, somehow, it's exactly where I'm supposed to be. I guess the point I'm trying to make from all this is that I hope you all find where you belong someday. It's never going to be easy, but we each have a purpose. Make each breath worth it.

There's hope in tomorrow.

“We each have a purpose, so make each breath worth it.” I mean these words to be true more than perhaps anything I have ever written. Call it cliche, arrogant, or whatever you will, but I truly believe my purpose on this earth is to write music that helps people. I know I’m not alone in saying that music is one of the only things that has always been there for me, and ever since I drove those 8 hours north to record my first EP it has completely changed my life. I wouldn’t put myself through so much if I didn’t truly believe in this, and in music for that matter. I’ve slept in my car outside of a Mcdonald’s parking lot. I’ve boarded planes only to land in a city where I have and know nothing other than my dreams. As hard as things get, and no matter how many times I ask myself “is this all worth it?” I know that it is whenever I hear stories of how you guys relate or find faith in my music. Those moments, along with the feeling I get when I’m on stage are what I consider to be timeless. The relationships and friends I have built with anyone who is apart of this family are timeless. They are something I hope never fades away. I want this album to be a collection of memories, or rather a collection of stories we can make memories through. I feel like I have captured the past two years of my life, in these 5 songs. By documenting the hardships, the relationships, and friendships I have built through all this, I hope you guys can take something away from my words. I’m so excited to hear what you guys think of the album, and even more excited to see what you guys do with it. Therefore, I’m asking everyone reading this to please go out and pick up “Timeless” on iTunes tonight, share it with your friends, and believe in it. It would mean more to me than I will ever be able to write or tell you about in some blog or status update. I want to look back on this write up a year from now and be able to say we have created something special, something that no one can take away, and something that is timeless. Here’s to becoming all we can dream and set out to be.

Love,

Daniel

Hope in Tomorrow is now available on iTunes! http://bit.ly/HopeinTomorrow

I'm going to bed at a loss for words really, but just know I am so thankful for every one of you who picked this up tonight. I will be calling plenty more of you in the morning, and for days to come to thank you for fueling this dream. Hope in Tomorrow is and always will be a song written about the struggles we all go through, but tonight you guys showed me how all that pain is completely worth it when chasing something you love. I love you guys very much.

-Daniel

#photo

For every shadow...

While flying home from the Sanctuary tour last night I had a lot on my mind and I wanted to share a bit of it with you guys. You see, when I first started Hello Highway, I wasn't really sure what would come of it. The first songs I wrote stemmed from one of the darkest points in my life. My parents split, a girl that did and always mean a lot to me left, and music was the only thing I could turn to. From all this darkness though, Hello Highway has slowly turned into my most cherished accomplishment thanks to all of you. It has turned into the light of my life and the reason I wake up every morning ready to fight for more. I want my songs to be a testament and your light when you feel lost. You can create something beautiful from something that was once the opposite. I realized last night that that's what Hello Highway is. That's what our story has become thus far. If you were to have told me that people would actually know the words and sing along to these songs in a small town like Vermillion, 1600 miles from home, I would have said you're crazy. It's small reflections and realizations like this that make me feel so grateful for those who are allowing me to do what I truly love doing. The music industry is such a complete mess right now. Labels are screwed, bands and people working for labels are getting screwed, and the internet is flooded with bands just like me trying to be heard. Yet, still, somehow you guys still support me every day. I set out to make music for the connection that we can all share through it and the power that it has to make us feel a part of something. I'm a true believer that music changes lives, and I'm trying my absolute hardest to prove this one song at a time. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting this belief and believing in my music. For every shadow, there is a light. You guys are my light.

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