Recording Dogma wrapped!

2010-03-09

A good, productive day has come to an end – we really got a lot of stuff done. Can’t wait to listen to it, and look at it tomorrow – right now it off to bed!

Thanks guys – you did a fantastic job!

Videos will be up in the morning – I pwomise!

D.

Recording Dogma setup

2010-03-08

Recording Dogma

2010-03-05

As a reaction to the slow moving music industry, I had an idea.

“Why not record an album, do a photo session for promo-pictures, and shoot a music video and some promotional pictures – all in one day?”

Recording an album in a real studio is great. I love to be able to spend hours and hours on vocals, arrangements and so on – but sometimes you just need to get a move on. Sometimes you can’t recreate that magical first-take – or the way you played a song, when everybody was just sensing what to play, instead of reading carefully written sheet music. Sometimes it can be extremely liberating to just press record – play a song – press stop – and then move on. That way the song gets it’s own life – that way you can listen to it the next day or a year later, and still hear new things that you didn’t know were on there.

I’m not trying to compare the two – they are two different things. And I’m not saying I prefer one over the other – but that being said – I see no reason why the two can’t co-exist.

So – I’m going to try this.

I have a bunch of fantastic friends – and I have shanghaied a few of them to help me. This tuesday we’re going to attempt to record a small album – I’m thinking 6-7 songs – do a photo shoot – shoot a video for a song or two – and do some additional footage. While we do this, I’m going to videoblog – as I usually do – to document what we are doing.

When we’re done, I’m going to release the album for sale online, with little or no post-production, meaning no fiddling around on the computer, pressing numerous buttons etc. – I’m gonna put it straight out there. The video will be edited together quickly – or should I say “by intuition” rather. Same goes for the pictures.

With a lot of luck, some skill and pots and pots of coffee – we’ll get there.

D.

Emails, bureaucracy, Men in Suits and the death they bring…

2010-02-18

I’m trying to get a record deal.

Or rather, I’m trying to get a meeting with a record company to discuss the possibilities for releasing my songs. What I really wanna do is to be able to write songs and perform them live. That’s it.

So, what do you do? I have tried to contact record labels in Copenhagen – labels that I feel have the right musical profile. In my mind, record labels like those make a living from listening to demoes artist send them, and from going out a night, to the clubs where we, the musicians play – and there they scout for talent – like a soccer talent scout goes to the soccer field.

This is a mere figment of my imagination.

I can’t even get a response to my emails and my phone calls. I cannot even get a no. The so called talent scouts are sitting in their offices, praising themselves – patting each others backs because they got a job in the recording industry, and because they have backstage passes to some fashion show tonight. They couldn’t spot good lyrics if the words came out of their noses.

My very close friend – also a musician – told me something very upsetting yesterday. Major labels in The UK and The US will not sign an artist unless they have a complete organization behind them – a manager, an accountant, a booking agency etc. – and furthermore, an insurance company has to be willing to insure the whole album release, with everything it involves… Maybe this is old news to some, but it is definitely the first I have heard of it.

I am petrified.

This means that a singer/songwriter like me, has to establish a full business – with 5-10 employees – just to get a record label to consider signing him/her.

Just thinking the process through, my soul, my creativity has died a thousand times over. I cannot and I wont let men in suits decide whether my songs are good songs. I am proud of my songs and of my skill – and I think that there is an audience for my music.

I write music for me and for you – I write songs because I can’t help it – I have to write. I did not become a musician to be a number on a chart – to be a digit on a budget. I do this because it makes me happy – a guitar, a piano – just humming a melody – can make me smile. All the money in the world will never, ever, be that powerful.

Now, where’s my pen and paper – where’s my coffee and my guitar – I have an album to finish, to release and to perform.

Out of my way, bureaucrat!

Should I Tell You?

2010-02-14

Should I Tell You?

Suddenly I’m not so tough
I have no words to say
Suddenly I’m not so skilled
at keeping my feelings at bay

Suddenly I can’t hide that smile
I have an urge to sing
And I find myself wondering
when my phone’s gonna ring

And I don’t know
if I should tell you
Should I show
what I really feel?

Suddenly I’m not the one
who chooses not to call
Suddenly I am the one
who has to feel his heart fall

Suddenly I am the one
who used to play it cool
Suddenly I am the one
who writes lovesongs like a fool

And I don’t know
if I should tell you
Should I show
what I really feel?

