Dave - Singer-songwriter, Guitar
Dave - Singer-songwriter, Guitar
Dave is a Kokatha-Gunditjmara guitarist, songman and storyteller with an impressive performing, touring and recording history. As an artist, his extensive body of work provides insight into the Aboriginal heritage and contemporary Aboriginal culture. He has performed with Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter, Tiddas, Bart Willoughby, Mixed Relations and with members of Shane Howard, Paul Kelly, Not Drowning Waving and Hunters and Collectors and was a member and co Musical Director of The Black Arm Band.
Dave’s impressive performing and touring background are complimented by his songwriting. Dave co-produced with Shane the project Tarerer - (Welcome To Country) a contemporary compilation showcasing the music of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous artists of South West Victoria (Gunditjmara/Kirrae-Wurrong), alongside a few local friends. The Tarerer CD is a cross-cultural initiative created to facilitate a deeper understanding of contemporary Aboriginal life, along with local culture and history.
His first album Kookatha / Gunditjmara Clan paid tribute to land and heritage. It was produced by Shane and featured contributions by Howard, Amy Saunders, Helen Mountfort, Rose Bygrave, and Bart Willoughby.
Instrumentation: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Music Genre: Originals
Size: Solo or with Band
Hire For: Corporate Functions, Significant Events, Feature Performances
Location: VIC
Buy Music: Spotify
Covered by the Artist Bookings 100% reschedule/replace/refund guarantee
In 2013, Dave released his single “Freedom Called'’ written in conjunction with leading Australian singer-songwriter Paul Kelly, which acknowledges the often-forgotten military service by indigenous personnel over the past 100 years. Such was the song’s popularity; Dave was invited to perform it at the 2013 Indigenous Dawn Ceremony Service at the Australian War Memorial Canberra. David’s second solo EP album titled “Close My Eyes” was released in 2016.
This year David will be releasing his third album featuring 11 original songs showcasing influences of blues, funk, reggae, soul and folk music. The album titled “Red Desert Man” is a beautiful Australian story about Dave and his wife’s desert country families. The album is a celebration of family, community, culture, custom, lingo, and tribal life that is still alive and living in this country.
“His use of dynamics is simply brilliant. I believe he is one of the finest vocalists and writers in this country and one of the finest guitarists you will ever hear, he treats not only his own music with incredible respect, but other people’s music too and it shows. It’s time Dave was recognised for his musical genius.”
“It’s about knowing our stories. And about beautiful moments that will live in our hearts for the rest of our lives and that our children know who they are and about belonging.”