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Dave Rave
(Interviewed on Wednesday, December 06, 2006)
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Where do you live and where are you originally from?
I live in Southsea, the seaside resort part of Portsmouth, Hampshire. I was born in Devonport, Plymouth. My dad was Scottish, from Kinross. He was in the Royal Navy. My mum was from Haslemere, Surrey.
Do you work , full/part time/ self employed?
I work full-time as a sub-editor for the daily newspaper in Portsmouth, The News. For the uninitiated a sub-editor designs a page, writes the headlines, captions, crops the photos and makes the copy fit. My main responsibilities are the 'world news' page, the letters' pages and the Friday motoring supplement - which causes great hilarity for my colleagues because I am a non-driver!
Where do you make your music ? (e.g. studio/bedroom/separate room) and describe the surroundings ?
I have a corner of the living room in my two-bed flat. I usually make my noise late at night when the wife has gone to bed. No yakking/nagging to put me off.
When did you first really start getting into music, and what was the first single/album you ever bought with your own cash?
Circa 1967 - Flowers in the rain by The Move. First album was Pictures of Matchstick Men by Status Quo - it was about 12 shillings (60p)!!!
Who were your musical heroes when you were at school?
The Move, Jeff Beck, Cream, Idle Race (with Jeff Lynne), Quo.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Deep Purple in the early 70s.
What was the best gig you ever went to?
(SEE BOTTOM OF PAGE)
What would you say were your main strengths musically?
I think I am quite able to 'bang out a reasonable tune'. I try to make tracks melodic. I have always been more concerned with the melodic side of music rather than the lyrical side plus I like lots of content although I do like minimalist electronica as well. A lot of Kraftwerk output was 'minimalist' and still enjoyable - well, to me, anyway.
Looking around you, what would you say was the most encouraging aspects of the music industry at the moment?
Not sure. This week I've listened to OriginalFM, a local station which plays a huge chunk of 80s stuff, and also Virgin radio. I was struck by the fact that a lot of ‘new’ groups featured on Virgin sound the same. Mind you, I used to say that about Motown. Nothing seems to change, only the name of the bands.
Which track that you have written/created/produced would you say is your best work (to date) ?
Can't really put my finger on one. I like to think the latest is my best.
What would you say most influences/inspires you to write a track, and what is your most regular process in creating a new track ?
Depends. Sometimes I cut up some drum loops and knit them together to see what comes out. Then again, sometimes I try and piece together a bass line that gives you that gut feeling. Even though nowadays I use loops and samples, I think many 'anti-loop, high ego' musos forget that you can mangle loops into any shape or form. You are only restricted by your imagination.
Who or what do you admire most in the current music industry ?
I admire the fact that record companies can still make money out of crap. If people want to buy it, good luck to them. It's their cash.
Who or what do you have most contempt for in the current music industry ?
I loathe the fact that there are so many top and 'proper' musicians on this site - Mark Alexander, Scott Slater, Acoustimick, Andy F, RickyM to name but a few - and HUNDREDS more who deserve a break. But it seems to me the record companies look at commercialism rather than talent. That's why I lament the demise of such record labels as EMI's Harvest (Vertigo was another one) that gave non-mainstream bands a chance.
On Mp3unsigned, what would you change ?
Nothing.
Which artist on mp3unsigned do you most enjoy ?
Loads, and for many different reasons. I've always liked Youth's skilled production, MD-1 Project's originality, DJ Redshirt's thumping tunes, Mark Alexander's great songwriting skill, Scott Slater's compositional skills and .....the list is almost endless.
Iif you were stranded (desert island disks style) and could only ever have 3 tracks to play, which would they be and why ?
Autobahn by Kraftwerk - the epitome of 'TeutonicElectronic'. The full-length version of course, not the radio edit.
Highway Star - Deep Purple. Full of memories for me but also a classic piece of fast-paced metal.
Yes - Yours is no Disgrace. Simply for the fact that I was always fascinated at how John Anderson could sing such nonsensical lyrics and yet not spoil a track which has some ace guitar and keyboard work on it
If any of those weren't available I'll take any three Floyd tracks.
Same question , but which 1 book and 1 movie ?
Oliver Twist - a bloody good read 100-plus years on.
Platoon - stunning. One of the few movies that holds your attention right up until the end credits roll. Top soundtrack as well.
What track do you hate most in the world, and why ?
Difficult, but anything by The Smiths, REM or The Police only because I never liked the way Morrissey, Michael Stipe or Sting sing
Throughout history, pick someone that you admire most, and tell us why ?
God - because he had the sense to create beautiful women. I don't know why he left Poland out..............hehehehe.
If you had the time to learn a new instrument, what would it be, and why ?
It would be a virtual instrument nowadays - either a 'full orchestra' or 'choir' software package. Unfortunately, beyond my means.
Who (where or what if needs be) would you say are your true musical influences ?
Sorry folks but I have to mention Ejay. (Cue sniggers). Why? Because this simple piece of software has enabled millions of people of all ages across the world to enjoy making music at a price even the most cash-strapped could afford back in the late 90s. It influenced me to try other software such as (I suppose you could say its 'big brother') Magix plus Fruity Loops, Cakewalk (semi-rocket science)!, Sony's Acid etc.
My MAIN influence however is me. I enjoy doing it so much I influence myself. As simple as that really.
Best gig ever contd...
My first ever live appearance. This was in the Falkland Islands in 1977. I played bass/sang and even played about (made noises) with a touch-sensitive synthesiser. I think it was called a 'Wasp' and was the adult step-up from the folks who made the Stylophone before they went bust. I was in three groups: Agartha Krusty (Agatha Christie but we weren't allowed to use the proper spelling) which played mainstream stuff. The Che (pronounced Chay) Coat Band, named after a Falklands greeting ' Hello che' (like hello mate) and the snorkel parka which is a 'must wear' garment in that climate, hence 'Che Coat'.
Best gig ever contd...
In that group I sang and we did stuff such as Paranoid by Black Sabbath, Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf and various Purple stuff. Blimey, I find it hard to believe I used to be able to sing Highway Star! I was also in Candlepower which played a mixture. We also used to play a lot of Country & Western stuff because that was the most popular genre out there - still is. I continued until 1982 when I was deported by the Argentine Air Force who were the administrators of the occupation. I was owner/editor of the Falkland Islands Times and they didn't like it. I also did a radio show called Rock Sandwich.
Best gig ever contd...
After the invasion we were allowed to carry on and I couldn't resist such on-air digs as 'Tune in, because it makes the "dago" quicker. PC wasn't heard of in those days.
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To listen to Dave Rave,
Click Here
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Acoustic
