Hailing from sunny California, folk and blues musician, DAVID ROSALES, recently released his second solo EP, Along The Way. MARLEY TINNOCK spoke to Rosales about his growth and transition back to solo music following his 2013 vineyard tour with partner, Olivia.
Describe the process of writing and creating Along The Way.
The material came together fairly quickly in the Fall of 2013. I had bits and pieces of ideas for some of the songs. For others I had nothing at all. I would sit quietly, alone with my thoughts, most mornings in a sunlit room of my house with a guitar, a pen and paper.
There’s something about that time of year that really sparks me creatively. It’s this hint of change in the air…even in temperate California. The crowds clear from the beaches. The offshore winds begin to howl. The swells return. The sunsets seem less forced.
What inspired the name of the EP?
With each collection of music I like to pick something from my lyrics. Something that may have gotten overlooked and needs a bit more attention. “Along the Way” comes from the first track on the EP, ‘Too Young to Know Better’. It’s something like… “I lost my way, along the way,” but I was really struck by the last half of the line. It seemed a perfect fit to sum up where this collection of songs were born and where I am going both in my personal life and musically. Nothing in my life is incredibly planned anymore. I would go crazy in trying to do so. Opportunities pop up all the time and I’m just going with it. I’m enjoying the ride.
Have you got a favourite song?
I like each song for different reasons. They make me think of the people, places and experiences that created them. To sing and play, it’d be ‘Too Young to Know Better’. To listen to, it’s ‘Amélie’s Song’.
How do you feel your music has progressed from Smile and On The Sea?
It’s been a nice progression and one that I can clearly see — having released a collection each year over the past three years. My songwriting, like with most anything you do, has become stronger and more succinct.
Smile was a collection for me. It was never really meant for anyone other than family and friends. I was going through a ton of change at the time with my daughter being born and leaving a band I was in for a long time. The songs have this raw aesthetic to them…very earthy. It was my first time in a studio without belonging to a band. It was exciting and terrifying all in the same breath.
On the Sea was written over the year of touring we did up and down the California coast. They are traveling songs that I wrote with the duo in mind. It was a great exercise and one that I’m continuing to hone.
Along the Way is a very freeing collection. I wrote whatever came to mind — good or bad. I had the opportunity to see songs out that I would have never given life to before. I also wrote quickly. I found that the process has become easier and less time consuming. I’m proud of not only the songwriting progression, but in my vocal progression. Each time I go into the studio, I learn a little something more about my voice and where I can go with it.
How does working solo compare with your work as ‘David & Olivia’? Do you prefer to perform solo?
They are both fun and exciting. Naturally, I get a bit more feedback and assurance working in a duo, as there are more people. I also, need to be more clear with my ideas and what I feel strongly about. It’s a give and take. I love variety and versatility. Sometimes I like playing solo. Sometimes I like playing duo or a full band. Sometimes I like playing softly and sometimes I like to play loud.
Is there anything in the pipeline with Olivia?
Yes, Olivia and I are currently working on material for a project coming up.
What’s been your career highlight so far?
Having a career as a musician.
Lastly, who’s currently at the top of your playlist?
The Stones, Bahamas, Ray LaMontagne, Otis Rush and Metallica.