WIN TIX TO ROXY ON BROADWAY

WIN TIX TO ROOTS MUSIC PROJECT ON FRI, JAN 21ST

WIN 2 TICKETS, 2 TSHIRTS, 4 STICKERS AND MORE!

2 Winners 2 Tickets to HEY NONNY Sept 24th

RIVVRS (solo) with special guest Dave Tamkin

Use Code: LIVING and get 2 for 1

RIVVRS comes to the Dove for a solo show!

After a three year hiatus, RIVVRS returns with brand new album Start Living; a raw, vulnerable collection of alternative folk songs about the struggles that come with addiction, mental health, and sober recovery.
RIVVRS first gained recognition in 2016 with debut single “I Will Follow You” which landed at #3 on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter Chart, ultimately gaining more than 15 million streams and garnering multiple features across tv and film; including Netflix Original Film “When We First Met” and the hit NBC show “About a Boy.”

To date, RIVVRS has been featured in more than 75 syncs across the globe; including Reebok, Riverdale, Monday Night Football, Lucifer, Bates Motel, and most recently the Disney+ show “Big Shot” starring John Stamos.

After the unexpected death of his mother in 2018, RIVVRS packed his bags and moved back to where he got his roots in Northern California; immediately halting all momentum he had built in Los Angeles. After a struggle with alcohol and depression, a slow transformation began. Marked by an attempt to get sober in 2019, RIVVRS ventured into the studio that year and finished the album mid-pandemic in 2020.
With new LP Start Living, RIVVRS returns to what he knows best; soulful folk music with a message of hope. Accompanied by an all-star band, including Mason Stoops (Jackson Browne), Dan Bailey (Father John Misty), Joshua Ray Gooch (Shania Twain), and produced by sonic-guru Justin Glasco (Anderson East, The Lone Bellow), the album feels more natural and organic than past releases, marking a new phase for RIVVRS and an attempt to be open and vulnerable to those who may be struggling.

Catch RIVVRS performing solo acoustic across the United States, on tour this Fall. Start Living is expected on October 1, 2021.

Boulder Musician Dave Tamkin Gives Back to the Community

Thank you to The Rocky Mountain Collegian! 

Boulder singer-songwriter Dave Tamkin’s latest single offers some wisdom while giving shoes to the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless.

Tamkin is an indie folk-rock singer-songwriter from Chicago known for his rhythmic, acoustic style and honest lyricism. Tamkin aims to donate a portion of funds raised from his newest single, “SHOES,” including Livestream performances, to help the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless afford socks and shoes to those in need.

“As people experiencing homelessness keeps growing every year since I’ve been here, for almost 12 years now, I just thought, ‘Maybe I could write a song that could help do something about it,’” Tamkin said... MORE HERE

Enter Giveaway, Live Stream, Help the People Experiencing Homelessness

The Stone Cottage Studios to Host Social Distance Livestream

Saturday, April 18th, 2020

Featuring musical guests Gasoline Lollipops, James and The Rise,

DAVE TAMKIN & CO., and Avery Johnson

20% of all Donations will go to Boulder Shelter for the Homeless

 More information and to enter the Giveaway, visit: www.stonecottagestudios.com/Events

Stone Cottage Studio is a premier audio recording and video studio located in Boulder, Co. Founder and musician, Jamie Maynard, will be hosting The Social Distance Stone Cottage Live Stream on Saturday, April 18th, 2020 featuring music by Colorado musicians Gasoline Lollipops, James and The Rise, DAVE TAMKIN & CO., and Avery Johnson. The Stone Cottage Studios, comprised of musicians, songwriters, audio engineers and filmmakers formed in May 2019, to support and promote local and visiting musicians through their music discovery platform.

Maynard will be live on YouTube at 6pm MST introducing previously recorded footage from their beautiful studio space in Boulder, Colorado. In anticipation of the event, they are inviting guests to enter the Social Distance Giveaway for a chance for two people to win items from each of the artists and The Stone Cottage Studios including clothing, music and more. While the event is free, they will be graciously accepting donations during the live stream and giving 20% to the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless.

While the world has slowed and venues have temporarily closed their doors, The Social Distance Stone Cottage Live Stream is providing an opportunity to enjoy a curated evening of amazingly talented artists from previously recorded performances in their unique recording space in Boulder, CO. The Gasoline Lollipops have toured for the past four years, bringing their politically-charged union of soul and Southern rock music to audiences in both North and Central America and Europe. Singer-songwriter Dave Tamkin is no stranger to the road, having toured for years bringing his own unique style of rhythmic acoustic music to audiences throughout North America, UK, and Ireland. James and the Rise bring original songwriting together with a group of musicians that have varied backgrounds and influences to deliver a diverse, multi-instrumental approval to their arrangements. Avery Johnson is a multi-instrumentalist, specializing in cello, guitar, and tenor banjo. He is also Stone Cottage Studio’s experienced engineer.

