Kevin Davies is a songwriter, singer, and guitarist (plus some drums, harmonica, etc.), living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He has written over 200 songs in various genres including folk, rock, country, and blues, with lyrical content that describes relationships with friends and family, personal observations about life, historical reflections, humor, and political commentary.
Kevin is interested in selling limited rights for others to record and perform his songs. He is also seeking patrons or companies willing to help finance the creation of his original music. If you have any professional interest in Kevin's music please contact him at creativenow@gmail.com
In recent years Kevin has performed and hosted at open mic shows plus jamming with other musicians as the opportunity presents itself. He tries to learn from everyone he encounters.
THE PROCESS OF SONGWRITING
While Kevin is fond of all types of music, his initial songwriting efforts came out of the folk tradition, with additional characteristics influenced by rock, blues, country, pop, and their many variants.
Many of his songs have an element of storytelling and/or share an insight into an event or circumstance, combining personal experiences with reflections of things encountered, experienced, or discussed with acquaintances.
Most songs are not autobiographical — though some are inspired by personal experiences. Many involve some amount of ‘roleplaying’: having empathy for the circumstances and experiences of a ‘character’ or the people in a song.
A song will often occur to Kevin in a flash of inspiration — typically a single lyrical phrase in support of a viewpoint or narrative, usually after a period spent pondering a specific subject or situation.
The words may suggest a tune as they’re being composed, with the music then produced to suit the subject and cadence of the syllables. However, an idea for a tune will sometimes occur first, or occasionally, multiple melodies and genres will make themselves apparent as the writing process continues.
During the period of development, individual words may be changed and verses may be edited or re-arranged in an effort to express as much as possible in the limited and concise format of a song. The lyrics or tune may also be altered as the song is played through, left to sit for a bit, then played again. Different tempos and techniques of play will suggest different interpretations.
When it comes time to record a song or play it with others, it may change again, affected by the arrangement of instruments and chosen tempo. Thus, especially with regard to how it is arranged, performed, or mixed, a song can never really be considered ‘final’ — that is one of the wonderful things about the ‘art’ of music.
MANY CREATIVE INTERESTS
When not making music, Kevin works as a creative services provider. His work includes writing, graphic design (print and web), illustration (traditional and digital media), photography, and game design.
Kevin has worked in advertising, film and TV animation, the book and comic industries (creating an original comic: ‘A Hero Named Harold’), and the game industry. He has also published magazines and sells games that he's designed through his company Peregrine (including the humorous role-play games: 'Murphy's World' and 'Bob Lord of Evil').
Links to various sites featuring creative work by Kevin Davies:
Game Creation and Stock Images:
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=3523
Commercial Illustration and Art Prints:
http://kevindavies.deviantart.com/
Creative Services (including Graphic Design and Illustration):
http://www.kevindavies.com
Facebook (includes 'Notes' on economics and politics):
http://facebook.com/KevinDavies.FB
