Dave Lovett

Bio:

Dave Lovett is a singer/songwriter with a message. Born in Royal Oak, Michigan in 1985, he was raised most of his 20 years in Austin, Texas. In his career so far, he has mastered seven instruments, created a unique musical style, and wowed audiences from stages all over the world, including New York City, Germany, and Telluride, Colorado. Although he studied the violin and French Horn in grade school, he is mostly self-taught. Early exposure to classical music by his parents was a strong influence, along with the Beatles and the Beach Boys. In 7th grade he turned to music as a reprieve from the pain he felt at school. He picked up his mom’s guitar and soon learned music could not manipulate, hurt or break up with you (like girls can!) Taking his mother’s advice he began to study jazz and blues. His love affair with music began. His first band, Whelk, was started in 9th grade. He and his friend, the drummer, recorded a CD together, “Batteries Not Included”, on a Four-Track recorder. It took every last penny that Lovett had been saving up to pay for the recorder. He then went on to record a solo album “Something to Listen To”. His next band, Proteus Rising, produced the CD “Foolproof”. Lovett got Waterloo and Tower Records to carry the CD, but he soon became discouraged because he had to do all the band’s promotions himself. At 17 he faced a turning point; go on writing music or pursue something else. Clarity came after a trip to Ireland. On the plane, the featured artist was Elton John. Lovett listened to his songs for nine hours straight. Afterward, he knew his life was music, and his role model was Elton John. Upon return he sat down at his brother’s keyboard and fell in love again. In his solo debut, some months later, Lovett blew away audiences at a Waldorf School Talent Show. He had been listening to John on the headphones constantly while practicing keyboard. (Lovett claims John taught him to play!) At the show, his was the last act. People had been sitting for four hours. As Lovett entered the stage, quite a few audience members rose to leave. But from the first chord of ‘Rocket Man’, Lovett knew he had them. People instantly sat back down, riveted. He followed the hit with two originals ‘Morning Lily Queen’ and ‘Where Are You’. As the final note sounded, the audience leapt to their feet in a three-minute standing ovation. It was a taste of fame and a glimpse at his genius. Since then, he has toured in Europe and played local clubs. His favorite venue is house concerts, where a friend or fan hosts a party, invites guests and charges a cover. Lovett is now experimenting with jazz and blues on the piano, and his inspiration is Ray Charles. In songs like ‘Morning Lily Queen’ Lovett uses his music to show the importance of self-belief, acceptance, compassion, love and self-respect. Recognizing the unique capacity of music to teach, he shares with others what he learns about the importance of these qualities. He says his music speaks to people’s hearts and forms a human connection.

Member Since:

December 13, 2005

Members:

Dave Lovett: words and music, piano, guitar, bass, drums, lead and background vocals, all orchestral and band arrangements.

Influences:

The Beatles, Brian Wilson, Elton John, Ray Charles, Ben Folds, Keane,

Sounds Like:

Early Elton John mixed with at times beatle-esque progressions and bass lines. bring in Brian Wilson for some harmony and arrangements. Add some Ben Folds punchiness. Take John Lennons thought provoking lyrics. And Ray Charles' honesty and soulfullness.....who do I remind you of?