We had the good fortune of connecting with Nolan Burke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nolan, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
I feel I’ve really learned a lot about the importance of balance. I love my work so much, and I really want to make a difference using the tools that God has given me; but my family is truly my ultimate priority, so I am really intentional about spending a lot of time with my wife and my children. Recently, I’ve heard so many anecdotes from older, much wiser people than I and their sentiments are all very similar: spend as much time with your family and your growing children as you can, because you CANNOT have a do over. The career will always be there – but you only get one shot to raise your kids and watch them grow up. So, I am really making my family a huge priority, even if I may not be achieving the goals or milestones in my business or career that I had hoped to achieve by now.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I officially started Undercover Band, my wedding band business, in 2016, with no real goal or motivation other than to play music with my friends and have a great time doing it. It was sort of a side hustle for the first few years, and I never really intended for it to take off and become the full fledged entertainment and production company that it has become today. I think around 2019, I made a decision to significantly adjust my role at what was my current full time job, and that allowed me some time and margin in my life to start to pursue my business a bit more seriously. After things began to open up after the pandemic, we really started to get very busy very quickly and it was quite overwhelming, but we’ve found a good, healthy rhythm and it’s been really great. I’m very blessed to be surrounded by some really amazing and talented people. I have worked really hard to create a fun, happy work environment, and I think it translates really well when we are performing for a large crowd or a packed dance floor. People can feel our positivity and good energy and it’s infectious; it makes them want to be happy and positive and have a great experience celebrating a wedding or other significant life event with the people that they love. We are so very lucky to get to do what we do.

 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think checking out Chinatown is a must when you’re in Houston. There are some great Chinese, ramen, sushi, and dumpling places down there near Bellaire and BW8. Obviously you’ve got to get some Tex-Mex – Ninfa’s on Navigation, Pappasito’s. I am a huge coffee fan so I always take out of town friends or family to try new coffee spots when they are in town. I’ve really been enjoying Blendin lately (they have two locations), and I always love Giant Leap or any of the Greenway spots (Catalina, etc). Also love the live music scene here, the good stuff can be somewhat hidden but you can find some real gems around town if you’re at the right place at the right time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve had so many amazing and important mentors in my life over the years. I definitely have to thank my mom and dad for supporting my art and really just anything and everything I’ve ever done. They are big fans of mine and that is so special to me. My guitar teacher, Alan Darby, taught me so much about music and musicianship – I’m not sure I’d have become a career musician without his guidance and patience. My good friend Wayne has taught me so much over the last 15 years or so; especially to just get off the dang couch and pursue things in life that energize me and make me come alive. He is always creating something special and putting it out into the world, as vulnerable as it may be, and his work ethic is incredible. That has definitely inspired me to always keep moving and growing in my craft and in my business.

Website: www.undercoverband.com

Instagram: @undercoverbandtx

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/undercoverbandtx/

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@undercoverband2132

Other: www.nolanryanburke.com

Image Credits
Frank Velasquez Paul Pelc Monica Hindmarsh Bob Boyd

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.