Shownotes
Harley DiNardo on Getting Dropped Twice, Returning to Music After 9/11 Loss, and Going All In After the Palisades Fire
Host Becky Boyland interviews New York-born singer-songwriter Harley DiNardo about his long path back to music after early success, two major-label deals, and years away. Harley traces his origin story from a formative high school Battle of the Bands to relentless practice, switching from bass to singing, and partnering with songwriter-guitarist Derrek Hawkins. He describes getting signed to Warner Brothers-backed Revolution Records after a Ticketmaster competition and later landing a BMG-backed deal for White Light Motorcade by handing demo CDs to strangers while working as a waiter, only to be dropped both times due to poor marketing. After stepping back to raise a family and run a hair salon, a wildfire that burned down his new salon and threatened his home pushed him to commit fully to music. He discusses negative self-talk, age stigma, tragedy including losing his sister in 9/11, and his new single “LA to NY.”
https://youtu.be/9SoclNknUdk
Connect with Harley DiNardo:
Sponsors:
Featured Song:
- ”LA to NY” by Harley DiNardo, written by Harley DiNardo (used with permission).
Timestamps:
- 00:00 Teaser: Harley DiNardo Interview
- 00:36 Introduction
- 01:40 Welcoming Harley
- 02:05 Battle of the Bands Awakening
- 04:03 Learning Bass in a Hurry
- 06:41 From Bassist to Singer
- 09:44 Hair School and Reality Check
- 12:21 Why Hairdressing Works
- 15:20 Haunted Mansion Band Days
- 17:14 Ticketmaster Contest Breakthrough
- 20:43 Signing and Getting Dropped
- 23:43 NYC Scene and Demo Hustle
- 28:12 Dropped Again and Losing Hope
- 31:33 Making Art Later in Life
- 35:39 SPONSOR: She Produces Music
- 36:13 Find Your Bees Audience
- 38:02 Owning Your Artist Identity
- 39:56 The Call That Won’t Quit
- 43:59 Social Proof and Attention Hooks
- 49:00 Fire Catalyst and Clean Slate
- 52:45 Never Too Old to Create
- 55:27 Writing "LA to NY"
- 58:28 9/11 Loss and Serendipity
- 01:03:19 Advice: Beat Negative Self Talk
- 01:07:48 Where to Follow Harley DiNardo
- 01:08:29 Coda
- 01:10:13 Featured Song: "LA to NY" by Harley DiNardo
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