April 18th is sure to be a special night of dynamic original music from Colorado locals giving back to the Colorado community.

The Social Distance Stone Cottage Live Stream

Saturday, April 18, 2020

6pm MST

Hosted by Jamie Maynard featuring music by Gasoline Lollipops,

James and The Rise, DAVE TAMKIN & CO. and Avery Johnson

20% of all donations will go to the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless

LIVE STREAM AND NEW MERCH THIS FRIDAY

Please join me again for a #happyhour livestream on FRI, APRIL 10th at 5pm (MST) I'll be playing a new set for you. I seemed to have missed some requests!. :) I'm so grateful for everyone that tuned in last time. Hope you can make it again. 20% of all tips and donations will be given to Boulder Shelter for the Homeless. Stay safe, healthy and take care of each other!

Tune in here: https://www.facebook.com/DaveTamkinMusic/
or
here: https://www.instagram.com/davetamkin/

Zelle: dave@davetamkin.com

CashApp: $DaveTamkin
venmo: @davetamkin
Paypal: dave@davetamkin.com

20% of all MERCH will go to Boulder Shelter for the Homeless

LIVE STREAM WED, APRIL 1ST

JOIN ME HERE: FACEBOOK LIVE EVENT & INSTAGRAM LIVE

Hey there,

I hope everyone is staying healthy and taking this time to reach out to all the loved ones in your life.

I'll be playing some tunes for you on WED, APRIL 1st at 6pm MST.

www.facebook.com/davetamkinmusic & www.instagram.com/davetamkin

We are releasing our new song, SHOES, that evening on www.davetamkin.com/music . During the month of April, 20% of all sales of the single and 20% of donations from the live stream will be donated to Boulder Shelter for the Homeless.

They have added tents outside their facility to handle the overflow of people experiencing homelessness during this COVID-19 health crisis. You can learn more at www.bouldershelter.org.

Tips and Donations are greatly appreciated!

paypal.me/davetamkin
https://venmo.com/davetamkin

I look forward to playing some tunes for you.
Take care of each other & thank you for the support,
Dave

SHOES - Release for APRIL 1st By Dave Tamkin & CO.

Dave Tamkin & Co. "SHOES"

Offers A Way to Help Others

Apr 1

BOULDER, CO (March 25, 2020) - Veteran singer-songwriter Dave Tamkin, along with his band Dave Tamkin & Co., announce the release of the new single “SHOES”. “SHOES” will be exclusively available for download/streaming at www.davetamkin.com/music on April 1, 2020 until the worldwide release on April 7th where it will then be available on all major streaming services. Dave Tamkin joins forces with Brad Huffman & Chad “Chadzilla” Johnson to create a unique style of melody driven, acoustic sounds that is based around a fresh musical vision for Dave’s newest single “SHOES”. He tells a story about embracing the road in front of you with all it has to offer while not judging the characters that cross your path or join you on your journey. These introspective lyrics come with a fast paced tempo, creative harmonies, smoking guitars, a driving deep back beat and playful piano and horn instrumentations. 

“I brought “SHOES” to the band a while ago as I was struggling with not being on the road and touring more often. I was also struggling with seeing the growing population of people experiencing homelessness in Boulder, CO. A new shelter opened up where a guitar shop used to be down the street from us. With each passing week, the line would grow with people waiting for an opportunity to sleep under a roof with some heat. As winter moved in we heard that shoes were one of the hardest thing to come by. So we plan on trading some new music for a pair of shoes that need a new adventure and could help a someone further their journey to a safe and more secure life,” says Tamkin.

Tamkin has plans to tour Colorado, Utah, California, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming in support of the release and to collaborate with local shelters in providing shoes for the homeless. Originally scheduled for April, the tour has been postponed and will be rescheduled this fall, dates to be determined. With the world dealing with the global COVID-19 pandemic, Dave Tamkin & Co. will be staying in touch with fans through social media and their newsletter while they finish the new album due out later in 2020. 

