BIO
Hailing from Sauk City, Wisconsin, Dan Lepien is spreading his brand of pure / traditional country music with unique, well-crafted songwriting and a road warrior’s work ethic. Dan's distinctive gritty twang has drawn comparisons to country legends like George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Daryle Singletary. His unwavering approach in the genre has begun to gain him an especially loyal following among classic and traditional country fans looking for a new voice in the genre. Lepien’s debut full-length album “The Honky Tonk Traditional” will be released on May 16th, 2025 preceded by 5 digital singles. He currently has self-released 2 EP's ('The Man For You EP' and 'A Country Mile EP'), has had the privilege of sharing the stage with some of his heroes (Clint Black, John Anderson, Shenandoah), recorded in Nashville with A-team producers and players, and has played stages like HODAG, Country Fest in Cadott, Crystal Grand Theatre, WI State Fair, Summerfest, Watertown Riverfest, Porterfield Country Music Festival, and more.
FULL STORY
Dan Lepien, a rising star in country music, hails from Sauk City, Wisconsin, where the farmlands, woods, rivers and lakes deeply influenced his musical style. Born into a family of outdoorsman, he developed a strong connection to his rural roots early on, which echoes through in his timeless country sound that many compare to legends like George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Daryle Singletary.
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Dan’s musical journey began when he started playing guitar at age 10. After playing in several bands in the metal/rock styles he didn't begin his country music career until age 25. For the first 5 years he played several shows every week and honed his country singing/guitar pickin' craft in a variety of settings from small corner bars to stages like the prestigious Crystal Grand Theatre in WI Dells. Dan’s talent caught the attention of several Nashville producers. In 2020, he began recording in Music City, with some of the same studio musicians and producers (Brent Mason, Lonnie Wilson, Joe Spivey, Jimmy Carter, Scotty Sanders, Buddy Hyatt, Jason Wyatt) who were responsible for creating many of the songs that shaped him as an artist.
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In August of 2021 Lepien released his debut EP, "A Country Mile," a collection of 6 songs that showcased a unique 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.
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Dan released his 2nd EP, “The Man For You” on September 15th, 2023. Among the tracks featured, his crowd favorite, "God Bless Kwik Trip," captures the hearts of Midwest country music enthusiasts with its ode to the beloved convenience store chain while maintaining Lepien’s distinct gritty vocals and hard country instrumentation soaked with twangy guitar licks, sawing fiddle, and steel guitar.
The EP also takes listeners on an emotional journey with the heart stirring ballad, that Dan dedicates to his wife and parents. In "For You I Can," Lepien’s emotive vocals effectively convey the complexities of love and sacrifice in a Daryle Singletary-Esque delivery and arrangement.
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 shuffle 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.
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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 charm has began to win the hearts of fans across the Midwest and beyond. Lepien plans to self-release his debut Full Length album in 2025.