Today we’d like to introduce you to DAVIS88.
Hi DAVIS88, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a songwriter/musician from Rockingham, North Carolina. I play all over the state, but most recently have been splitting time in Raleigh, NC and Nashville, TN.
I grew up in a small town. Everyone I knew coming up was playing sports. Unfortunately, the arts were not encouraged in school as they should have been. So, I focused on athletics all through school. I didn’t get into music until I was in college at Wingate University. Since sports were no longer an option, I went out and bought a guitar. I started learning chords. I set a goal to learn the basics on guitar, piano and drums. Eventually I started writing my own songs. The next step was recording songs. I set out for Nashville to record music. Learning the basics on a few instruments helped me along the way. I knew what I wanted to sound like and that helped me communicate my vision with session players when I decided to record my first project. I’ve made connections in Nashville and in North Carolina over the years, just trying to learn everything I can about the industry and soak up some experience.
I’ve been releasing music and playing shows for a while and got a break in the last year. I opened up for some big national acts in the Raleigh/Durham area. Opening for Country Star Jason Michael Carroll and rock band Saliva’s Josey Scott. It’s a blast being on stage and I am looking forward to releasing new music this year and bringing new music to live audiences.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would not say it has been a smooth road. It is easier to find a path to becoming a Doctor than it is figuring out how to navigate the music industry. You have to wear so many hats. It is a tough balancing act. You’re a full time artist, a full time social media manager, a full time band leader, and a full time business manager. It can be very overwhelming if you don’t organize yourself and define a clear path.
Keeping up with the ever evolving social media aspect is exhausting, but once you find your online presence it can be an excellent tool to building your music career.
Another struggle being a musician is having to deal with doubt and pressure from family and friends. When you tell someone you’re going to law school or business school they nod and say “good for you” but when you say I am pursuing music and releasing songs they rarely treat it with the same weight and importance. It can be challenging to stay motivated if you feel like you don’t have much support and people don’t take what you’re doing seriously.
So at the end of the day, you have to face these struggles and figure out how to overcome them. Approach things with the confidence that you can find a way to meet your goals and achieve what you set out to do as a musician even when others don’t understand or see your vision.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I write and perform rock music. I incorporate elements of rap, country, and metal music, but it all falls under the rock music world. I’m known for an electric live show that keeps people moving and a song catalog that showcases a little rocknroll swagger with some Carolina attitude. I don’t make music just to pander to crowds or what’s popular. I make music I love. I make music that I think others can find themselves in and relate to. Music that resonates.
I am most proud of my upcoming music and cannot wait to release it this fall. But a single project I’m most proud of is my video “get up.” In it, I was able to showcase my hometown of Rockingham, NC. Displaying where I am from and some of the places and scenes I grew up with was something I was very honored to do.
What are your plans for the future?
I have new music slated for release this Fall. I will have some big show announcements to follow. I’m really excited to get my new projects out for people to hear and can’t wait to play them live.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.davis88music.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davis88music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DAVIS88MUSIC/
- LinkedIn: https://linktr.ee/davis88music
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davis88music
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/davis88/1551823299
