We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brian Karl . Check out our conversation below.
Brian , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Thank you so much for meeting with me again! Outside of work, playing gigs, recording, and running Lion’s Den Productions, I love going for walks at local parks with my dog, Acey, and I am an avid coffee drinker.
I grow coffee trees at my house and roast coffee beans in my spare time. Anything worth doing is worth overdoing!
I love trying new things and coming up with different blends. Whenever we have a session at Lion’s Den Studios, you can be sure there will always be coffee at the ready. It is a great hobby outside of my life in music. I believe it is important to step away for a minute and separate yourself from your full time job. It helps recenter me and helps me to be more focused.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I came to Nashville for the first time 13 years ago to record an album with Michael Wagener (Ozzy Osbourne, Skid Row, Alice Cooper) and I fell in love with the city.
Over the years, I have toured with multiple rock bands and had the opportunity to work in some great studios with some of the best producers and engineers.
I have always been interested in the process of recording music and my dream has always been to be a session drummer. So, it was a natural transition to not only track drums, but to also begin producing and mixing songs.
My buddy, Randy Roberts, and I started Lion’s Den Productions together in January of 2025.
Lion’s Den Productions is a full-scale recording studio and production team.
We offer full production, recording, mixing, mastering, and live band services to guide a song from the initial concept to the finish line.
In addition to working closely with artists, we write and record original compositions tailor-made for podcasts, YouTube channels, commercials, television shows, advertisements and more.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was a child, things did not come easily. I struggled with certain subjects in elementary school, like math. I had to study for long hours leading up to tests. It seemed things came much easier for my siblings.
But, I learned to work hard. When I started playing drums and taking lessons at the age of 10, I would practice for hours everyday. I wanted to be the best that I could be.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of failure held me back. Thinking I was not good enough. In the past, I turned down some gigs due to self doubt. I regret bowing out of certain opportunities because I didn’t think I could do a good job.
But, when I would take a gig or tour, even after doubting myself, it would turn out great and it would be a worthwhile experience! I learned to not say “No” and that I could accomplish anything with hard work and self-confidence.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I don’t believe in gatekeeping or putting people down to better yourself. I don’t believe any truly successful musician gets to where they are by knocking others down.
In fact, I’ve left bands because I did not agree with how people were being treated. I am a firm believer you should treat others the way you want to be treated.
I don’t view other musicians as competition. We are all in this together, so we should help each other and share information. That is how we all learn. That is how we can all be successful.
I am lucky to have some amazing friends who have shared their wisdom and taken me under their wing. Now, I want to pass along the things that I have learned to others.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely! I always have a growth plan in place for myself. I am always planning ahead. I think to myself, where would I like to be and what would I like to accomplish in the next year, 5 years, 10 years.
Whether it is in my personal life, professional life or my life in music, I always give everything 100%.
I am always looking to better myself and learn more. I can always do a better job than I did the day before.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lionsdenproductions.net/
- Instagram: xxlionsdenproductions
Image Credits
Scott Willis
