The Hang! From 'Ariel' to SongFest: Dean Friedman Discusses His Career, creativity and '25 Tour!

Join Scott in this engaging episode of 'The Hang' as he sits down with acclaimed singer-songwriter Dean Friedman for an in-depth conversation about his multifaceted career, creative processes, and the lessons learned along the way. Musical Origins and Early Influences: Dean Friedman delves into his upbringing in a musical household. He shares anecdotes about gigging, demos and his first record deal. The Journey to Success: Persistence and Luck: Friedman reflects on his relentless pursuit of a music career, emphasizing the importance of persistence in the face of rejection. He recounts how he taped rejection letters to his wall as motivation and discusses the serendipitous events that led to his breakthrough hit, 'Ariel". Cultural Impact: Naming Children and Banned Songs: The conversation explores the profound cultural impact of Friedman's music. He shares stories of fans naming their children after characters in his songs, particularly 'Ariel' and "Lydia". Additionally, Friedman discusses the controversy surrounding his song 'McDonald's Girl,' which was banned by the BBC yet later found success through covers by bands like the Barenaked Ladies. SongFest: Celebrating Songwriters and Community: Friedman introduces 'SongFest,' his micro-music festival dedicated to celebrating songwriters and fostering a sense of community among artists. He explains the festival's origins, its mission to support emerging talent, and the unique experiences it offers to both performers and audiences. The Evolution of Creativity: From Music to Multimedia: Diving into his ventures beyond music, Friedman discusses his work in multimedia, including virtual reality and video game design. He elaborates on how his curiosity and willingness to explore new mediums have allowed him to stay relevant and innovative in the ever-changing landscape of entertainment. Curiosity and Playfulness in the Creative Process: The discussion highlights the role of curiosity and playfulness in Friedman's creative process. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of wonder and openness to new ideas, which has been instrumental in his artistic evolution and ability to engage with diverse forms of expression. The Role of Luck in a Creative Career: Friedman offers insights into the interplay between luck and preparation in his career. He shares personal anecdotes illustrating how being prepared to seize unexpected opportunities has been a recurring theme in his journey as an artist. Addressing Climate Change Through Music: The conversation turns to social issues, with Friedman discussing his song 'Sorry About That,' which addresses climate change. He reflects on the responsibility of artists to engage with pressing global concerns and the power of music to inspire action and awareness. Dream Collaborations and Musical Influences: Friedman shares his admiration for fellow artists and discusses potential dream collaborations. He reflects on the musicians who have influenced his work and the qualities he values in artistic partnerships. Supporting Emerging Artists and Songwriters: Concluding the interview, Friedman underscores the importance of supporting emerging artists such as Songfest participants: Boothby Fraffoe, Vance Gilbert, Charlotte Campbell, Nicola Farnon, Tracey Curtis, Lach, Jess Silkm Kate Lucas, Nia Nicholls, Daniel Cainer and Colm Gavin.. He discusses initiatives like SongFest and his songwriting masterclasses, aimed at nurturing new talent and ensuring the vibrancy of the music scene for future generations. Don't miss this insightful conversation that delves deep into the life and mind of Dean Friedman, offering valuable lessons for aspiring artists and music enthusiasts alike including a Thank You to all of the summer camps that supported his music bringing his songs to tens of thousands across the country. Website: https://www.deanfriedman.com Songfest: https://www.songfest.live Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4IT7iUyEDGX4pJDo6CfFRBsi=CkPK_MIVS4-2oVjDfSZ-SQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeanFriedmanMusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/deanfriedman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dean.friedman/ #DeanFriedman #singersongwriter #uk #summercamp