“Start looking at your shoes, stop looking at mine. This is our story, it’s what we leave behind”

Recorded at The Huffkin Files Studio in Boulder, CO, mixed by Tim King in Cedar Rapids, IA, and Mastered by Jim Wilson (Gregory Alan Isakov, Yawpers, Charlie Crockett, Bob Mould, Richard Thompson), “SHOES” was a collaborative effort from Dave Tamkin & Co.. “I’m fortunate to share this song with Brad Huffman and Chadzilla,” says Tamkin. “Brad Huffman spent a lot of time orchestrating the instrumentation, it was fun watching him work. The two of us had many discussions in front of the console deciding which direction we wanted to take this song. After playing it a few times with Chad, it was clear his energetic approach would guide a feel we all could be proud of.” 

About Dave Tamkin:

Dave Tamkin’s shows vary from intimate solo acoustic performances to a full band experience (Dave Tamkin & Co.) encapsulate a mixture of personal lyrics and skilled songwriting set against a high-energy percussive with an Indie Americana, guitar driven backbone. Tamkin has shared the stage with Guster, David Ryan Harris, Donavon Frankenreiter, Butch Walker, Stephen Kellogg, Brendan James, Eric Hutchinson, Willy Porter, Daphne Willis and Peter Mulvey to name a few. Tamkin has a style that’s hard to resist. His lyrics are unabashedly honest and his passion for playing is undying. 

 |

Connect with Dave Tamkin:

Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | SoundCloud | YouTube

For More Information, visit www.davetamkin.com

Press: Pressed PR | Dawn Jones | dawn@pressedfreshpr.com

 Booking: Homevibe Presents | Mary Jane Wheeler | maryjane@homevibepresents.com

We Have a Winner!

These stickers were designed by Elias Armao here in Denver.  I love them both but thought it would be fun to see what everyone else thought on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/davetamkin/ and we have a winner! T-Shirts on the way!

If any bands are looking for some new stickers, Stickermule has these on sale for a bit. They are made with super strong material and won’t rip very easily like some stickers I’ve picked up in the past. Check them out here: https://headabovemusic.com/new-holographic-stickers-by-stickermule/

Preorder "Bleeding Orange" Today on iTunes!

Preorder the New "Bleeding Orange" Today!

The new studio version of "Bleeding Orange" comes out on Tuesday, June 4th but you can jump on the pre-order on iTunes HERE

 I wrote the lyrics to "Bleeding Orange" at The CrucibleRecording Studio in Boulder, CO as my friend Tim King worked on different beats, chord progressions and samples. He flew in from his home town of Cedar Rapids, IA where he recorded and co-produced my last studio EP with Dick Prall.

While placing the finishing touches on "Bleeding Orange" we asked Dick Prall to come back and add his magic. It didn't take long for him to start recording himself inhaling into the microphone to mimic butterfly wings. I'm truly grateful to work with both of these talented musicians & songwriters. 
 
A special thanks to Tyler Stück for playing and supplying a bunch of ideas on drums, to Vince Di Pasquale at vdpstudios.com for mastering this puppy and to my good friend Ted “Tedbanger” Mielas for designing the artwork! You can read more on the song HERE from PRESSED FRESH PR

iTunes / Spotify / Amazon / Soundcloud / Bandcamp

Grab Your Copy of "Bleeding Orange" Pre-Order Today



LOCALLY SOURCED EVERY MONDAY

This one-hour program generally features Colorado musicians, intertwining interviews and music on KRFC 88.9 in Fort Collins. This morning, MON May 20th, I'll be driving up from Boulder to play from 12-1pm MST. You can stream it live here at https://www.krfcfm.org/event/locally-sourced-dave-tamkin/
I hope you tune in and support this awesome radio station. 

iTunes / Spotify / Amazon / Soundcloud / Bandcamp



UPCOMING SHOWS

This will be the first summer I'm sticking close to Colorado in the 10+ years that we've lived out here. I look forward to taking this time to write some new tunes with my friends, take on some epic hikes, work my way to running a half marathon and finding time to do absolutly nothing. When I'm not doing all of that, I hope you'll join us for some upcoming gigs listed below. More shows to be announce after Memorial Day! Have a great week and thank you for the continued support! :) 

 
Fri, MAY 24 Tandem Bar Denver, CO FREE
Sat, JULY 6th St. Julian Boulder, CO FREE
Sat, JULY 13th Gribeb Bart Brewery, Longmont, CO FREE
Fri, JULY 19th Jameston Merc, Boulder, CO : DT&CO.
Fri, JUL 26 Swing Station Laporte, CO TICKETS
Sat, JUL 27 The Walnut Room Denver, CO TICKETS : DT&CO.
Fri, NOV 8 The Black Rose Acoustic Society
Colorado Springs, CO TICKETS

