Dave Britt - Headliner's / CD Release
written by Kevin Oliver for The Free TimesDave Britt CD Release
Headliners: Saturday, June 26
By Kevin oliver
Even if you're not a close follower of Columbia's music scene, there's still a strong chance you know Dave
Britt [right, with Todd Britton on the left]. As a musician, Britt has graced local stages with The Dharma Dogs,
The Amos/Britt Project, Pseudophrenetic and others while working related jobs like bartender and talent
buyer for various Columbia live-music venues. This week, Britt releases his first full-length solo CD, Sweet
Temptation, an eight-song collection recorded locally at Todd Britton's Circuit Rider Studios.
"I'm trying to establish my name recognition," Britt says, "And this way I can play solo or use a revolving cast
of musicians; it's all billed under my name." As an active participant in the business side of music (Currently,
Britt works with Charles Wilkie's 4TP Productions, representing local acts like King Hippo and Captain Easy.),
one might think that Britt's connections have helped him out along the way — a perception he's quick to
discount.
"What I did find out from working with bands as well as being in one is that it helps if you're connected, but
you still have to be good at what you do." Britt, by his own admission, is a work in progress on the music
front, and it is his own business training that has him evaluating his material with an eye toward the bottom
line from both a creative and a monetary standpoint.
"I spent six months and a lot of hours on the new CD, but it's not something that's directly marketable
enough to hand out to music industry people," Britt says. "I wanted it to be a real album with some flow and
connection." That flow and connection is a large part of the album's appeal along with its neo-'70s vibe of
acoustic Southern rock spiced with reggae and Latin percussion. For executives looking for the next John
Mayer, it might not hold their attention long enough to register, but for patient listeners who take the time to
let the buzz sink in, it holds rewards like the humorous "Northern Lights" and the spiritually tinged "The Sun
Turned Into Wine" and "Livin' in Babylon."
"I'm working with Bray Merritt, an on-site producer with the Jam Room, on a new three-song EP to do some
serious marketing with," Britt says. "I'd like to think that I'm taking a direction toward getting radio support —
I'm looking to go in a more pop songwriting direction."
Britt will have a full band along on this show including his producer, Todd Britton, as well as members of S-
Tribe and King Hippo. Also on the bill are local indie-rockers Perfect Sleeper and Charlotte's The Gold
Coast. KO
1. Who are you, and why am I interviewing you? For the readers who’ve never heard
your music, give a brief description.
I am a nobody for certain, and I guess I’m being interviewed because a somebody
wasn’t available at this time. Describing your music yourself is kind of like
describing your own personality. You might be like, “I think I’m a nice guy,” while
everybody else is like, “What an asshole.” But here goes. I would like to think of
my new stuff as hook-oriented rock with emphasis on melody and lyrics. Music for
disaffected people who like their music to be a bit melancholy.
2. You recently completed a few dates with Danielle Howle. How did that go and what
have you got coming up in the next few months?
The dates I did with Danielle were a lot of fun and definitely educational. First,
she is an independent artist whom I have a lot of respect for, and I enjoyed
getting to see her perform. Second, she has got so much more experience touring
than I do that I was able to meet a lot of people in other markets and learn a lot
about how to promote shows that are out of town. Things like mailing lists, flyers
and merchandise become very important in making an impact. I am planning on doing
some more dates with Danielle in May, but we are still planning those dates.
3. If you die and come back as an animal, what would you like to be and why?
I guess if I could come back as anything it would be a cat. The thought of sleeping
23 hours a day seems very appealing.
4. Who are some of the bands/musicians you’ve been digging in the past few months?
My musical tastes have been changing lately, and some of the stuff I have been
listening to is Grandaddy’s Sumday. I have probably listened to this album 50 times
since I bought it. Also, Josh Rouse’s 1972: this album sounds like it was recorded
in the 70s, but it is a new release. The Shins’ Chutes Too Narrow, Iron and Wine,
The Thrills, Martin Sexton and the Talking Head’s DVD are a few.
5. You’ve been in a number of bands in the past. Could you tell us a bit of the
things you’ve learned and how that has affected your work today?
The biggest thing I’ve learned is that bands are too sketchy to base your future
on. When a small band breaks up then all the work developing the name is lost. That’
s why I’m doing the solo thing now. The musician line-up can change, and I feel I
can still make progress. Other than that I’ve learned that you must be some kind of
sick bastard to want to be a musician. This business will fuck you up.
6. You released a CD back around November 2003. How has the reaction been, and do
you have plans for a follow up soon?
The reaction has been better than anything else I have released so far. The press
has been cool about it, and the people who listen to it seem to dig it. I am
currently recording another project at Circuit Rider Studios (where I did the last
project). I want to make this next release a full length CD with the bells and
whistles packaging.
7. Besides your own music, you also represent a few other bands. Who are they; how’
s that going; and are you looking to expand by adding more acts?
Right now the artists I am representing are King Hippo and Captain Easy. So far it
is going pretty good. I like all the guys in both bands and really like what they
are doing musically. I recently sent Hippo on a four-date run to Colorado last
month that we all agree was pretty successful. Captain Easy is a tough sell because
of their uniqueness, but I feel like they have to be some of the best songwriters
around right now. I’m not really looking to expand my roster right now because I’m
pretty sure I will lose cognitive sanity if I put any more work on my plate.
8. What do you think of Columbia’s music scene?
Hmmm…I guess I think it’s getting better. I think the actions of Marty Fort and The
Jam Room are great. The idea of bringing in music industry people from other
markets is a great networking tool, and it encourages local bands to work harder.
The club scene seems to be getting pretty good attendance as of late. I saw one of
the most positive articles I have seen about the Columbia music scene in the
Columbia Metropolitan magazine, which is encouraging. I also think a lot of
elements are working together now that historically haven’t. Entities like radio,
clubs, media, promoters and local bands: thanks to the political efforts of Charles
Wilkie.
9. Anything else you’d like to add?
Vote for anyone besides George Bush in the upcoming election!