BIO
Hailing from rural Sauk County, Wisconsin, Dan Lepien is spreading pure, traditional country music with his unique/well-crafted songwriting and interactive live shows. Dan's distinctive gritty vocal style sounds reminiscent to some of the timeless country legends and his sound has drawn comparisons to powerhouses like George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Daryle Singletary. His unwavering approach to the genre has gained him a loyal following in Wisconsin, the Midwest, and beyond.
In Lepien’s first 5 years into his country music career he has self released 2 CD's ('The Man For You EP' and 'A Country Mile'), has had the privilege of sharing the stage with some of his heroes (Clint Black, Shenandoah), recorded in Nashville with some of the same session players/producers that created many of the albums that shaped him as an artist, and has played stages like HODAG, Crystal Grand Theatre, WI State Fair, Summerfest, Watertown Riverfest, Porterfield Country Music Festival, and more.
FULL STORY
Dan Lepien, a rising star in traditional country music, hails from the heartland of Wisconsin, where the rolling farmlands and picturesque woods and lakes deeply influenced his musical style. Born into a family of outdoorsman, he developed a strong connection to his rural roots, which echoes through in a classic yet timeless country sound.
Dan’s musical journey began when he learned to play the guitar at age 11. After honing his craft in local venues and gaining a devoted following, Dan’s talent caught the attention of several Nashville producers. In pursuit of his dream, he began recording his original songs in Music City, with some of the same studio musicians and producers who were responsible for creating many of the songs that shaped him as an artist.
In August of 2021 Lepien released his debut EP, "A Country Mile," a collection of 6 songs that showcased his craft as a storyteller as well as top notch production and crisp vocals. Piet Levy of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel had this to say about Lepien’s debut release: “A lot more heart, character, and twang than most music coming out of Music Row these days.” His singles, "This Cowboy’s Comin’ Home", "Get It Done", and “Right Where I’m Meant To Be” soon were added to rotation on dozens of radio stations across the Midwest.
Dan released his 2nd EP, “The Man For You” on September 15th, 2023. Among the tracks featured, his crowd favorite, "God Bless Kwik Trip," has already become a viral sensation, capturing the hearts of Midwest country music enthusiasts with its ode to the beloved convenience store chain all while maintaining Lepien’s distinct gritty vocals and hard country instrumentation soaked with twangy guitar licks, sawing fiddle, and steel guitar.
The recently married man also takes listeners on an emotional journey with his heart stirring ballad, that he dedicates to his wife and parents. In "For You I Can," Lepien’s emotive vocals beautifully convey the complexities of love and sacrifice.
On the honky-tonk end of the spectrum, the EP delivers an energetic and lively vibe with the party anthem, "Single in Nashville." This toe-tapping, feel-good tune pays homage to the vibrant atmosphere of Music City but also serves as a cautionary tale, depicting the consequences of a young man's impulsive and unthoughtful decisions during a night out in Nashville.
Despite growing success and a busy touring schedule, Lepien remains deeply connected to his community with his wife Claire in the small town of Palmyra, Wisconsin. He actively supports local music and venues, continues to spread the word on traditional country music, and even has been said to go fishing with his fans from time to time. His warmth and humility have won the hearts of fans across the Midwest and beyond.