Tickets for the Midwest tour can be found at www.davetamkin.com/tour
 

iTunes / Spotify  / Amazon / Soundcloud / Bandcamp

Your FREE EP

Your New T-Shirt

Art & Life with Dave Tamkin

Thank you to Voyage Chicago for the write up last week. You can read the whole article HERE: http://voyagechicago.com/interview/art-life-dave-tamkin/

GET IT OR FORGET IT - Live at eTown

ARTISTS WORTH CHECKING OUT, GET IT OR FORGET IT, REVIEWS

GET IT OR FORGET IT – MONSTA X, CALVIN ARSENIA, LOST IN JAPAN, DUSTIN TEBBUTT, DAVE TAMKIN

NOVEMBER 29, 2018 LAMUSICCRITIC@GMAIL.COM LEAVE A COMMENT

The indie music scene never sleeps, and we have five more great releases to share with you that demonstrate this obsession.  Let’s keep the train going.

Artist Name:  Dave Tamkin

Album Name:  Live at eTownLabel:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Bleeding Orange; 2.  Demons are You; 3.  Fly Me; 4.  Drift; 5.  Mary; 6.  Tuesday; 7.  Thoughts up Here

Publicist:  Pressed Fresh PR

Review:  With a sound somewhere between Cat Stevens and Jim Croce, Boulder’s own Dave Tamkin delivers a sweet package of musical delights.  His first track “Bleeding Orange” is about butterflies.  The remainder of the tracks are equally amazing, and there are no weak tracks on the album.  We think this one deserves to be on repeat, and we can’t stop listening over and over again, especially “Bleeding Orange,” “Fly Me,” “Drift,” “Mary,” and “Thoughts up Here.”

Recommendation:  Don’t be a fool – Get this one too!

Originally Posted HERE: http://www.lamusiccritic.com/indie_voice_blog/get-it-or-forget-it-monsta-x-calvin-arsenia-lost-in-japan-dustin-tebbutt-dave-tamkin/

Artist Name:  Monsta X

Album Name:  Are you There?

Label:  Starship Entertainment

Genre:  K-Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Intro:  Are you There?; 2.  Underwater; 3.  Shoot Out; 4.  Heart Attack; 5.  I Do Love U; 6.  Mohae; 7.  Oh My; 8.  Myself; 9.  By my Side; 10.  Spotlight (Korean version)

Publicist:  Gramophone Media

Review:  Boy bands never went away, they just moved to Asia and became K-Pop.  On the other hand, although technically a “boy band”, Monsta X is so much more, combining elements of EDM, PBR&B, Latin rhythm, trap, rock, along with their signature English and Korean sound to keep the listener on their toes.  Not only is their second album a stand-out, but the band is making history by becoming the first K-Pop band to ever play the main stage at the annual KIIS FM Jingle Ball concert, performing on November 30.  We only wish we could be there to watch them shine.  If you are in LA, their performance alone would be worth the price of admission.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one and put it on repeat.

Artist Name:  Calvin Arsenia

Album Name:  Cantaloupe

Label:  Big City Records/Bulleseye Records

Genre:  Jazz/Soul

Track Listing:  1.  Headlights; 2.  Tip Toe; 3.  Equally; 4.  Back to You; 5.  Toxic; 6.  Doomed; 7.  The Game; 8.  Palaces; 9.  Poseidon; 10.  Cantaloupe

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  Calvin Arsenia is a harpist, singer and multi-instrumentalist from Kansas City who is not satisfied to just play music.  His goal is to transform the listener, while educating them on how to find themselves in the midst of people that want to run their life.  He does this by merging jazz, soul, folk, classical and pop music, creating a sound that Atwood Magazine calls “vibrant, soul-tinged alternative folk,” doing for the harp what Lindsay Sterling has done for the violin.  His voice is smooth, much like John Legend, and this sound will electrify your senses, whether he’s doing one of his originals like his first single, “Headlights” or totally re-creating an amazing cover like Brittney Spears‘ “Toxic.”  This one is going on repeat, especially that amazing title track that closes this masterpiece collection.

