Tanner Dane Hopes You Can Relate to His Single “Hardest Lessons Learned” [Premiere]

He may be a musician with a growing fan base, but in Tanner Dane’s view, he’s just a man of the people. You can detect his working-class roots and background in his new single “Hardest Lessons Learned.” Officially out tomorrow via Easy Does It Records, the song is about learning things the hard way. It might help you grow in the long term, but it’s no fun in the present. Growth often comes with a cost, but there are lessons to be gathered along the way.

Commenting on the song, Dane states:

“This song is 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.”

The release of “Hardest Lessons Learned” comes via Easy Does It Records and is the follow-up to his 2025 single, “Gotta Love Somebody.” Based in Chicago, Dane has been generating lots of excitement in his home city. He is also the frontman of Hollyy, a popular local indie band.

It was only last year that Dane began to establish himself as a solo act with the release of his debut EP, Cut Me Loose, and its follow-up, Pull Tabs. The way he conducts himself as an artist and performer is truly unique. He is getting ready to set out on his second “Backyard Tour,” which is not your average travelling show. He literally comes to your backyard, with fans offering a space to host a show for Dane. Most of the spaces are untraditional, so not a theatre or a club. Aside from backyards, you might also find him performing in lofts, garages, rooftops, and even parking lots. If you’re interested in applying, click here.

Dane is a relatable artist, and that’s apparent in his music. Extremely personal, Pull Tabs explores the balance between self-discovery and connection. Cut Me Loose was a look at the balance between vulnerability and strength. Dane’s arrangements, anchored by his masterful acoustic guitar playing, raise the emotional stakes of each track. It’s music like Dane’s that proves you don’t need a wall of sound to be heavy as hell.