The two met in Nashville, Tennessee in December 2012 and started writing the day after they met. The first song they ever wrote together got put on hold for Rascal Flatts. Within two months the duo had multiple publishing offers and signed with Warner/Chappell Music.
On October 14, 2013 the debut single "19 You + Me" was added to country radio. Dan + Shay wrote the song with Danny Orton. The song received a positive review at Taste of Country which praised the "warm details" and "emotion". Their debut album Where It All Began will be released on April 1, 2014, which Orton produced with Scott Hendricks.
The duo made their Grand Ole Opry debut February 1, 2014. They also received a 2014 Academy of Country Music Awards Vocal Duo of the Year nomination.
Dan + Shay will open up for Hunter Hayes on his We're Not Invisible Tour. The tour will begin March 2014. Dan + Shay will open up for Blake Shelton on his Ten Times Crazier Tour 2014. The tour will begin in June 2014.