Chicago-based singer/songwriter Tanner Dane has released new single “Hardest Lessons Learned” via’ Easy Does It Records. Dan is also soon to embark on his second Backyard Tour, in which folks offer a space to host a show for him across the Midwest. The spaces are mostly non-traditional venues–backyards, lofts, alleys, garages, rooftops, parking lots, and more. You can put in a request to host a show here. Dane is also set to play some live dates this summer, including an official Lollapalooza after party on July 30th at Lincoln Hall.
Dane explains:
This was written during a period of reflection after a breakup, when I came to understand that personal growth sometimes comes at a painful cost. The song explores the realization that becoming a better person can happen too late for the relationship you hoped to save, leaving behind lessons that were earned through loss. It’s about finding value in the character, wisdom, and perspective gained along the way – even when it means losing someone who once meant everything to you. This is a singer-songwriter vibe that will fit perfectly with summer heartbreak folks who can find the relevancy in my lyrics. I believe this song demonstrates growth in both lyricism and musicianship in the past 2 years. I wrote this tune with the help of fellow singer-songwriter, Levi Foster in Nashville Tennessee in 2025. The tune was engineered and mixed by Ziyad Asrar of Chicago-based indie band, Whitney.
Tanner Dane is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter signed to Easy Does It Records. He first built a loyal following as the frontman of Chicago band Hollyy, whose headline shows have sold out rooms across the Midwest and East Coast since 2021.
In 2025, Dane stepped into his solo era with the release of his debut EP Cut Me Loose, followed by the Pull Tabs EP later that year on Halloween, both released through Easy Does It Records.
Dane has shared stages with Bartees Strange, Wild Child, Grizfolk, Victor Ray, Eddie 9V, Joe Hertler, Ike Reilly, and Jon Muq. Recent runs included sold out support dates in Chicago and Madison, along with headline sellouts in Madison and Milwaukee in January 2026.
Live Dates:
7/30 – Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL (Official Lollapalooza After Party)
