Before Dan Shinder ever picked up drumsticks professionally, a concert changed everything. His cousin took him to see Led Zeppelin live, and as Dan watched John Bonham tear through the set, he realized: “Being a drummer could actually be a career.” That moment flipped a switch.

Later, in 8th grade, a friend named Deidra invited him over to hang out. She put on a record Dan already knew—"Awaken" by Yes—but that afternoon was the first time he really heard it. The structure, the length, the vocals, the movements—it wasn’t just a song; it was an experience. Sitting in her house, taking it all in, Dan was struck by how layered and alive it felt. It became a personal moment of discovery, one that stayed with him for decades.

Awaken was released in 1977 on Yes’s Going for the One album. Formed in 1968, Yes is one of the most iconic progressive rock bands of all time, with members like Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, Chris Squire, and Alan White. Known for their technical mastery and emotional depth, the band made music that was more like a journey than a track—and Awaken is one of their most sweeping, spiritual pieces.

Dan’s connection to the song only grew. He introduced his wife to Yes, and when their son was born, he rocked him to sleep to Yes tracks. Years later, Dan even got the chance to perform “Awaken” live, a full-circle moment that brought him back to that first deep listen at Deidra’s.

Today, Dan is the founder of Drum Talk TV, a platform that reaches millions of musicians with interviews, performances, and behind-the-scenes stories. His love for progressive music is still at the core of his work. Awaken wasn’t just a favorite track—it became part of his identity. It reflected the way he listens, plays, and lives.

More than just a song, Awaken has been a touchstone through the stages of Dan’s life. One that never grows old—and always reveals something new.

Awaken (the song)

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