David Drake - Shooting Arrows at the Sun
INTERVIEW: DAVID DRAKE TALKS MAKING WAVES, HIS UPCOMING ALBUM, AND BAD DECISIONS
Based in Los Angeles, singer-songwriter David Drake grew up in Detroit immersed in music, initiated into the sounds of Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Radiohead, and The Rolling Stones.
David Drake
Trained as a classical pianist, later, after graduating high school, he moved to SoCal, forming two alt-rock outfits, Hallows, and SanguinDrake. The latter released their first album, Pretty Tricks, in 2012, and toured the West Coast.
Eventually, David pursued a solo career, establishing his own studio and production house, where he records his music, as well as working with other artists.
In May, he released the music video for “Shooting Arrows at the Sun,” a track from his upcoming album, Imaginary Movies.
Talking about the video, in which he plays three characters, David says, “The video was created during quarantine and that’s how we came up with the idea for me to play all of the characters. Because we had no other choice, essentially. Kind of interesting and I think that’s part of the reason it turned out unique and cool.”
“Shooting Arrows at the Sun” starts off as a folk tune, and then glides into folk-pop-laced textures with filaments of jazz and blues weaving through it. On the chorus, the harmonics shift again, taking on expansive alt-rock energy.
Via email, David answered my questions about how he got started in music, what he’s listening to nowadays, the inspiration for “Shooting Arrows at the Sun,” and the worst decision he ever made as an artist, along with a few other interrogatories.
What’s your favorite song to belt out in the car or the shower?
I’m not really much of a car or shower belter. I tend to sing better with a guitar in my hands or sitting at a piano. Although when I am belting in the shower I seem to go to “Where the Streets Have No Name” by U2. I also remember a road trip where my buddy and I sang the entirety of Pearl Jam’s Ten. It was easy because when we didn’t know a lyric, we actually sounded more like Eddie Vedder.
Who is your favorite music artist?
I guess if I had to pick one, it would be Pink Floyd
How did you get started in music? What’s the backstory there?
I came from a classical piano background. I was 12 when I first started learning Mozart & Beethoven. My mother was always very supportive of my musical studies and growth, even though I was much more into athletics at the time. Although neither of my parents nor my brother were musicians, they were all very into classic Rock and Roll. Like a good Detroit family. They introduced me to a lot of great music when I was young. The Beatles, Stones, Eagles, Bob Seger. A lot of excellent melodies and songwriting went through my head at a young age.
What musicians influenced you the most?
Probably a bunch of Brits who were really popular. I was influenced a lot by the 90’s music in America as well.
Which artists are you listening to right now?”
I have been listening to a lot of vinyl at home. Right now lying next to my record player is Buddy Holly Lives (greatest hits), Ray Lamontagne’s “Supernova,” Pink Floyd “Meddle,” a Jim Croce record, and a Joni Mitchell record. I also have been listening to Fiona Apple’s new record and Rob Dougan’s latest as well. In the car, I listen to Sirius XM to get my modern indie-rock fix. A lot of it is really nice music that isn’t very memorable. I think that’s an issue with modern rock and indie rock music. A lot of it sounds really good, but it doesn’t have memorable hooks, lyrical content, or voices. Hopefully, that sways soon.
What’s the worst decision you ever made as an artist?
Recording with a producer that was perceived as “famous,” with my previous band. He was a total lame-o who didn’t care at all about the music. He just cared about name dropping, his paycheck, and pretentious conversation about health-food or snowboarding. He probably sucked at snowboarding and snuck Dominos pizzas late at night. We can pass on names… But I say in today’s age, record your own music or work with a talented friend.
That is part of the reason I decided to call it “Imaginary Movies.” Each song is its own sonic moving picture with imagistic lyrics and colorful soundscapes.
What was the inspiration for your new song/music video “Shooting Arrows at the Sun?”
It's really a song about abandoning or fighting against truth to fit in. That could be God, Country, or the Natural World. It is about the consequences of making waves, rather than going with the flow. In a world that will flow with or without us. That being said, I tried to convey that in a playful and silly western tale. The video encapsulates a bit of the silliness and loosely portrays the modern prevalent socio-political struggles. They walk off together in the end. There’s a classic Hollywood ending!
What do you want people to take away from the video?
That it was worth their time to watch it and that they want to hear and see more.
How do you approach writing music?
I generally write the chords first. Either on piano or guitar. And then, instantly take it over to the other instrument. Working it out on both instruments helps me find the correct melody. Once I have the melody, I usually hum-sing it and certain words come to me. I write those words down and generally figure out what the song is about and then finish all the poetry. About 90% of the songs I write are done that way.
You have a new album coming out soon, entitled Imaginary Movies. What can you share about the album?
Yeah, I am very excited about putting it out for the world to enjoy. It looks like the official release date is going to be 9/25/20. It will be released digitally and on vinyl. There are 9-tracks and they all are quite different. That is part of the reason I decided to call it “Imaginary Movies.” Each song is its own sonic moving picture with imagistic lyrics and colorful soundscapes. One track is a WW2 film. Another is like a Terrence Malick film with a soulful and deep reverence for nature. One is a haunted Shakespearean love story. Another is a story about Vincent Van Gogh and he converses with the moon.
How are you handling the coronavirus situation?
Mostly I find myself bathing in and drinking Clorox, wearing my mask, frantically running about, cursing Donald Trump’s name, and crying at night because I don’t live in Sweden. It's been awesome! Kidding. It's definitely been a tough situation for the whole world. Personally, I have not had any tragedy affect my loved ones. Which I’m very thankful for. It also has given me the opportunity to spend more time writing music. But I’m looking forward to getting back to life as we know it.
Looking ahead, what’s next?
It's hard to predict anything right now. In the music business or the world as a whole. Whoever is picking the cards for 2020 definitely grabbed the joker. But I’m going to keep on making art, releasing new music, and being good to those I know and love.
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