In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Brindley, the CEO and Co-Founder of Union Stage, to explore his incredible journey through the live music industry. As the operator of multiple successful venues in the competitive Washington, DC market, Daniel shares invaluable insights on the challenges of growing a live music business, managing a diverse team, and overcoming industry obstacles. He also opens up about his personal story of transitioning from musician to venue operator and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Whether you’re an aspiring venue owner, music lover, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with wisdom on resilience, community-building, and adapting to change in a rapidly evolving industry.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Building a Live Music Empire in DC
  Daniel Brindley manages six music venues across Washington, DC, employing over 200 people and hosting thousands of live shows each year. Learn how he scaled his operations and grew from a single venue to one of the area’s most successful live music companies. He shares the strategies behind his venues' success, including his approach to creating unique, memorable experiences for fans and artists alike.
• The Power of Rebranding and Evolving
  Discover the rebranding process that has revitalized Union Stage, including how Daniel and his team took the bold step of incorporating a new website, social media presence, and a unified brand strategy across multiple venues. The goal? To connect the different venues and spotlight their historic spaces, all while creating a more streamlined promotional experience for their audience.
• From Musician to Venue Operator: Daniel's Personal Journey
  Before becoming a successful venue owner, Daniel was a musician with a passion for live music. But his career path took a turn when his father encouraged him to take over a struggling venue right out of college—Jammin' Java. Learn how Daniel’s personal and professional journey led him into the world of venue management and how his musician's mindset helped him build a thriving business.
• Navigating Early Challenges: 9/11 and Beyond
  Daniel talks about the early years of their business and the profound challenges they faced, including the coinciding events of September 11, 2001, which disrupted the live music scene in unexpected ways. Despite these hardships, Daniel’s youthful passion and family support were key in helping them persevere.
• Community and Diversity in Music Booking
  One of the pillars of Union Stage’s success has been its focus on booking diverse events that cater to a wide range of musical tastes. Learn how their inclusive approach helped them build a loyal following and how fostering a strong sense of community in each venue helped them stand out in a crowded market.
• The Evolution from Small Business to Big Vision
  The story of Union Stage is one of growth and evolution. Daniel talks about the pivotal moment when they shifted from a small business mindset to an expansive, scalable vision. Discover how opening Union Stage as a larger venue allowed the company to reach a broader audience while still maintaining the close-knit, community-driven vibe they’re known for.
• The Importance of Collaboration in a Competitive Market
  Despite the presence of larger venues like Hamilton in DC, Daniel underscores the importance of cooperation over competition in the live music scene. He offers a candid look at how independent promoters can work together to create a thriving music ecosystem while remaining professional and resilient.
• The DC Music Scene and Its Resilient Economic Foundation
  What makes DC such a vibrant music hub? Daniel discusses how the city’s stable economy, driven by the federal government and the IT sector, has fostered a unique environment for the live music scene to thrive. He talks about how these industries support local businesses and contribute to a thriving cultural scene.
• Post-COVID Recovery and New Challenges for Venues
  Like many venues, Union Stage was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Daniel discusses how they managed the post-pandemic recovery, dealing with staff reductions and shifting industry norms. Despite these challenges, the return of live performances has been emotionally impactful and has reignited their passion for the industry.
• Managing Growth with Tech Tools
  As Union Stage grew, Daniel and his team implemented tools like Prism and Asana to streamline operations, improve organization, and manage the complexities of running a large, multi-venue business. Learn how these tech solutions have helped them stay efficient and responsive as they scale.
• The Future of Live Music: A Community-Centered Approach
  Despite the rise of digital streaming and AI-driven entertainment, Daniel remains optimistic about the future of live music. He believes that the unique, communal experience of live performances will continue to be in demand, as people seek connection, authenticity, and shared experiences. Tune in to hear his thoughts on how the live music industry will adapt and thrive in the years to come.