Peter Etheridge: saxo-mo-phone, flute if we ever find cause for it, fulfills Australian Government requirement that at least one band member dates a pretty Canadian girl.
Lala: bass, fighting Pete for the monopoly on grinning-while-playing, knows she holds the balance of power in the band, is gracious enough to let Gillespie think it rests with him.
Melbourne Custom Cables: Whether rocking out at home or on the road, David Gillespie plays Melbourne Custom Cables.
Photography - Robert Paul Mee: An amazing photographer and an even more amazing person. Most of what you see here is a direct result of his immense talent and uncompromising vision, an artist I'm truly lucky to call my friend.
Influences
Prince, John Mayer, Michael Jackson, U2, Dave Matthews Band, Lighter Shade of Brown, Damian Rice, Huey Lewis & The News, The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, Ryan Adams.
"So here's the thing, compare me to whoever you want. Really, I don't care. If it means someone takes the time to request a song on radio or buy a CD or play a track for a friend because they heard I sound like such-and-such, so be it. I don't care how I get heard, provided I get heard. There's a lot to say so we'd better get moving."
Meet David Gillespie. A 20-something with a lot on his mind. Hardly the po-faced tortured soul that is these days expected when the term singer/songwriter gets bandied about, David brings an enthusiasm to his writing and performance that seems so entirely out of step with those hurled loosely into the genre, you could almost be forgiven for thinking it was a novelty act. We say "almost" of course, because novelty acts don't write songs this good.
Born in Australia, he grew up in Hong Kong and spent a bit of time living in America as well. The result is a thoroughly messed up accent and a global village view on cultures and ideas. Oh, and music, which is why we're here. Spouting influences from Springsteen to Prince, David Gray to Dave Matthews, the result is an eclectic mix of styles that seemlessly blend from one to the other and which David is quite happy to simply label "pop". "I don't get precious about the boxes, the comparisons, the labelling. It's going to happen regardless," and here he laughs. "So if somebody says "He reminds me of James Blunt" that's fine, so long as they add "with a pulse" at the end!"
Having played shows up and down the East Coast over the last few years and won over the toughest and least interested crowds, the release of Roll To Me marks the beginning of his music being taken to a much larger audience. In this Roll To Me he has crafted the perfect introduction to his music, loaded with atmosphere and a sense of expectation. Telling the tale from the perspective of a person poised on the edge of adventure, it is instantly familiar and yet not quite like anything you've heard before, and we dare you not to be singing along by the time the second chorus comes around.
"As soon as I'd written it I knew it would be my first single, whenever the opportunity presented itself. I could hear the guitars, the drums, everything all just flowing from my acoustic and me perched on the end of my bed, writing book in hand. It's tempting to down play it, but you always know when a good one has just popped out, and I think I knew at the time something special had just happened."
Indeed something special has just happened. It doesn't come around too often, but when it does, it's unmistakable. As David sings in the song, all that matters is here and now, so play it and play it loud. Then go tell somebody - there's a lot to say so we'd better get moving.
Damn it. That makes two now. My graphic designer told me my refelection looked like a zombe. How the hell am I ever going to "make it" in this industry when I look so bloody scary...
hey cutie. SO SORRY about the background disappearing. I'm working on fixing that up for you. will email a link to the new address for it, until the .com is fixed up.msg me..
Wassup Davo, very pleasant briefly catching up with you @ Gertrude's Brown Couch on friday, glad to hear you're well. Have an excellent week, talk to ya!
yo gillespie! when are you gunna come showcase your super talents in brisbane huh? when do i get to meet you? (i'm ignoring that beautiful yet fleeting moment at IMA in the 80's)...
Hi David, Thanks for getting in contact. Just listened to your songs and me and my son thought they were great. We read along to your lyrics of 'Out in the Real World". Awesome! I'd love to make it down to Melbourne for a few days. I could probably come down anytime, if I had a few gigs. Just an excuse to come down and play is all I need. If anything comes up it would be great if you could let me know, Cheers, Matt
