Written by Meleah Holder
The low hum of a bass guitar and drums echoes from behind the walls of the Comedy Catch in downtown Chattanooga. A small audience looks on at Dan Pinson—better known as Danimal—as he strums away, crafting a relaxing evening for his listeners.
Pinson’s music provides a one-of-a-kind experience for those downtown as he performs live, keeping local rather than seeking bigger opportunities. As a singer and bass guitarist for several local bands, he says he owes his experience and growth to the music scene in Chattanooga. When Pinson began developing his passion for music, he noted that the typical genre was rock, very different from his psychedelic tune.
“It was definitely, from my perspective…in 2007, it seemed to be very rock-influenced. It was very 90s rock, and now it’s a lot more diverse. Everybody would kind of go to three or four different venues and now everybody is playing everywhere.”
Despite the challenge his unique sound brings to the table, he is determined to pay homage to the city he grew up in. He plays exclusively at local venues Back Stage Bar at the back of the Comedy Catch on Wednesdays and at Barrelhouse Ballroom on Sundays for his dedicated community.
Beyond his weekly shows, he also participates in locally sponsored events such as the festival put on by Snapdragon on April 20th. Many musicians hope for a big break to expand from their hometown, but Pinson is more than happy playing to his crowd in hopes of creating a tight-knit community for people who use music to unwind after a long day of work.
For the last maybe eight years done Sunday Funday, which is our Sunday gig. We started out at Feed and Company…When I started doing that gig…it became this community. I saw that it was really special to keep everyone together. If I was to support anything, it is connectedness and togetherness…bringing people comfort and allowing them to enjoy music and feel a part of something.
Pinson has enjoyed performing at local venues such as The Feed, Backstage Bar, and Barrelhouse Ballroom while keeping his nuanced sound so many enjoy. As he has continued to perform at these local venues for so many years, he has become a part of that community he created as both a performer and a friend to many.
Chattanooga provided Dan Pinson with room to grow and develop his music, and he has returned the favor by staying local and drawing crowds. This has led to a larger, closer music community for those who prefer the low bass of his psychedelic songs to relax with. Whether on stage at Renaissance Park for the annual Snap Fest or unwinding behind the Comedie Catch, easy drums and low hums welcome local listeners of Chattanooga.
Meet the Storyteller
Maleah Holder is a senior communication major with an anthropology minor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Holder has experience as a section editor of Rising Rock and is proficient in writing, editing, and social media management. She frequently works with nature conservation organizations to support and spread awareness of responsible eco-tourism and promotes such things in her work as a writer. As such she intends to go into outdoor journalism after completion of her degree. If you would like to support conservation efforts with Maleah Holder, contact her at maleahholder@gmail.com.