Get to know... Dan Herrell

Dan Herrell is spending most of his time in Pigeon Forge these days, performing in one of the theaters that gives a spotlight to the region's vast musical talent - but, before he made his way to the land of Dolly, he answered some questions about his music and his band - INK. He and the band have made a name for themselves over the last few years, playing in clubs and venues throughout the region with their own blend of country and rock, always striving to please crowds and keep people up and moving. From Merle Haggard to the Average White Band, Herrell and his musical cohorts are versatile and well-rounded. As long as the songs keep them on the dance floor, they'll keep playing them - and playing them well. With his brother Jay on drums, it's easy to see that talent runs deep in their family and the Herrell brothers have done well to share their talent with their fans. If you get a chance to see them you most certainly should. Before you do, take a few moments and get to know Dan Herrell. When did you decide music was going to be a big part of your life, and how did you first get involved? "I started playing live at 8 years old. My little brother, who is the drummer, was 6 years old. My dad bought a bus and pulled up one day and said 'boys we're going to do some traveling,' and we've been doing it ever since. I love to perform as much as I love the music - it's just something that I'm dear to, I love it so much. I love working a crowd and working with a crowd. I love to see smiles on people's face and people having fun due to what we are doing, that means more to me than anything. It also means a lot to me when folks come up and say that I have helped them through life, or have changed their life due to my music, which has happened on a few occasions. That truly changed my life and my outlook on my performances." Is this something you see yourself doing as a career? "I have thought about going back into music full time again I have truly thought about getting back with another booking agency and traveling as I did years ago. I have had a lot of people tell me that I should do a tribute band and I have thought about that a lot. I'm looking for a great manager that could help get us going on the right path with this someone we can trust. " What is it about music that makes you want to perform or be involved? "I love being a vocalist and a guitar player, I also do love to teach guitar and I have several students that I teach on a weekly basis. " How would you describe your music (band/project)? "I do love classic country and country music, if I had a genre that I was going to be in I would probably pick that though I do love rock and roll music as well, and I do love to write originals. Performing live makes me happier than anything in the world, when I'm on stage something just happens and performing to me is just a high that you can't get anywhere else." Who are your influences/favorites (worldwide and local)? "My favorite singer growing up in through life, I guess, was Merle Haggard - just the way he delivered a song and the sound of his voice and he was such a great songwriter. I also love the rock band Rush so much, I learned so much from listening to Alex (Lifeson) play, I learned to play outside of the box, if that makes any sense at all. He was such a genius on guitar. And then I really got into John Petrucci. I love that style of guitar player. And on the country side, I loved Brett Mason and studied a lot of his chops (that I love to do if we're just in a song and jamming). I love the whole chicken-picking, open string technique in the country music guitar playing side. It's a style of its own, a lot of hybrid picking, and I truly love it. One of my favorite guitar players in our area is David Yates, another is Terry McCoy, those two are such incredible guitar players and I have learned a lot from those guys just by listening to them. And in this business that's what it takes." If you could tell people one thing they should know about you, what would it be? "I would want people to think of me as a great performer, someone who is kind and nice. I truly and greatly appreciate people supporting us and our music by coming to our shows and supporting us on social media. I want to be known as that performer who cares - that means more to me than anything. I don't have a jealous bone in my body, I always try to surround myself with musicians and vocalists that were way better than me. In this business, you can't have jealousy. There's always players just right down the road that are better than you, you got to learn to appreciate them and appreciate their talent and learn from them. If I gave any other musicians any advice at all, it's never be jealous in this business - of other groups or bands or whatever it is - support them learn from them and let them know that you appreciate them and their talent." How can people contact you about booking and information? "If you would like to contact us Dan Herrell & INk, to play an event for you, whether it's a private party, a venue, wedding or whatever, we would love to hear from you, I do solo acoustic shows, duo or trio, and of course the full band INK. Contact us at 423-354-8327, Email countryride423@gmail.com. or hit us up on Facebook."