Instead of a typical biography, I thought I’d conduct an interview… with myself, because I can.
If you fancy a read, grab some popcorn, a fine glass of whatever, or, if you’re a masochist, a handful of celery sticks. An odd journey—part fascinating, mostly pointless but entirely honest…with some images to make this experience more enjoyable...
From the wide-eyed ambitions of young David to the current, slightly more experienced—but certainly no wiser—David.
THE WHOLE STORY
BIRTH PLACE, AND WHEN?
In the back alley right next to a hospital in Auburn, Sydney - Australia. 1983
YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF MUSIC?
Age 4. From what I do remember, I used to flog the living crap out of my father’s ukulele to La Bamba. Played on repeat.
I still own that ukulele. And, for better or worse, I still love La Bamba.
My early years were spent in a modest cubby room—exactly like Harry Potter’s cupboard under the stairs, but with slightly better acoustics and I was never locked in there (I don’t think).
Armed with a cassette player and an imagination, I recorded everything: myself talking, singing, making absurd noises that I still make to this day. And then I’d flisten back, studying the sounds and enjoying what I’d created.
It wasn’t just a game. Potential early experimenting, a precursor to my love of creating in a studio. Capturing moments. Looking back, I’m convinced that tiny room with the old cassette player, and that well-worn ukulele were the catalyst for my obsession with recording and production.
FIRST PROPER INSTRUMENT YOU OWNED?
A ¾ nylon string guitar my Dad bought me aged 6. I wanted to keep it forever but unfortunately my youngest brother put his foot through the middle of it.
MUSIC YOU GREW UP LISTENING TO?
The first 5-6 years was influenced by my Dad’s record collection and the radio. Elvis, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Kenny and Dolly, The Eagles, Chuck Berry and Little Richard. After that came lots of country music, John Farnham, Stevie Wonder, Billy Ocean, Michael Jackson.
WHEN DID MUSIC BECOME YOUR PASSION?
I wanted to be like my father. When you're young, you assume your parents are the closest thing to legends you’ll ever meet. When I saw him strumming a few chords and singing, naturally, I wanted to do the same.
Then there was my second grade teacher—a tall humorous man with long socks and business shorts.
He also happened to be my Judo instructor, and he too played guitar. One day, he asked if I’d play a song for the class, so I picked up his full-size guitar and played and sang Cotton Fields by Creedence Clearwater Revival.
The room was filled with smiles—genuine smiles. I’d never felt anything like it before. I felt a sense of accomplishment. From this day forward my guitar and I were best friends.
THE FIRST NOTEABLE PERFORMANCE YOU REMEMBER: (WAS IT A DISASTER?)
Well not my first, but this performance is etched into my memory. It started off awesome and turned traumatic— 7 yrs old. Standing on a stage in front of bright lights, a bunch of TV cameras and around 2000 people in a shopping centre going live to air for an early morning TV show called The Brekky Club.
The guitar and amp weren’t even mine—borrowed from a friend of my father’s. I fumbled the lyrics, completely lost my place at one point, and I broke a string during the last verse.
Waiting for me as I stumbled off stage was my Dad, and for any Aussies who are 30 and older, you’ll remember Humphrey B. Bear.
No matter how badly things go, if a giant mute bear in a waistcoat gives you a nod of approval without groping you inappropriately, you walk away with your dignity intact.
YOUR FIRST PAID GIG:
Aged 8, I played a half hour set at the Shoalhaven Spring Festival in Nowra on the South Coast of N.S.W.
Two years later and I was now dressing in a tight but sleek Elvis costume either full of fake diamonds or a gold and silver suit, and an Elvis stomach to match. I was billed as ‘Little Elvis’. A 10 yr old Elvis impersonator. Paid gigs performing opening slots for rock’n’roll bands around Sydney’s biggest sports clubs. $150 for 30 minutes back in 1993. Not bad.
WHAT BRIDGED THE GAP BETWEEN ‘LITTLE ELVIS’ TO MAKING A LIVING FROM MUSIC?
Experience and more experience. Life sneaks up on you—one day, you're a child with a guitar and a dream, and before you know it, the stage has become your second home and you’re living your dream. Well, half the dream in my case…
I spent my formative years playing literally anywhere that would have me. Talent quests, music festivals, television spots, charity gigs—if there was a microphone and an audience (willing or otherwise), I was there. Family events, pubs and clubs (dealing with venues who wouldn’t allow children was interesting. I was ushered in through the back door directly onto the stage, perform, then straight out again). Outdoor events, school fetes, Rotary Club functions, even nursing homes…yes nursing homes, and wow they were interesting gigs...
BIGGEST INSPIRATION GROWING UP?
My father.
Not a music biz manager, merley a hobby musician at best. A lover of all different genres of music, but very much a ‘Dad’.
A Dad who had the rare foresight to realize that sometimes, the best way to help is simply to show up. And so he did. He followed his instincts, made the right calls (and a few questionable ones), and did whatever he could to bridge the gap between a kid with a dream and a career that, somehow, materialized.
At 17, I booked my first solo gig—a two-hour drive from Sydney. My father helped me pack up my P.A system, drove me to the venue, helped me set up, and waited until the last note faded before driving me home. That gig became a regular spot, every two weeks for three months. I got my P’s, my first car, and suddenly, I was making that drive alone.
And then? Well, two decades had gone by, and music had become my trade and my livelihood. My constant… Some people work in offices, on constructions sites. I work on stages, in dimly lit bars, under bright lights, some bloody great venues and in places where I wouldn’t invite my worst enemy.
Experience? I suppose you could say I’ve had my share
HAVE YOU RELEASED YOUR OWN MUSIC?
3 years ago. My single and then the debut EP. The exact moment I uploaded my debut single for worldwide release, I was struck with overwhelming urge to disappear into a hole and never come out.
I even went so far as to register a pseudonym, just in case I couldn’t stomach the trauma of releasing more music under my own name.
PRODUCED MUSIC FOR OTHERS?
I’ve dabbled in this slightly and want to take this further.
There’s something deeply satisfying about shaping a song and guiding it into what it was meant to be. Working and collaborating with other artists in the studio is the next step.
I SHOULD PROBABLY FINISH THIS HERE…
Music, still chasing new dreams, and still wondering how I got lucky enough to do this for a living.
After years of performing, everything from tiny bars to big festivals where I pretended to know what I’m doing—I’m grateful to call this my job. I’ve played at weddings, corporate events, and more than a few questionable pubs, and I keep getting invited back.
Music has let me be a small part of people’s biggest moments. It’s something I’ll never take for granted. I make noise for a living.
