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May 2015
Band: Dave Desmelik
Website: www.davedesmelik.com
QRD – How old were you when you first realized you wanted to be a professional musician?
Dave – I was in 8th grade when I decided I really wanted to rock & be in a band. I was 22 when I believed maybe I could actually do it. I was 25 when I started on the path of really being a professional musician.
QRD – What are a few highlights of your musical career?
Dave – Performing on the main stage at the 2001 Telluride Bluegrass Festival as a band finalist in the band competition.... Touring the United Kingdom in support of my songs... international airplay for some of my tunes... self-releasing nine full length albums to date of all original music... many other things too.
QRD – At what age did you decide you wanted to become a father?
Dave – Very shortly after meeting my wife, 32 I think.
QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your family has had on your career?
Dave – Positive... inspiration, inspiration, inspiration.… Negative... don’t tour near as much & out late gigging, up early with the kids, so tired, need sleep.
QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your career has had on your family?
Dave – Positive... lots of instruments to play with in the house, hopefully my songs... Negative... out late gigging, up early with the kids, so tired, need sleep.
QRD – Have your children effected the music you make &/or listen to?
Dave – Lyrically I’m coming from a bit of a different angle sometimes. Other than that, not really.
QRD – Do you think being involved in music has made your children different than their piers?
Dave – Not really.
QRD – Have you had problems with the lack of steady money from a musical career providing the security you feel necessary in your household?
Dave – YES! Did I mention YES!
QRD – Given the limitations having a family has on being a touring musician, would you have toured more earlier in life if you’d known?
Dave – Yes.
QRD – Do you think being a father or a musician has a greater impact on your community?
Dave – Interesting question... they both have impact with the community in different ways, but I would say being a father has greater impact overall in the community.
QRD – Would you rather see your children eventually become musicians or parents?
Dave – Another interesting question... I want my kids to become whatever they want to become... more than anything I want them to have confidence & belief in their abilities in whatever their path is in this life.
QRD – Both family & music seem like things that will take up as much of your time as you’re willing to put in. How do you end up dividing your time?
Dave – It’s difficult to do, but usually I try to work during the days a bit (booking gigs, promotion, all the glamorous parts, etc.) & at night when the family has gone to bed I duck out to my man-cave with my guitar & notebook or record a new song or I’m gigging... & the rest of every waking moment is pretty much consumed by the family (my 2 year-old is climbing on my back as I type this).
QRD – What do your kids think of your music?
Dave – They are young so I don’t think that they think much of it right now, but when they are older I hope they will really listen to my songs & get a little more insight into their old man.
QRD – Do you think you could ever do a musical project with your children?
Dave – Yes... if they could tolerate me.
QRD – Any words of advice to young people?
Dave – Believe in yourself & believe in your path. Work hard & give yourself a pat on the back every now & then. & more than anything... think for yourself.
QRD – Anything else?
Dave – I heard a good joke recently.... What’s the difference between a songwriter & a puppy? Eventually the puppy stops whining....
