Published: April 19, 2009 1:4 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight April 2009 Edition
D4P
D4P
D4P has been described as "a one-man technofolk extravaganza!" We tend to agree with this description when it comes to this one-man band. He has creatively combined several instruments along with some first grade technology to form a unique sound. In this recent interview with our Webzine, D4P talks music with us. Let's see how everything pans out in this spotlight.
Isaac: How do you sum up 2008 for D4P?
D4P: I started off in Brevard, NC (near Asheville) where I actually made a living as a musician for a short period of time. It was a dream come true to pay my rent from money I made playing music. I also took an epic, cross-country, road trip with stops to play in Sedona, AZ and Portland, OR. Then I got a call from Mom, who is recovering from throat cancer, saying she needed me back home in Melbourne. I was on the road two days later and spent the second half of the year living in Mims, FL. I have definitely been playing less music here than in NC, but family comes first. I have also had some time to work on a new CD.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in Melbourne, Florida.
D4P: Well, there are some great musicians in Melbourne and there are a few pleasant venues. But filling up those venues is a little tougher here than in Asheville. I enjoy the more intimate settings of the coffee houses that I usually play around Melbourne. One time, some stranger in the audience busted out a saxophone and started jamming with me from his seat. We did a call and response improv based on the theme from 'Fraggle Rock' it was awesome!
Isaac: What is the concept behind D4P?
D4P: D4P (Dan 4 President) is the name I have given to my one-man-band, loop driven, multi-instrument, technofolk extravaganza. Keller Williams was the first person I ever saw using looping technology to jam with himself on stage. It looked like a lot of fun so I bought some toys and have been expanding on that idea for the past 5 years or so. I'm a pretty transient guy, so it has been impossible to gather a steady group of musicians to play with. I invented D4P so that I could jam and get people moving...it's just more fun to play lots of instruments.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
D4P: My biggest accomplishment for 2008 had nothing to do with music. I put some of my own plans on hold to help someone in need. That feels good.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
D4P: I appreciate people who do things that haven't been done before. I love the way Michael Hedges started beating the crap out of his instrument and creating sounds that nobody knew a guitar could make. Keller Williams is obviously my inspiration for my current live show. As far as influences on my musical style...How about Dave Matthews, Michael Franti, Sublime, G-love, Phish & Moe for my top six.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
D4P: I bring the TechnoFolk. I bring happy music that does not take itself too seriously. Sometimes, I even bring a message or two about making the world a better place.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
D4P: Keller and the WMD's. Jeff Sipe is just a ridiculously solid drummer and he is also one of the nicest guys I've ever met (he's from Brevard, NC). Keller is a personal hero of mine and I would love to know every little detail regarding the technical aspects of his show. The other guys in that band are cool too.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
D4P: Upbeat, chipper, feel-good acoustic jams. I enjoy describing my live show as a 'one-man TechnoFolk extravaganza'.
Isaac: What is your definition for Acoustic Music?
D4P: This is a pretty lame question. I would like people to define it for themselves if they ever really feel the need to do so.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from your previous release, Passion Fruit and Bamboo (Garudio Productions, 2005)?
D4P: The feedback I give myself is that it is slightly overproduced for my personal taste. Other people tell me it is fine, but not quite what they expect after seeing my live show. It was really fun to make because I invited lots of my friends to contribute.
Isaac: What can fans expect from your next album, what is the inspiration behind the CD?
D4P: Fans can expect something much more organic. I'm the only one playing and singing on this CD. A few of the songs are a little mellower than people might be used to. I'm also recording some live stuff which will either become its own CD or be included as bonus material. Inspiration is behind the songs, rather than the CD. Inspiration for these songs came from a variety of sources including Green Volvo's, dirty toilet seats, Beautiful Beings, and the power of Dropped D.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
D4P: I am nothing without my friends and family. I would also like to say hello to Rudy and the Gang in Melbourne. This is probably a good place to plug my other passion in life which is instructing Outward Bound Wilderness courses. If you are looking for the experience of a lifetime check out www.outwardbound.org
Isaac: Final words from D4P…
D4P:
"Don't just cruise by on a tour bus taking photos no instead
Go and see it, feel it, be it use the camera in your head."
