Davey Jones Interview
Tell us a little bit about your music style, what genres you consider yourself to be?
It is pretty hard for me to pick just one genre that my music falls into. Most people would probably say that I fall into Blues and Rock, but honestly, I tend to simply write whatever gets stuck in my head. This makes it difficult to find my niche’ in the music world, but perhaps the lack of a specific genre is a niche’ in and of itself.
When it comes to my style of music, I definitely prefer upbeat songs. I do write some slower songs from time to time, but upbeat songs are what I truly enjoy. There’s something to be said about a song that ends up lifting your spirit. Music really is a powerful tool in our life, and my desire is to create music that people can smile and laugh to.
How and when did you first start writing songs and getting into performing?
I can’t remember a time when music wasn’t part of my life. From around the age of 5 or 6, my parents made me learn to play. I started learning piano and drums, and over the years have taught myself to play guitar, bass, organ, banjo, and just about anything else I could get my hands on. Sometimes I wish that I had focused on one particular instrument so that I could have mastered it, but I guess I can’t focus on one thing long enough for that. So, I learned to play a variety of instruments, and honestly, it’s served me pretty well, because I am able to play every instrument on all my songs.
Writing songs is also something that I’ve always done. Honestly, a melody or lyrics just get stuck and my head and that’s where my songs come from. I also tend to make songs up when I’m performing live. If people seem to enjoy it, I go home and record it. I’ve always enjoyed making people smile and dance, and there’s no better feeling to see people enjoying your music. Seeing people enjoying the music is why I began performing and writing, and as long as the smiles don’t stop, neither will I.
Who do you consider to be some of your musical influences?
Where to start? I got made fun of as a kid because I enjoyed “oldies” music. Groups like the Beach Boys, The Beatles, Sam Cooke, The Four Seasons, America, The Hollies, Chuck Berry, I mean, this list could go on forever. These groups were masters of harmony, originality and musicianship. And who wasn’t influenced by groups like Aerosmith and Guns and Roses. I look up to all of these groups. Every song I ever hear influences me in one way or another. Either a song inspires me to write a similar song, or tells me what kind of song I never want to write.
I guess you can’t be a guitarist without being inspired by people like Chet Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel, Vince Gill, Van Halen and all the other guitar legends. We all take inspiration from these icons, and although we know we’ll never be as good as them, these people inspired most of us to learn to play.
Most people when they listen to my music tend to hear influences of Blues, Country, Classic Rock and Gospel. These genres are the roots of my music. No matter how hard you try to be original, at the end of the day, you just have to embrace who you are and where you come from.
What are some of your most recent songs and videos?
I am always trying to put out new music and videos, but there are a few recent ones that seem to have risen above some of the others. “Woman I Love” and “Sandwich Maker Blues” have enjoyed a great reception from those who follow me. These are just fun blues songs that seem to make people smile.
I’ve always got a new song or two in the pipeline, and this helps keep people involved in what I’m doing. I’ve got a fun song releasing soon called “Voodoo Chili Queen”. Growing up right outside of New Orleans, I’ve always had a love for Blues and Jazz, and this song encompasses that New Orleans vibe I grew up hearing in the Quarter.
If you could steer your music career in the direction you wanted it to go, what would you see happening for you in the next five years?
In all honest, I really don’t have a dream of being a superstar. I just want to do what I love and make people smile. I’ve never seem to be satisfied with where I am, and this keeps me driven to create and grow as a musician. Like any other musician, I want to be able to live comfortably while doing what I love.
I really enjoy hanging out with the people that come to my shows. After all, I wouldn’t be where I am or doing what I do without them. Some musicians lose track of why they’re doing this and where they come from. I can promise no matter where my music career goes, I’m never going to lose track of my roots and my relationship with the people who enjoy my music.