MUSIC INTERVIEW: DAVID COURTENAY
Singer-Songwriting Sensibilities with a Design on Reaching Out to All
David Courtenay’s latest musical effort is the mesmerizing album, Eloquent Cool. Before you head for his next stage apprearance at Soho Club in Santa Barbara on September 2nd why don’t you let yourself drift into the world of David through his music and through his words. David’s soul is truly “eloquent,” and shall I say more like “elegant,” with points of jazzy hues and a pop groove that could be the reincarnation of Bob Dylan and Paul Simon. Yup, Mr. Courtenay is a legend in the making, but the simplicity, honesty and feel-good extent of his talent shows us, for now, a humble man in thirst of a future, whatever the future might hold. With songs like “Eloquent Cool” (and he does know about keeping it cool) or “On My Way,” we can read a path taken in the self-enlightenment of the purest search for art and music perfection. Songs by David are like a gentle wave carrying your body and soul home. With a velvet touch of the guitar, he knows how to lure you beyond your self-contained ocean and forces you to come out of your bubble, to get a taste of the whole wide world. If you’re curious about his inner thoughts, keep on reading this article. And in any case, we’ll see you at Soho and on MySpace very soon to keep sharing happy feelings about a happy and elegant singer, Mr. Courtenay.
Emmanuel Itier: What was the inspiration, both musical and lyrics-wise, for “Eloquent Cool” ?
David Courtenay: Most of the songs on this album were written during my early adult years, between the ages of 17 and 21. At that time, I immersed myself in the music of The Doors, Simon and Garfunkel, The Beatles, Cat Stevens, and all of those great songwriters from that era. To me, that music is simplistic yet powerful, and its appeal never really fades with time. So I’ve always tried to write songs with lingering melodies and meaningful lyrics that tell relevant stories. Much of my lyrics were inspired by the many transitions that were occuring in that time of my life: becoming an adult, breaking out of my shell, my first relationship, deciding what kind of performer I should be, etc. I was also reading a lot of Shakespeare and classic drama at that time, so hopefully that helped me out a little bit!
EI: Being a singer is for sure a difficult path, especially with music piracy and the whole industry being upside down. How do you keep the faith within and keep going?
DC: I have an unconditional love for music that has only gotten stronger with time. Making music is my greatest desire, and I could never give up on it because, for me, that would be the equivalent to giving up on life. The reinvention of the music industry that is taking place is frightening, but it’s equally as exciting and promising. This is an age where independent artists have an incredible amount of tools to promote themselves with, record their own music, and to sell their own songs. Going it alone is certainly a tough road, but it can also be a more gratifying one if you learn how to do it right. I’m learning a ton by doing so many things on my own, and I know one day its all going to pay off.
EI: Listening to music is one experience, and going to a concert another one. What can people expect when they come and see you live?
DC: The energy that my band and I bring to our shows is very heightened. We really get into the music and have a blast on stage. We amp things up a bit and make the music more danceable when we play live. Our last show, we had the whole crowd dancing, and I hope we continue to get people on their feet!
EI: What song from your album, “Eloquent Cool,” is the true representation of what you’re about? And what are you about?
DC: I would say “Higher Mind.” It’s a song about keeping your sanity and a smile on your face through crazy times. That’s pretty much what I’m all about–surviving and staying optimistic in even the most adverse of situations.
EI: How is your music evolving over the years, and what do you think you do different today?
DC: I’m more intricate in my songwriting process now, and I pay more attention to details. I think my newer songs have more of their own feel to them and sound different than my original influences. I’ve also been co-writing with my guitarist, Fran McConville. We take our time with the music and stretch it out a bit more. We’re beginning to develop a more unique sound that has a little more of a modern feel to it.
EI: What is the next step for you in your career, and where would you like to be in a few years?
DC: The next step is to hit the road and start touring rigorously. I think the college circuit would be a great place to build a larger following, because young people seem to broaden their musical horizons at that age. Getting music into television and film is also a big goal of mine and a great way to get exposure. My song, “Eloquent Cool,” was recently picked to be in the movie, Dark Honeymoon, starring Daryl Hannah, Tia Carrerre, and Roy Scheider. I was really excited to have my music included in the film, and I hope there are many more projects to come. In a few years, I see myself touring all over the U.S., Europe, South America and beyond. Hopefully I’ll have a few records under my belt too.
EI: What do you want people to get from your music? What should be your legacy?
DC: When I’m writing my music, I’m not thinking too deeply about what I want people to get from it, but ideally I’d love for people to feel inspired when they listen to it. All of my favorite artists inspired me to think a bit differently, to open my mind to all the possibilities that exist, and to change for the better. I hope my music does the same. If I’m remembered as someone who sang a message of peace, happiness, and positive change, I’ll be a happy man.
David Courtenay's self-released album "Eloquent Cool" is available now.
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