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It just seemed to be a natural thing.
Intro:
EC: Do you come out of a musical family? Dave: My older brother plays guitar and always had "guitar player records" around the house back in the day. As a result, I listened to a lot of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter etc. when I was growing up. Also, my grandfather made 78 rpm records in Scotland singing tenor. That's about it really as far as I know. EC: What was the first instrument you learned and why? Dave: I’ve been playing drums since before I could walk, hitting little tin drums and the like so there was never a conscious decision to play the drums - it just sort of happened. EC: Your main instrument is the drums. Do you have a favourite drummer? If yes, why? Dave: Too many favourites to name just one but the first few who come to mind are Keith Moon, John Bonham, Stewart Copland, Tony Williams, Levon Helm, and Ringo just to name a few. There are lots! EC: Do you remember the first song you liked? Dave: Well, my parents bought me Beatles records for Christmas and birthdays when I was a kid. So probably something of “A Hard Day’s Night” or the “Second Album”. Can't really remember the first song. It was awhile ago now! EC: What made you wanna become a musician? Dave: It just seemed to be a natural thing. I never really thought much about it until I got into high school and guidance councillors would ask me what I was going to "be". I always just assumed I would be a musician. EC: What was your first band? What music did you play and did you release an album? Dave: My first "real" rock band I was in was called “Molten Rock”! Classic name! I was 11 years old when I played my first concert. I think I was paid 9 dollars or something. I was in heaven! We did some basement recordings but nothing was released. EC: Me being Swiss, why is a “Heavy Dream” the name of your new band? Why not another album under Dave King? Dave: The name doesn't have an actual meaning; it's pretty open to interpretation. In North America, when we call something heavy, it could refer to something emotionally significant or something extreme. For example "Jimi Hendrix is a heavy guitarist". It doesn't necessarily refer to physical weight. I could have released this as another Dave king record but I was looking for a change and it seemed like a good idea at the time. EC: The songs on your new album sound mostly pretty unspectacular and mellow with a focus on very fine singing harmonies. How much does this mood reflect your own personality? Dave: In putting the record together and selecting the final songs, overall there was more of a reflective mellow feel but it was not intentional. I think there are a wide variety of moods on the record and I always try and have a selection of different feels. I don't really make singles and I always see a record as a whole. More like a little snapshot in time. EC: What is your favourite song on “Under the Golden Sun” and why? Dave: I don't have a favourite but I do like the way “Rachel’s Garden” came together. It's quite different in terms of writing for me. Also, Paul Linklater played some lovely guitar orchestrations as well that I quite like. EC: Do you try to put a message into your lyrics? Dave: Not really. I do try and pull things together into a cohesive sentiment although I think songs are best interpreted by the listener. Ten different people can have ten different meanings for the same song. EC: In the bio I read that you always try to reinvent yourself. What is behind that aim? Dave: To repeat oneself is quite boring really. I’m always hoping that the newest piece of work doesn't sound like the last one. It's a hard thing to judge from my perspective in regards to my own work. Imagine the Beatles making “Sgt. Pepper” again and again because the formula worked. We would never have got the “White” album! EC: How easy or difficult is it to make a living as a musician these days? Dave: I think with the amount of illegal downloading that is happening, it's harder to sell records in this current climate. A lot of people don't know any better and think, “why would you pay for something you can get for free?” Things are changing and you have to be adaptable. EC: You have worked with many bands and artists. Do you remember any funny anecdotes? Dave: On tour with Stephan Eicher, I would catch Ron Sexsmith (who was supporting the tour) singing Christmas songs in July. "We Are Santa’s Elves" in particular. Never really found out why? I guess he just really liked that tune! EC: Who is your biggest influence? Dave: I would have to say the fab four. The extent of their influence is still really far reaching through so many threads of today's popular music. EC: What means success for you? Dave: This a good question. To some, success may be the simple task of getting out of bed in the morning so this question is very relative. To me, the meaning of success is a number of things on any given day. Being able to do what you most enjoy doing is important in terms of personal success. The hope of inspiring others with your work and moving people with the grace of art is a meaning of success for me as well. Also, just being an understanding and sympathetic person is important. It has nothing to do with money, fame or adulation. EC: Any plans for the future? Dave: Yes, I hope to have one! I would really enjoy getting back to Switzerland and playing some shows with this new record. I absolutely love that country and always have a great time over there. It's always nice to see old friends as well. selected discography:
For a more complete list of recordings see:
www.daveking.ca
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Right: Photo by Joseph Marranca