An Interview With The LA-Based Musician, AUSTIN DAVID!

Los Angeles-based musician Austin David recently released his brand new single called “Find Me A New Way.” The feel-good summer single is danceable, upbeat and displays David’s unique and exceptional songwriting ability with fun, yet ironic and self-deprecating humor. The single comes from his forthcoming EP Life, Love and Death set for release later this fall. 

The Michigan native got his initial start in music by playing in cover bands all over the state. Eventually, he went on to write his own music and began to perform all over Grand Rapids, Michigan. Upon the tragic loss of his father, David decided it was time to make a life changing decision and packed his bags for Los Angeles.

While in Los Angeles he released an independent album and performed at notable venues including the Hotel Cafe. Subsequently, he did some light touring and played shows in Southern California, Nashville, Michigan and Colorado. As David began to develop and grow as a musician and performer, so did his sound. His musical style transitioned from strictly singer-songwriter to include elements of pop. With the help of producer Taylor Sparks, he tapped into his new sound and created a five-track EP, Life Love, and Death. When he’s not working on creating new music, David works with the non-profit organization Life Rolls On, where he helps with “improving the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injury,” through fun activities, with an emphasis on surfing. 

Keep up with Austin David as he continues to release more content throughout the summer and fall! 

Learn more about Austin David in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! Where does this interview find you today? Is there music playing in the background? If so, what is it? What music gets you instantly out of a bad mood?

Hi! Thanks for having. Relaxing in my Hollywood apartment, was just listening to a song by Saint Motel called “My Type.” It’s a very cool jam.

Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you recall your earliest musical memory?

Not always. I wanted to be in the NBA at first, then i wanted to be an airline pilot. When I found my moms guitar in the garage at 12 years old I knew I wanted to be a musician.

Musically, did you approach this year any differently then you did last year? How has 2017 been treating you and your career?

Yes, I’ve been way more consistent in my creativity this year. I’m enrolled in music marketing classes and have 1 on 1 mentors/accountability partner/pseudo manager. As well as clearly defined goals and action plans. I’m taking loads more action this year.  It feels like I went from 2nd gear up to 4th/5th gear this year.

I always like to ask artists about where they came from and how that city or town has influenced them as an artist now. So how do you think your hometown of Michigan has affected you and your music today? What it was like moving to LA? How did it transform you?

The Michigan scene’s that I identified with at first were the rock/metal scene. I used to play in cover bands in Michigan. Learning all the classic Zeppelin Hits and 80s hair metal as well as 90s and 2000s, definitely got me a fairly well rounded perspective. It wasn’t until I got to L.A. that I really started going thru the Beatles Catalogue song by song. And learning about awesome people like Al Green and Donny Hathaway. L.A. taught me that it’s probably more about the hussle than the talent. Also, gratitude and persistence over many years is the key.

What was the inspiration for your newest single “Find Me A Way”? How do you think it prepares listeners for the rest of your forthcoming EP, “Life, Love and Death” set for release this fall?

The inspiration was feeling stuck in my career but not really caring anymore. In that space a lot of inspiration came. I think it gets people introduced to my voice/style/attitude. People keep telling me there’s a unique vibe in my vocals that comes across in all my music. Though my songs can vary in topics (falling in love/out of love/feeling sad/feeling happy) a consistent vibe or tone will shine through, and that’s in my voice.

How creatively involved were you with the making of the video for “Find Me A Way”? Did anything surprise you about the process of making a music video?

Not creatively involved. Chad Schollmeyer (director) had the whole vision from start to finish. What surprised my about making a video is the amount of pre-production and attention to detail is required.

Where can people see you perform live next? Do you have any fall tour dates lined up already? What do you think makes for an ideal performance for you?

I’m playing at Fallbrook live at the Palo Mesa Resort in Fallbrook, CA  on October 12 @ 7pm. Details on my website. Shooting for a release show here in L.A. in November. Details TBA. Tour is looking like Late January. Ish. An ideal performance, is a tight streamlined set, great band/ audience engagement, great sound from front of house.

Where do you think you are happiest- on stage performing, in the studio creating new music or elsewhere?

Nothing tops a great show. But I feel aligned to my life’s purpose while in the studio. I’d say it’s a tie between those 2.

With the summer days over, what is something fun or new that you tried this summer?

Just tried to step up my surfing game. Hit it more frequently and tried different places along the so cal coast like La Jolla and Zuma beach.

We are living in a crazy and at times rough world right now so I am curious how you think being a musician gives you the most joy in life today? Do you think that new music being created today is going to reflect these hard times?

I think it absolutely  is going to reflect in the music. I believe the world is changed by actions not by opinions. We need to go out and spread the love and peace with our own unique actions, and not sit behind a keyboard and blast opinions on social media. That only stirs up more of the fear/hate we are fighting against.

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? What musicians would you absolutely love to work with in the future?

Bob Marley is a big influence. The Beatles. The Seattle grunge. 90s punk rock like The Offspring/Green Day/Blink. I would love to work with Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Tom Petty, Travis Barker, Josh Homme

What do you hope fans take away from your music? Do you think that your music has a singular overall message at all?

I hope the music gives them feels like they’ve never had feels before. I feel like there’s a depth to my voice that has the power to resonate on new levels with people. I want people to feel inspired/moved. It is my gift to sing and write.

What advice would you give to a young person who is thinking about becoming a musician one day?

There are no shortcuts. Make sure you’re in it for the long haul. And AC/DC said it best “it’s a long way to the top”

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your forthcoming music?

This is just the beginning. I will be releasing new music/videos pretty consistently from here on out now. Shows/tours all the works. Thank you.