Recommendation:  Run don’t walk and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Lost in Japan

Album Name:  Lost in Japan

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Lighthouse; 2.  Fake Answers; 3.  Message in the Stars; 4.  For Your Heart; 5.  Good for Now; 6.  Orpheus; 7.  Never was You; 8.  Chasing Time; 9.  Waves; 10.  Don’t Want to let Go; 11.  Passing Through; 12.  Lighthouse pt II

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  This Canadian band has everything they need to make it on the American music scene – amazing vocals, well written songs, perfect musical accompaniment, great guitars, and a chemistry that is palpable.  If you like the music of Maroon 5, then you will love these guys.  From the first notes of “Lighthouse,” you can feel the greatness bubbling up, and it continues to build until the last note of the album.  Although the entire album is amazing, we really loved the sound of “Fake Answers,” “Message in the Stars,” “Good for Now,” “Orpheus,” “Chasing Time,” “Waves,” and “Passing Through.”

Recommendation:  Jump on this train while you still can – they are definitely going places.

Artist Name:  Dustin Tebbutt

Album Name:  Chasing Gold

Label:  Narvik Records

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Satellite; 2.  Chasing Gold; 3.  Satellite II; 4.  Love is Blind; 5.  All Your Love; 6.  Innerbloom (ft Lisa Mitchell); 7.  Atlas in Your Eyes (for Jasper Jones)

Publicist:  AntiFragile Music

Review:  Dustin Tebbutt is Australia’s version of the UK’s Ed Sheeran,   He has that same haunting vibe to his voice, with well-crafted lyrical content and perfect and simple accompaniment that highlights the vocals.  The title cut is Top 40 worthy, and his library should be a staple on American radio stations.  These songs would also work well for placement in film and television, as they have a sweeping cinematic sound, especially the second half of the title track.  Other amazing tracks include “Love is Blind,” “All Your Love,” the amazing duet with Lisa Mitchell on “Innerbloom,” and “Atlas in Your Eyes.”

Recommendation:  Make this one a priority and Get it soon.

The Music Butcher : Dave Tamkin – “Live at eTown”

HOME › FOLK › DAVE TAMKIN – “LIVE AT ETOWN”

Dave Tamkin – “Live at eTown”

BY THE BUTCHER on NOVEMBER 7, 2018

Dave Tamkin is a singer/songwriter currently based in Boulder, Colorado. He has created his own unique style of rhythmic-acoustic sounds. His shows vary from intimate solo acoustic performances to a full band experience (dBsound.Co) encapsulating a mixture of personal lyrics and skilled songwriting set against a high-energy percussive backbone. He’s shared the stage with Guster, The Samples, Brendan James, Rusted Root, Donavon Frankenreiter, Butch Walker, Freddy Jones Band, Eric Hutchinson, Willy Porter, The Violent Femmes, Peter Mulvey, and many more. In October of 2018, Tamkin released the EP “Live at eTown” recorded live at eTown Hallin Boulder. To support the album he is currently on tour all over the Midwest through the month of November.

The first track on “Live at eTown”, “Bleeding Orange”, begins with rhythmic guitar that has an emotional and somewhat spooky atmosphere. The track steadily gains momentum and reaches a powerful energy, setting the tone for the rest of the EP. “Demons and You” has a funky groove that lays a foundation for the touching melody and impassioned vocal performance. 

Tamkin shows off his technical guitar chops in the beginning of “Fly Me” before settling into the bouncy melody. He knows when to keep it simple to give the music more power in its quiet moments. The tone shifts to a more serious flavor while his acoustic guitar sparks with energetic notes. “Drift” has a punchy quality that subtly drives forward as his smooth vocals lead the way. The contrast between the quiet verses and the explosive chorus show the songwriters ability to play with musical dynamics.

He returns to a heavenly vibe with “Mary” and emotional story telling song that has characteristics of classic Americana blended with Tamkin’s own personal style. He layers guitars with ethereal tones that add aggressiveness to the soft beauty of the song. The guitar on “Tuesday” returns to the percussive style, adding a popping rhythm to the poignant vocals, there is also a stunning harmonica solo that gives the song an authentic folk feel. 

“Thoughts Up Here” kicks up the intensity with a high energy guitar plucking away in a minor key. The song grabs you and takes you on a forceful journey with the guitars becoming more experimental and bringing the sound to a new world. The “Live at eTown” EP is full of personal lyrics, displays of technical instrumentation and an original product delivered with honesty and purity. You can listen to “Live at eTown” and follow Dave Tamkin on the links below. Please continue to support artists like Dave and share this music with everyone you know.

www.themusicbutcher.com

303 Magazine's Five Up-and-Coming Denver Artists

I’m in great company with 303 Magazine’s monthly series on new Colorado Music. Check out the bands below and make sure to follow them all! - Cheers, Dave

Welcome to our monthly series on new Colorado music. Every month we highlight five local musicians, five local music videos and five local songs. Go here to check out previous entries to the series. Are you a Denver artist with fresh music you would like us to check out? Send to caleb.aerenson@303magazine.com for consideration.

