Interview with Indie-Folk Singer/Songwriter Dan Krikorian

By Paul Kalis
Business Manager

The Pioneer recently interviewed indie-folk singer/songwriter Dan Krikorian, who independently released his fourth full-length album “Bloom” on Dec. 10.

“Bloom” is loosely inspired by the Daniel Wallace novel and Tim Burton film, “Big Fish.” Krikorian and Wallace met throughout the writing process, helping to conceptualize and develop “Bloom”. The album attempts to explore the search to find home which at times can be a place, a person, a feeling, or a mixture of things, with tracks including “Sweet Face,” “Wedding Day,” and “Afternoon.”

Most recently, Krikorian completed a European tour, opening for artists including Eddie Money and Foo Fighters, then going back to the United States to play with ALO. He wrote the new theme song for his hometown of Costa Mesa, Calif. In spring and summer of 2014, Krikorian is scheduled to be back on tour in Europe and the U.S.A. You can connect with Krikorian on Twitter @DanKrikorian.

The Pioneer (TP): You are about to independently release your fourth full-length album, “Bloom,” on Dec, 10. Tell us about the writing process.

Dan Krikorian (DK): I’m not a [really] regimented writer or have a set schedule, as much as I’d like to be. But I am constantly writing and working, whether it’s in the car, with my guitar, [when I am] out to dinner, or anywhere in between. I just try and stay ready to catch a lyric or idea when it decides to show up in front of me.

TP: Which of the new tracks is your favorite and why?

DK: That’s almost impossible to answer, but the song “Joe Purdy” is very important to me personally; the whole album is in that song.

TP: You found inspiration from author Daniel Wallace’s novel, “Big Fish,” which was later turned into a film directed by Tim Burton. What was it about the story that hooked you in and translated into song, then into an album?

DK: “Big Fish” [is] a beautiful story of an adventurous life. It doesn’t always make sense and certain things don’t add up the way they should. “Bloom” had a lot of those qualities of searching for the beauty in a long, and at times, winding path. “Big Fish” is a perfect piece of art, and I couldn’t help but be inspired by it.

TP: During the process, you were able to contact author Daniel Wallace to discuss your respective projects, further developing “Bloom.” How did this sort of collaboration begin and progress?

DK: About halfway through writing the album, I decided to email Daniel Wallace because I had a few questions about his story that I wanted to see if he might be willing to discuss. Daniel was kind enough to respond, and we talked a few times throughout the process of recording the album. He was very kind and open about “Big Fish,” and we had some great chats about the album and art/writing in general. He’s an amazing writer and so gracious. I can’t thank him enough.

TP: After the 2011 release of your third album, “Windsor Blue,” you opened for notable artists in the United States, including the Foo Fighters. What was this experience like and how did you keep yourself entertained on tour?

DK: “Windsor Blue” opened some doors and opportunities that I’m so

thankful for. Opening for those great acts was a tremendous learning experience. You get a chance to study them up close and see what makes them so great. All those acts put in countless hours to their craft; it’s always an honor to be on the same stage as them.

I’m also a college basketball coach for Chapman University, so when I’m on tour I love to relax by staying up to date on all things sports related. Also, I love finding old bookstores in new cities I travel to on tour. I’ll always buy an old book from a random little store. Who wouldn’t want an old Kurt Vonnegut book from a store in Cody, Wyoming?

TP: What advice do you have for college students who want to get ahead or break into the [music] business?

DK: Get into it because you love music and be willing to spend years and years perfecting your craft. You can’t skip steps to anywhere worth going.

TP: If you were not performing, what would you be doing professionally and why?

DK: “I love coaching basketball and I feel at home there as well. I’m lucky enough to be doing music and coaching right now. I spring out of bed for both.

TP: As a send off, tell us about one of your YOLO (you only live once) moments.

DK: I got to be at the finish line when my mom completed a marathon last year. What better moments in life are there than seeing the ones you love succeed?”