Today we’d like to introduce you to Isaak Klaus
Hi Isaak, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started playing the accordion when I was 13 years old. Of course, it takes at least a few years to get to the point where you can start making money playing gigs. My dad was very influential in getting me started. In fact, I owe my first paid job to him – a corporate Christmas party where he worked. When I turned 16, I got my first regular gig at a restaurant in New Braunfels called the Alpine Haus, a place you can still find me playing at on Saturday nights. My dad was – and still is – a big part of my professional career. He continues to push me and help me along as I navigate the world as a young businessman. I think that is one of the most important parts of my story. I would not be anywhere close to where I am today without his guidance. In all areas he taught me to practice professionalism with integrity, competition with humility, and hard work with patience. Having my father as my mentor is truly a blessing. He taught me to be a businessman, but not a cutthroat one that will take advantage of others or do anything to anyone to get a leg up. He combined this with what it means to be a young Christian man and how those principals of faith and manhood should guide and govern my actions and attitudes. None of us gets to where they are without the aid of others and I am very thankful to my him for providing me, continually, with not only good business advice, but in a way that is both fatherly and Christian. As my career progressed, so did the borders of where we go. I now manage a 5 piece German polka band that has toured not only in Texas, but out of state as well. This year saw us take our ethnic music to both Nashville and to the mountains of New Mexico.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been smooth. Music is not an easy industry to be in by any means. Often, I questioned simply quitting and getting a 9-5 like most people – usually for financial reasons. Being a young musician who was just getting his feet under him was not an easy task during the Covid Pandemic. Of course, there were just general growing pains as well. Being a boss and managing a band on the road at 20 years old is not a simple task. Being a full time musician is not what most people envision. Music is very little of what I actually do. Learning and being comfortable wearing a wardrobe of hats is both both exciting and hectic. I still have struggles and hurdles to over come every now and then. My biggest obstacle right now is managing my work life, which is more than full-time and being a student in ministry school.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My band specializes in German Polka music. We are known for being a young band with high energy and a dedication to our music style. I think our style of show sets us apart. We have a healthy bit of on stage banter, bits, and one liners that makes it a little more than just a musical performance. What I am most proud is the way that we have added our skills to the polka world. A band is not a single person, and I as the leader am most proud of my guys for their dedication to the wonderful style that is German Polka.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I would say first off, PRACTICE! It’s sometimes boring and feels like you are not getting anywhere, but you are. I still have to grit my teeth and push through practicing sometimes. I would also say to not get too ahead of yourself too fast. It’s about putting in a lot of time and effort to make it to where you want to be. Take it at a sustainable pace and do not think you are failing just because you have not achieved your big dream in the first year or even the first 5 years. It takes time.
Pricing:
- It all depends on where you are and what we are doing. But please reach out!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lhjunkies.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lhjunkies/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lhjband
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lhjunkies
Image Credits
Shawn Wolfshohl
Chris Holcomb
