Meet David Christison, folk-indie solo artist and self-taught pianist. Commonly known by friends as the whole package, Christison lives up to the hype. With lyrics like, "It's cold outside and I wish I knew how to stop the breathing of this vanity inside you, it's a bold face lie and you know its true, consider me dead for the weekend," it's clear his talent isn't just in his musical abilities but is gifted in his multilayered lyric writing as well.
Beginnings
When Christison was younger he would often hear his mother and sisters playing the piano. While they were gone he would prop himself on the piano bench and pick out the Phantom of the Opera theme he had heard being played earlier. He played by ear until he started taking professional lessons around the age of seven. Not only is he an remarkable pianist, he also plays guitar and percussion.
In high school, Christison started singing, writing and performing wherever and whenever he could, "I started messing around with some recordings, which I look back on now and cringe, and thought it would be a really enjoyable thing to do once I got better."
Salt Lake
Although Salt Lake has given us brilliant artists and bands, it's not recognized as such. I asked if Christison felt living in Utah has been detrimental to his music career. He said, "I think Utah has in no way been detrimental. We have a culture that really cultivates musical talents from an early age and values those talents."
He did express that he realizes other states have a larger market for singer/songwriters but says that he has seen fellow Utahan musicians make a name for themselves nationally and feels he could do the same if that is the direction he decides to go.
Christison has grown up in Utah and his single most favorite part about it is, "Summer." There couldn't be a more perfect answer.
Inspirations
I asked him who he is listening to and who inspires his music. He pulls inspiration from various Jazz artists due to his background in Jazz piano. He also said, "I find myself drawing inspiration from anything that makes me nod my head and tap my feet."
Most recently he has taken an interest in bands locally such as Band of Annuals, Fictionist, Joshua James and Isaac Russel. More commonly known bands he listens to are Wilco, Radiohead and Sufjan Stevens to name a few.
Listen
Check out Dave Christison on his myspace page and also find out about upcoming shows and release dates for albums. Listen to Criminal and Dead for the Weekend. He will not disappoint, he is the whole package after all.
image via: Dave's myspace