Welcome to November, the weather might be deciding that it’s finally time to cool down but the music scene here in Denver definitely is not. With Red Rocks season ending, we in the music world could use a little pick me up. Here are some of the coolest hits this month.

Five Up-and-Coming Local Artists

Davey Daydream

Listen if you like Dirty Heads

Photo courtesy of Davey Daydream Facebook

CU Boulder grad Davey Daydream blends acoustic guitar and hip-hop style beats to create a great backing for his lyrics. The songs come across incredibly catchy with creative lyrics and the beat to get your head bouncing while you work. This young artist uses his lyrics to tell stories that seem to come directly from personal experiences.

Knuckle Pups

Listen if you like Of Monsters and Men

Photo courtesy of Knuckle Pups

Knuckle Pups has taken the Americana sound and somehow managed to add depth. Their vocals harmonize in a way not often found. In their newest album, the band flows from ballad to upbeat danceable songs and does everything in between flawlessly.

Dave Tamkin

Listen if you like Coldplay

Photo courtesy of Dave Tamkin Facebook

Smooth melodies with powerful lyrics and moving beats are what Dave Tamkin is all about. The songs flow between slow and upbeat with multiple builds throughout. Tamkin’s emotion-filled vocals ring throughout the albums telling stories fueled by inspiration and hope.

Ground Broken

Listen if you like The Knowmads

Photo courtesy of Ground Broken on Facebook

Denver grown hip-hop group Ground Broken’s musical style hails to some of the greats to do it before them. The simple beats reflect inspiration from back to Wu-Tang and other early influencers in the genre. The duo makes music great for hanging around with buddies or going to the gym, it all depends on how you hear it.

Elder Grown

Listen if you like Fruition

Photo courtesy of Elder Grown website

Hot off their recent album release, Elder Grown is funking their way to the main stage. The group is creating a name for themselves on the local jam band scene with their jazz-influenced style. Their group includes saxophone which can sound amazing soloing over classic jams.

Read more about Denver’s Local Music Scene HERE

Essential 8: Dave Tamkin

Colorado singer-songwriter Dave Tamkin recently released his new album, Live at eTOWN, a seven-song collection that showcases his unique rhythmic-acoustic style and unabashedly honest lyrics in a space where he performs best: a live setting. Ahead of a busy November, Tamkin kindly took the time to answer his Essential 8 where he spoke about the album, offer up some touring tips, let us in on his favorite audio books, discuss failure as success, and more.

Why did you choose to anchor the album with the songs you did?
I wasn’t aware that this Live at eTown EP was being recorded at the time of the performance. A friend told me later that eTown records all their shows. So out of the 10 + songs I performed that night, these 7 songs were the ones I was most proud of. I was able to introduce a new song while rounding out songs from the last two releases. I felt good on stage that night and the audience supported me with every song. I’m proud of the performance and wanted to share it. I hope people can feel like they were right there when they listen to it and connect with the songs.

What’s the best advice you have ever gotten from another musician?
“Slow down and I can’t understand what you’re saying.” It’s two things that multiple musicians have told me over the years. Ha! When I was living in Chicago the music I played was always competing against a bar audience. Yes, they were there to support us and have a great time but it wasn’t so much about the songs as it was about the groove and getting people into the party atmosphere. That could have been self-imposed but it’s what influenced me a lot. Play fast and ask questions later. As my surroundings changed in Colorado, I met more songwriters that played at venues that allowed a pin drop to be heard between verses and choruses. The listening audiences influenced me to be clear with my lyrics and to slow down. Hopefully it’s made me a better songwriter.

What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out?
Never stop creating or learning how to be better at your art. Play something new every day. Sing something new every day. Learn your favorite songs. Take time to journal when you are not playing or singing. If you never stop learning and creating, your ego won't have time to take over.

How do you kill the long hours in the van?
Audio books and Podcasts like it’s my job! Autobiographies, Biographies, Freakonomics, Tim Ferris, Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art (Listen to it often) I tried to stay inspired by learning new shit and it also gives me ideas for stories in between songs when I get to the next town.

 Do you have any touring tips?

READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE HERE: https://thedailycountry.com/interviewsessential-8/essential-8-dave-tamkin