Meet DAVIS88

Today we’d like to introduce you to DAVIS88. 

Hi DAVIS88, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I was 15 years old when I attended my first Rock concert in Raleigh at the RBC Center. I didn’t realize at the time just how much that experience would influence my life. 

As a kid, I was glued to MTV’s TRL after school. Artists such as Korn, Limp Bizkit, Kid Rock, and Eminem were prominently displayed all over television. I loved the sound and the attitude they brought to music. There was just something about it. 

Naturally, I had to be the one to pick the song on the radio in the morning ride to class. I had to have a certain song playing in my headphones before I played sports. I would always notice the music in movies and how it influenced a scene. However, it never occurred to me at the time to learn an instrument or pursue music in that way. Sports and schoolwork dominated my attention growing up. I played multiple sports including baseball, basketball, soccer, and golf. It turns out, I would really value this down the road, as I was able to draw parallels between performing on the field and performing on a stage. 

Flash forward a few years… as a college freshman at Wingate University, playing sports was no longer an option and I was eager to find a replacement for athletics. So, I concentrated on class and eventually took a job officiating high school basketball and soccer. This was fun for a time, but I wanted to try something new. While at Wingate, I tried to take a guitar class on campus. That did not go very well, so I went out and bought an acoustic guitar. I taught myself basic chords and learned my favorite songs using YouTube. Soon after, I decided to call up my friend from back home Glenn Fox. He was a local musician who let me experiment with his piano. I taught myself a few things on that instrument just trying to absorb all I could about how music is created. Eventually, he encouraged me to try writing my own songs and even try singing. Everything began to build from there. 

After a couple of years, I transferred to UNC-Wilmington to finish up my bachelor’s degree in psychology. Along the way, I picked up a drum kit and learned the basics of drumming. I wanted to familiarize myself with all the instruments I thought would make up my sound when I got into a studio one day. So, the next step for me was to record something. So, I went out and found a little recording studio in Wilmington and recorded my first song with a local drummer and guitarist. I came out with a blend of music that showcased my influences. Being from Rockingham, NC I was exposed to a lot of Rock, Rap, and Country music early on. Those genres I felt could all be crossed and blended. This was reflected in my work. It was no masterpiece, but it was so rewarding to hold a CD with music I had created. I was motivated to keep going and see what possibilities were out there in music. 

After Graduating from UNCW I took a year off from school and worked full time as a high school and college basketball official. Music was still my passion and I started putting on concerts in my hometown. That was an eye-opening experience. I learned just how difficult music business can be. Coordinating a concert event and capturing people’s interest enough to get a crowd is a monumental task. I found I loved the process of planning a show and executing it. It was reaffirming to be hit with challenges and find a way to still pull everything off. 

I knew I really wanted to keep going but I had decided I still wanted to attend graduate school and pursue music simultaneously. So, while obtaining a Master’s Degree in Sport Management, I began traveling to Nashville, TN on the weekends. I saved up some money and recorded a couple of songs at a small studio I found through connections from my friend Glenn. It was another learning experience as things are done differently in Nashville. I made the most of the opportunity, learning how to work with studio musicians and the number system they use to chart songs. It was a crash course in recording and music business. I got a chance to meet different artists and producers. I spoke with them about how difficult it is to make a living in music and what paths people try to take to find their way. I met a great producer named Wayne Killius who I’ve been lucky enough to work with for the past few years. I balance a full-time job with weekly music business zoom meetings and monthly trips to Nashville. I’ve released an EP and 4 singles in the past year. I have videos out for several of them. I love the creativity of songwriting and recording. I love the rush of performing live. My friends and family have been gracious enough to support me in my pursuits. Even though I’m not on Billboard charts or playing sold-out tours, I keep going at it. I love everything about music and I’ll keep rocking as long as it takes… to satisfy that 15-year-old at his first Rock concert. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Learning the music business can be tough. There is no direct path to success. There isn’t a blueprint like there is for a career as a doctor, lawyer or engineer, etc. You have to find what works for you and keep building until you reach your goals. 

Getting others to understand why you pursue music can be a struggle. If you’re not signed and backed by a major label or other entity, it can be tough to make money. It is not a great financial investment. You have to get creative and figure out ways to advance yourself that maybe wouldn’t make sense for another artist. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a songwriter/musician from North Carolina. I am known for mixing Rock, Rap, and Country elements in my sound. 

I am most proud of my family and my friends… they are what is most important to me. I am proud to be from North Carolina. I am proud of my hometown Rockingham, NC. It’s where I grew up and it shaped me for life. 

And I am certainly proud to be a songwriter and musician. I’m lucky enough to be able to release music on my own as an independent artist. 

**I’ve had two singles chart in the top 20 on FMQB radio charts. 

What sets me apart from other artists is that I don’t care what’s popular. I am going to make the kind of music I want to make… whether 2 people hear it or 2 million people hear it. 

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Social Media can be a tool and a headache. However, as a musician, it is vital to have a presence on social media to give people an opportunity to discover your music. I prefer Instagram over most platforms. It seems to work well for artists and is the easiest to navigate. Tik Tok is popular at the moment for songs. You have to find what platform works best for your music and capitalize on it. 

I would say any book that motivates you is worth reading. I most recently read “Greenlights” by Matthew McConaughey. It is full of quotes that can kick-start your day. 

I find it inspiring reading books written by other musicians. Books that teach you about their lives and experiences. I enjoyed reading “The Storyteller” by Dave Grohl. There is always something in those type of books that you can take from and implement into your own life. 

Apps like Splice are good to experiment with as a new musician if you don’t play an instrument. 

Garage Band is also user-friendly and good for beginners. 

Apps like Canva can help you design artwork, videos, and other graphics for promotions. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.davis88music.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davis88music/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DAVIS88MUSIC
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/davis88music
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPW03nRb9CMKDKO8ihsH0tA
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/davis88music
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1UozbDf14MO5HO1hMGAoYK?si=0wzhbkf8SHuYJigsQO3TaA