Background:
Though I'm not new to it, writing has become a brand new experience for me (probably better expressed as creating, I don't actually write music). Each time I pick up an instrument or turn on the mic I need to approach the song as if I am a new musician walking in and sitting down to listen for the first time. I create almost recklessly and within hours I couldn't play that keyboard or guitar progression unless I re learned it.
Years ago I wrote collaboratively. In fact, it got to the point where we would walk in our dark, almost tomb like studio (sound proofed by the former owner so that you could barely hear anything except your own heart beat), say very little to each other, power up and just start playing. After 15 years of writing together, before we knew it, we had created something new. We were used to it, listening to each other and building on it until it all moved and melded together. Then if I managed to record it we would spend the next few weeks learning and perfecting the new song (but I rarely committed to the vocals). I always waited, wanting to experience the music as if it were fresh (I am not likely remembered by those musicians for my discipline).
No longer did I sit alone and put together a song on my guitar like I did from the first time I could make two strings ring out with a good sound (11 or 12 I started writing). There were 4 or 5 other musicians to work with and all the politics, compromises, egos (including my inflated one). Then after working so intensely with these guys, the collaboration stopped... I was alone. I produced a few songs by myself but it wasn't easy with the equipment of the time, although I pleased with the results.
Then after 20 years of writing and recording I stopped! I shifted my energy to the greatest creations I know, my children! I didn't stop playing. Guitars were always around. But I did stop writing. I began listening to music more and spending time listening to song writers of all kinds, from all the corners of the world. I listened more than I ever did (and I did listen to a great deal of music in the past), listened for and searched out song writers. They didn't have to be popular; they had to leave on impression, like a good meal.
In December 2003, after 12 years I began to record again and I'm having to time of my life!
I build these songs like I make a salad dressing or a meat marinade: no two are exactly alike and the ingredients vary depending on the day. I start with a base and add a little this and a little that and I'm not sure how it will turn out until it's done and tasted.These songs are much like that. I start with something and I end up building and I could never have predicted where this song would be in the end. It morphs into something as I add this and that. There is nothing like it. The songs end up being a wonderful surprise that resonate with me more than I could expect anyone else to feel.
I pass them to you for what they are,
hope you enjoy
Dave