DAVE EDWARDS

RETIRED FIREFIGHTER DAVE EDWARDS NOW FOCUSING ON HIS MUSIC CAREER

By David C. Lannan

The most challenging part of the independent artist is probably self marketing and promotion in order to eventually monetize one’s talent and recoup some of the individual costs associated with being independent.

OPENING ACT

Dave Edwards started his singing career as many have - performing in school. He started by singing in elementary school plays and his love for music grew from there. By the time he was a junior in high school he had his own band. His oldest brother, Don, also had a band and Dave sang harmonies with them, eventually bringing him to the foreferont as lead singer. Dave is collaborating with a songwriter for his next album but has only just started to learn songwriting. He was offered a recording contract at age 17 but turned it down. He recently retired after more than 35 years as a firefighter and now is focusing on mus9c once again.

Read on to learn more about Dave on a Q & A session.

Q & A WITH DAVE EDWARDS

DL: Who are some of the biggest musical influences in your life?

DE: Hank Williams, George Jones, Merle Haggard, Gene Watson, Vince Gill, Faron Young and Johnny Bush

DL: What is your favorite style or genre of music and why?

DE: I love traditional styled Country, Swing, and Gospel. I sang everything I could in church, Swing is exciting to hear, play, and sing, and, Traditional Country actually tells a story, using understandable words and historical instruments that do not drown out the vocals.

DL: What is a unique opportunity you have had when it comes to performing?

DE: I have performed with Earl Scruggs, Red Stegall and others. I perform regularly on some of the most popular Opry house stages in Texas and Oklahoma. Currently I perform 30+ Opry performances annually.

DL: Where is/are your favorite place(s) to perform?

DE: I prefer to play at live events. I enjoy seeing and hearing the audience. This year I will perform at National Hall in Ft. Worth, Texas on the 28th of September for a fund raising event for the Texas Flood Victims and again in November during the Western Swing Celebration.

DL: Do you remember the first song you sang in public?

DE: I sang the lead to The Sound of Music in 1st grade.

DL: What is your inspiration for your songs?

DE: My Country songs must be honest, songs about life, living and dealing with heartaches and/or loss. My swing songs will tell stories conjoined with a good dance tune. My Gospel songs are songs of faith in Our Lord and Savior.

DL: What do you find most challenging about the music business?

DE: The most challenging part of the independent artist is probably self marketing and promotion in order to eventually monetize one’s talent and recoup some of the individual costs associated with being independent.

DL: What is your favorite part of the music business and why? Your least favorite?

DE: My favorite part of the music business is the opportunity to see an audience enjoy the music and I love to sing. My least favorite part of the music business is “the business”.

DL: If you could perform with anyone in the music business who would it be and why?

DE: I would love to sit and talk with my inspirations for the sheer joy and stories. If I could perform with any living entertainer, it would be Vince Gill. Vince’s voice is unmatched and unparalleled by anyone in the music business today. I also appreciate his approach to both his music and the audience.

DL: What advice do you have for anyone wanting to get in the music business as a singer/songwriter or musician?

DE: If you don’t love music and people, you should not perform. Stay true to yourself; don’t try to sell a lie. Your public will see through any guise and it will likely destroy your opportunity.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Dave says that if he could change anything in his life it might be to have given one if his contract offers a shot but that he does not regret turning those opportunities down when he was only 17. Dave is working with Clarksville Creative Sound and Curt Ryle on new music for an album.

HAVE A LISTEN:

You can hear snippets of and purchase Dave’s songs at www.i2irecords.com/dave-edwards