Meet Dan Johnson | Music Producer, Film Producer, Graphic Artist

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

Hi Dan, how do you think about risk?
I think there is a broad misconception, regarding risk, among most people. Risk taking has taken on an inherently negative connotation, especially among non-entrepreneurs. Most are confortable in finding rhythm in normality. For me, it has been quite adaptive. I have consciously taken risks and watched it turn into success, as well as taken risks that have provided epic failure. Ive taken some risks, where my assessment has not been to my favor, but the results have been. Ive also failed miserably at some things after a largely positive assessment. I definitely would not be where I am at today without taking those risks, both calculated and non-calculated. You learn from both the failures and the success.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Getting to where I am at today has not been an easy road. It has most definitely been a long one. I’ve been in the entertainment industry for just over 20 years. First as an artist, then finding a home expressing my creativity through producing work for others. Nothing is ever “easy” in our industry. Unlike a 9-5 type of job, our hours are “all day everyday”, and the amount of sacrifice we commit, to have a chance to succeed in this industry, is always growing. There isn’t another industry more challenging, in my opinion. Because of that, the rewards tend to be a little more satisfying then just hitting your quota at the local factory. You try to overcome challenges on a daily basis, especially now living in a pandemic world. Luckily, we have been fortunate to thrive during this time. Working with Uncle Beats, Three Six Mafia member Crunchy Black and the HHMG family on multiple projects, among others has helped to make 2021 the most successful year in our history, and 2022 is looking to be no different.  I think the biggest lesson we have learned being to “keep pushing” and “keep doing better”. I think the confidence that I have in the people around me at Vault309, combined with the confidence they have in me and the artists they are representing, shows in our work, and is what allows us to continue to have a bright future in this industry. No one can do this alone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Our area has some unique midwest food spots. Id have to hit up “Wrap City”, a hip-hop themed sandwich/wrap shop. We’d have to hit “Smokewagon BBQ”. Maybe entertainment/bar/club wise we hit one of the 3 Crusens locations in the area, or maybe World Famous Big Al’s. And you cant go wrong with Jukebox Comedy Club. A stop for the nations top comics.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to not only the team at my production studio “Vault309”, but all the artists and actors who have taken a risk on myself and my team. Crunchy Black, Uncle Beats and the whole HHMG family, Starpower, and everyone who has helped me in my attempt to turn those risks into rewards. There are so many of you. Without you, there is nothing. I cant thank you all enough.

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Image Credits
Vault309