Dan Hill: enduring talent

What is your perspective on creativity over fifty?

In my twenties, being creative meant a hit record, traction in my career and being famous. Now, it’s all about the need for human connection – connecting with myself and with others. Without that connection, we feel so empty.

How have your passions and interests changed as you mature?

I experience life on a more profound, powerful level than I used to. As a young pop singer you live in a bubble, where everything is geared towards you. Now, I have become a lot more curious about others. As a songwriter, I learn about people’s lives, and translate that into a song that’s full of empathy.

What do you want to achieve in life now, and how is this different to your younger years?

I want to live a life full of passion, adventure and really feel things on a primal level. Singing is a primal experience: when singing from the deepest part of your soul, you have to relax and let go. We often stop feeling things for ourselves, and instead start to reach out externally. I want to peel back the layers of consciousness and get to the real stuff within me.

What do you think makes you unique?

The beauty of human nature is that we are all unique. For me, it’s my ability to observe people and experiences, which may be complex and deeply emotional, and to be able to write about them with passion. Interestingly, my songwriting helped me when I wrote my book. Growing up in a family where words were so important, it was difficult not to have a flair for words.

How would others describe you?

Many say I am very intense Yes, I am tightly wired, and I do feel things really deeply. You can feel a sort of simmering, roiling energy almost trapped within me dying to get out. This is the basis of my creativity. I need to be physical – singing, playing an instrument, running… what else do you do with passion, anger, fire and hurt, but be physical?

What do you consider your biggest achievement?

Convincing my son (21) that his greatest chance for happiness and survival was embracing creativity. I was able to show him that a secret life of creativity can be the best and most therapeutic way of accepting yourself. I’ve since watched him become a prose writer, and he’s finished the first draft of his book.

What is your favourite career highlight?

This new album, Intimate, is not necessarily the peak of my career. But I have never enjoyed music so thoroughly in the making. Working with seven hyper-talented musicians, singing and playing with them, was the most spectacularly happy time in my life. The tremendous connection between us – a bunch of 55 year-olds – completed the circle.

Are there any downsides to being over 50 in your industry?

It’s harder to get on the radio at 55. But more than that, it’s harder physically to do as much. Writing and recording is fine, but being on tour is grueling: more demanding on my body. I’ve been diabetic since 1995, so I have to be more cognizant of my health.

How would you like your own story to inspire others?

I would have to emphasize the importance of doggedness, determination, discipline and focus. With a tremendous lifetime of outpourings of creativity has to come work ethic and rituals. You have to get up every morning and just write, or play piano. The key is to stay fresh, to keep your brain fresh. You want to mix things up. For me singing, writing prose, creating songs, playing piano then guitar present different data for my brain, which is much better for it.

We’ve seen him in concert and heard his new album – stunning performances. If you have the chance to witness Dan Hill’s creativity and passion, seize it!

(4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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