Singer songwriter Dan Godlin is a young man, a mere 23 years old. Born in Houston and living in NYC, I first met Godlin outside the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood after listening to his romantic soulful tunes.  He reminded me of a football player in one of those Varsity Blues type movies. The confident red haired man was surrounded by many girls taking his picture as well as musician Curtis Peoples, who he toured with recently. These two young men are like teen heart throbs with their baby face looks.

Dan Godlin‘s music reminds me of love tunes, the kind of music I want to be in the back of a truck with my love gazing at the stars curled up with blankets, right next the ocean. Some of my favorite soulful tunes Godlin sings are Dance Baby and Summer Roads about his love for the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway). Godlin eagerly has the audience at Hotel Cafe sing the chorus to his tune – “Dance, Baby!” Godlin comfortably switches from the guitar to the piano. His sensitive side is apparent with his first album called Loving on Empty. Listen to his latest tunes HERE. To see him live at Hotel Cafe, click HERE.

Dan Godlin’s music has been featured recently on MTV’s The Challenge: Rivals II, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, ABC Family’s “The Vineyard,” and this past spring, he played at the MUSEXPO in Hollywood.

LaLaScoop had a chance to ask Dan Godlin a few questions.

Q: What are you most proud of in your career?

A: I feel like I’ve done my job successfully when I’m able to turn regular concert-goers into die-hard #DanFans by the end of the night. There is something so satisfying in winning over new life-long fans from scratch. Don’t get me wrong… It’s a very slow process, and it happens one fan at a time, but I’m extremely proud of the fans I’ve acquired over the years. They’re a loyal bunch, and I’m so grateful for it!

Q: What are you most proud of personally?

A: I’m most proud of finishing my college career at the same time as going after my music career full-time. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to do it, but I committed fully to both paths, and I was lucky enough to graduate on time while moving forward with music. It was a very satisfying feeling for me, and of course my family too.

Q: How would you describe your music?

A: I’ve actually coined a term for my sound. I call it “Pop Rock ‘n’ Soul” … As opposed to “Rock ‘n’ Roll”… I think it represents what I do pretty well! “Roll” is a little on the edgier side; Soul has a certain smoothness to it.

Q: What musicians are you influenced most by?

A: I’m really influenced by the great pop rock bands of the 90’s… Like Matchbox Twenty, Goo Goo Dolls, Counting Crows, and Third Eye Blind. Those bands have inspired the vibe for many of my tracks. As for singer-songwriter, it would be Rob Thomas, John Mayer, Adam Duritz, Bruce Springsteen and John Cougar Mellencamp… All crazy talented writers!

Q: Have you spent time in LA?

A: Yes! I’ve spent a good amount of time here. After my first semester of college, I decided to come out west and start writing and producing full time. I didn’t know anyone here, but I found my way and networked with some industry people through the UCLA extension music program. That first LA experience is what really kick-started my career. I moved back and forth from coast to coast since then, but I spent a good chunk of time in LA last fall (post college graduation) to co-write and co-produce my latest EP “In Between” with Jim McGorman and Robb Vallier. That whole experience was a blast! AND, to top it off, I’m planning to move here full time at the start of 2014!

Q: What are your favorite LA spots? 

A: My number one favorite spot right now is ANYWHERE on the Pacific Coast Highway. I get so much inspiration from that highway… It’s ridiculous. That’s where I was inspired to write my current single “Summer Roads” and I will continue to go back for songwriting inspiration. I’m also a big fan of the whole Beachwood Canyon/Los Feliz area… I think it’s got a similar vibe to some areas in New York City, so it feels a lot like home there. My secret spot, even though it’s about to NOT be a secret anymore (laughs), is El Matador beach in Malibu. Such a romantic spot!!! Fellas, take your lovers there. You won’t regret it.

Q: What is your favorite song that you wrote?

A: “Summer Roads” is my favorite. It’s got that undeniable, feel-good vibe that gets me every time. That song has been getting a lot of buzz from fans as well. I think it’s just one of those timeless songs that makes you feel great where ever you are. I’m writing more songs in that same style as we speak! It’s the true “Pop Rock ‘n’ Soul” jam (laughs).

Q: What is your favorite song of another musician or band?

A: “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind. No matter where I am, if that song comes on, I am singing at the top of my lungs and dancing like a fool. It was 1999 when that single hit the radio… I was 9 years old… I can remember driving in the passenger seat with dad in his black Jeep Wrangler and jamming out to that track with him. It’s the ultimate feel-good, carefree, loving-life type of tune!

Q: What music are you hooked on now, besides your own?

A: This may sound cliché, but I’m hooked on my fellow redheaded singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. His songs are timeless, and his voice is incredible. Also, the guy epitomizes how success can and WILL stem from crazy hard work. Look where he is now! Opening for Taylor Swift?! What!? He’s an amazing reminder to anyone in this industry that if you put your mind to it and work your ass off… Anything is possible.

Q: Would you like to tell us the meaning behind one of your songs?

A: Sure! I can do that (laughs). So my brother just got married few weeks ago. Prior to the wedding, I was brainstorming what kind of gift I should give. I figured… There’s probably no greater gift than a song written just for the bride and groom, right?! So I started composing a song at 2AM in my New York City apartment, and I didn’t stop until I finished it around 5AM. It’s called “For Me, For Life” and I think it turned out to be one my best and favorite songs. My brother and his wife loved it so much that they ended up dancing to it for their very first dance together as a married couple. As the Best Man, I couldn’t have felt more honored. Now they can officially say there’s a song out there written JUST for them… or “For Them, For Life” (laughs).

If you want to catch Dan Godlin live in LA soon, he will be playing at the House of Blues on Sunset Blvd. December 15 at 9:15 pm. We are sure to see a lot more of this young, rising talent.

You may just find yourself listening to Godlin’s tunes driving down the PCH!