Meet Dave Clark | Singer, Songwriter, Music Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dave Clark and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dave, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Being a musician is an incredible job, though I don’t believe the average person realizes what goes on inside a musician’s brain before and during a performance.

While I may be having a conversation with someone, what’s actually happening inside my brain goes something like this:

There’s X amount of people in the audience today, the average age and demographic looks something like this, so X song will be the most appropriate opening song. But that’s in the key of G so the next song needs to be in the key of D so it creates a natural transition. Oh, wait…when’s the last time I updated my battery in my guitar’s electronics? Did I order that new guitar cable yet? Hey, I have an idea for words to that new song. I’m writing. Oh look, there’s Jim and his wife; great to see them. Hold on, if I play “X” song second, I have to make sure I transition that into “Z” song third because it’s in a different key but keeps the tempo and energy level high. Hold on, did I turn up the volume on my amp? What kind of beer do I want today? Is it time to change my guitar strings yet?

You see what I’m talking about.

A lot of times, I can have an entire conversation with someone before a show and not remember I even talked to them, because there is so much mind clutter that goes into prep for a show. But that’s how I stay focused and able to put on a great show, night in and night out.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others is my songwriting. My influences are far ranging and it all comes through in my recognizable style. I may be considered “AOR” or “Melodic Hard Rock” when it comes to my songwriting, but I can channel multiple genres of music within a single song when I am songwriting.

I have one full length album out (Rock City) and a second one about 65% done, likely to be released in Spring 2023. The new album, Arizona, truly represents what I am all about musically, with super catchy chorus set on a bed of crunchy hard rocking guitars and arena rock drums backing it all up. Any one of the 12 songs could be a single and when people hear the songs, they often walk away singing the hook from the chorus after they do, which can be a blessing and a curse. I am thankful I can write songs that people easily remember, because that’s a hallmark of hit singles.

The biggest challenge I overcame is believing I was good enough to do it. When I finally realized I was, it got a whole lot easier. It’s ok to be tough on yourself, but it’s never ok to give up because you don’t think you’re good enough. There’s always another take on a another day that will get you to where you need to be.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Obviously music is a key component in my life, and I also love nature. My hobbies include craft beer and baseball, besides skiing. So depending on the time of year, I would likely have a nature day with some hiking, take in a baseball game (or drive to Flagstaff to ski if winter). There would definitely be a stop at Pedal Haus Brewery where Doc Osborne makes some of the best beer in Arizona. (Try the Biere Blanche or the Mexican Lager!) Saddle Mountain Brewery out west also makes some great beer. I’d likely take my friend to Old Town Tavern in Scottsdale, which features some of the best musicians in the city and is just a great hangout bar. Lure Fish House has some incredible seafood; a nice find in the desert. Maybe a boat ride on Saguaro Lake or a float down the Rio Salado in a tube might also make for some great memories and good times.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Any success I’m achieving now comes from years and years of practice and hard work. However, it’s also because of certain musicians that have inspired me along the way, whether it was in their songwriting, singing, or guitar playing. I see myself first as a singer, then as a guitar player (and bass player third) so it’s the singers who I consider the biggest influences. Robin Zander of Cheap Trick sets the standard for putting on a great live performance, while singers such as Dennis DeYoung, Billy Joel, Bruce Dickinson and John Lennon have all had huge influences on helping me develop my vocal style.

As far as guitar players go, Randy Rhoads has been the only favorite guitar player I’ve ever had and is the reason I play guitar in the first place. Nowadays, I’m taking a lot of cues from the style of the great Michael Schenker because I’ve come to learn that it’s not the amount of notes you play, it’s what notes you play. It has to feel good, not just fast.

Finally, when it comes to songwriting, Paul McCartney/John Lennon and The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson set the standard for how a song should be built, along with the band Queen. Thin Lizzy, Boston and Night Ranger were also highly influential to me, especially with my prevalence of double lead guitars being a signature style of mine.

Website: DaveClarkMusician.com

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Image Credits
All Photos by: Laura Rosch Photography