Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Dave Christen
Dave Christen and Don Maracle work together on producing new music since 2021 under the Dave Christen artist name. New music is set to come available Dec 25th. More again Jan 25th and then again Feb 25th. Dave Christen, the Songwriter has been crafting songs for many years and joins forces with Don Maracle, a Rochester New York Music Hall of Fame caliber musician and producer.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I got an electric guitar when I was about 9. I don’t recall the music I listened to clearly, I’m sure it was AM type pop music but something drew me to the guitar.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
At about 14 or 15 I began writing chord progressions and jamming with other musicians. It took a while before I began to try and sing but it came soon after.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
I’m always looking for epic human experience type things that provoke emotion and thought. Very inspired by the prolific songwriters like Dylan, Cohen, Prine, Lennon, Nelson.
Don Pedro
https://youtu.be/YutLbTCyfuc?si=3O6dRWTjUaHajoUP
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music?
I call it Americana which to me invokes elements of Folk, Blues, Rock and Country. All the roots American flavors.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
A basic songwriting course that was based on the analysis of the top 20 songs for 20 years (400 songs). The arrangement characteristics are amazingly consistent. Once I was aware of those I knew when I was leaving them, and when I was using them.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I have written entire lyrical songs in my head and then sat down to find the music. I have made musical things on keyboards and have even scored ballet dance shows using the keyboard for orchestration and the whole instrument scope, but acoustic guitar is the place I primarily work from and have written my best efforts. I can find the moods in different chord progression.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I run songwriter showcases and am very supportive of the independent artist. There is a Spotify playlist called “Rambler Radio Elite” that has dozens of artists I have had on my live Rambler radio show. You’ll find many there that I support and respect.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ZwplsFGbUb1OfDj1ekhOs?si=9dc4937fd3fc4a0a
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Interesting question. I’ve told people many times the most valuable aspect of having the ability and talent to present music to situations and events, is when it is in support of major life events like death, and marriage, remembrance, when you are the catalyst to enhance and make memories.
On another note yes my personal experiences have inspired songs but I always see anything I write about as an opportunity to reach into the psych of everyone’s experiences and the common threads we all live through.
Then there is the most prolific Love song I have written for the most prolific Love my wife. I recorded and sang it the day we married.
I’m Yours Tonight
https://youtu.be/XVXMtrYWYIw?si=XmXiJNoB43_yXbi3
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Emotion, Hope, Empathy, provoking thought, education, entertainment.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
You must put the time in if you want to be accomplished. And do the business side if you want to do it in commerce.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
That Red Rock Amphitheater in Zion for one but there’s another one an underground cave venue. We’ll leave the Superbowl stuff alone if it’s going to be for Bad Bunny types.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Bob Dylan has moved the English language in ways like Shakespeare has.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website, Spotify, IG, links)
davechristen.com has links to all my social media and ways to reach my music on all the platforms. My Facebook is a primary social media page.
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I am touring more and reaching more audience all the time.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That I have depth and substance in my writing.
