Dan Wilson

Dan Wilson is a celebrated artist and songwriter whose diverse and highly lauded projects now span two decades. In 2007 Wilson received a Song of the Year Grammy Award with the Dixie Chicks for 'Not Ready to Make Nice' while co-writing an additional five songs on the Dixie Chicks' Album of the Year winning 'Taking the Long Way'. Wilson had previously been recognized by the Grammys with a nomination for 'Best Rock Song' as the primary songwriter and singer for the song 'Closing Time' by the critically acclaimed Minneapolis band Semisonic.

Renowned for the elegance of his melodies, the intelligence of his lyrics and the purity of his voice, Wilson has just completed production on his first solo album, titled Free Life, which will be released on American Recordings/Sony when the fates decree it. The album was produced by Wilson with assistance from label head and executive producer Rick Rubin. While Free Life is in some ways a departure from Wilson’s previous work, it also finds him in the familiar territory that has been reflected in much of his work—the elevated, chill-inducing melodies, the thoughtful yet straightforward lyrics, the striving for honesty of expression. “I’ve always loved songwriting that sounded like truth,” says Wilson, “like first-person confessions, like confidences whispered in your ear. Even if I’m willing to tinker with reality and my own history, I want the song to feel true.”