Dave Fowler on Building a Career That Lasts in the Music Industry

Episode 011 – Dave Fowler | MAKE // BREAKDave Fowler is a Nashville-based bassist, producer, and songwriter whose career spans work with icons like Dolly Parton, Dr. John, Cinderella, and Billy Ray Cyrus. A sought-after live and studio player, he’s also the co-founder of GET JOE Records, a producer at Fowler–Wells Productions, and the force behind Running With Giants, his mentorship and clinic platform for musicians. In this episode, Dave joins Lance to unpack the realities of a lifelong career in music—from the discipline behind professional performance to the humility that keeps great players in demand—and what it really takes to build both longevity and legacy in an ever-changing industry.👀 What you’ll hearTracing Dave Fowler’s roots from Southern gospel to touring with Dolly Parton and Dr. JohnThe truth about persistence and why “not quitting” is the only real career planInside Nashville’s studio culture and how pros record songs they’ve never heard beforeThe moment Dave nearly quit music — and what pulled him backLessons from decades in the industry: humility, discipline, and creative adaptabilityA look ahead to Dave’s upcoming memoir and his mentorship platform Running With Giants🕰️ Chapters00:00 Welcome + intro to Dave Fowler02:00 Finding bass and early church influences06:30 What separates musicians who last from those who don’t08:00 The myth of “making it” and the persistence mindset11:20 Lessons to his younger self and Nashville’s evolution14:30 Inside the studio: how pros build songs on the spot18:00 The bass player’s role: when to lead vs. blend in24:40 Make-or-break moments and personal resilience28:00 The story behind Dave’s upcoming book33:30 Running With Giants and mentoring new artists37:00 GET JOE Records, new projects, and Texas success stories39:30 Final reflections + closing thoughts🔗 Guest Linkshttps://davefowler.comhttps://www.instagram.com/davefowler1963https://www.youtube.com/@davefowlerbasshttps://www.facebook.com/davefowlerbasshttps://x.com/davefonbass🔗 MAKE // BREAK & Host Linkshttps://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/makebreakhttps://instagram.com/lowkeyhellishhttps://tiktok.com/@lowkeyhellish🔗 V13 Media Linkshttps://v13.netIf this conversation hit home, subscribe and comment: what’s your definition of “making it” in music?#MakeBreak #Fowler #MusicBusiness