Anymore

2010-02-14

Anymore

You can’t be the one I want
anymore
you’re taken
You can’t be what I look for
to adore
You’re taken
- and I feel broken

You say that you hold me dear
and when you’re near
I’m not broken
You seem like it is all clear
and that you hear
words not spoken
- and you’re still taken

So can I say that I miss you
when you’re not mine to miss?
Can I say I’d like to kiss you
and write a song like this?
Can I say that when I see you
the sun shines from above
Can I say that I love you
when you’re not mine to love?

Everytime I see your face
I’m in that place
where I first met you
Even when I give you space
most days
I can’t forget you
- and I can’t get you

But can I say that I miss you
when you’re not mine to miss?
Can I say I’d like to kiss you
and write a song like this?
Can I say that when I see you
the sun shines from above
Can I say that I love you
when you’re not mine to love?

Waiting for nothing…

2010-02-13

Creative people have a tendency to seek approval from corporate people.

A singer/songwriter desperately wants the attention from the man in a suit sitting behind the big desk. The songwriter longs for the suit to pad him on the head, give him a record deal and steal all of the earnings.

What does suits know about good songs? What do they know about creativity and the highs and lows it brings? Why should they be put in the deciding chair?

They couldn’t identify talent or good poetry for their life – so I’ll stop asking them to from now on…

D.

Coffee House Drafts #1

2010-02-01

Draft 1

I waste my time in public
’cause I want someone to see me
point his hand in one direction
and show me where to go
See I’m proudly independent
and I’m hardly ever needy
but there are days where I’m a loss
and my confidence is low

Now I hang out at a venue
where hopeless artists sing
And here I learn the virtue
of keeping stuff within

- “mock, my words”, December 2009

My Cabin

2010-02-01

My Cabin

At sunrise I start making coffee
There’s always enough for two
My cabin is solid and cosy
I built it while thinking of you

I bring out my axe from my toolshed
and I spend the day chopping wood
My husky keeps watch ’till the sun’s red
I’m sure that he’d help if he could

I’m gonna build me a nice wooden cabin
with a big fireplace and a view
On the deck there’s a chair that I’ll sit in
and the chair next to mine is for you

At the end of the day I make dinner
Instead of one plate, I make two
The dog bows his head like a sinner
He knows that his feast was for you

I watch the sun set with the husky
I play him a short quiet song
My cabin is simple and dusty
but I hope that you’ll feel you belong

I’m gonna build me a nice wooden cabin
with a big fireplace and a view
On the deck there’s a chair that I’ll sit in
and the chair next to mine is for you

- dreaming and plotting, winter 2009

Take It Apart

2010-02-01

Take It Apart

So when I detect
that it’s touching my heart
I try to dissect
and take it apart

I let my mind enter
my heart becomes sore
I go to the centre
and look at the core

Then I start writing
pretend and conjure
When my heart is writhing
then this is my cure

The slightest emotion
can turn into song
So don’t get the notion
it’s you, ’cause you’re wrong

The loss of a job
is just a fresh start
There’s no need to sob
when you take it apart

The love of your life
may trample your heart
But you are the knife
that takes it apart

- in progress, January 2010

Red Carpet Cats

2010-02-01

Red Carpet Cats

I’m at some cool reception
I’m sitting by myself
No bullshit, no deception
No Oscars on my shelf

And if you do approach me
and try to start a chat
Then you will meet the real me
not some red carpet cat

Red Carpet Cats are slick
Red Carpet Cats are cool
They win you over quick
They make the women drool

Their inventory sells
’cause their loyalty’s for hire
And they will save themselves
when their castle is on fire

Do you need lines to pick-up?
Do you need names to drop?
Do you need me to lick up
the champagne that you pop?

You’re looking for “pretend”
and I don’t go for that
But let me recommend
a cool red carpet cat

Red Carpet Cats are slick
Red Carpet Cats are cool
They win you over quick
They make the women drool

Their inventory sells
’cause their loyalty’s for hire
And they will save themselves
when their castle is on fire

- bitter, December 2009

My Cunning Plan

2010-01-05

My Cunnning Plan

She did! She did!
She looked back at me!
She looked back when she walked away!

Will she? Will she?
Will she come back to me
and bring her stuff and stay?

‘Cause little remains of my cunning plan
the plan to make the girl mine
I’ve straightened the road that leads to my door
It’s flooded with lights and with signs
And I would give this girl all that I own
but she must walk the road alone

She did! She did!
She came back to me!
With nothing in her hands?

She said – she said
that she wasn’t free
Which I’ll never understand…

‘Cause little remains of my cunning plan!?
The plan to make the girl mine!
I’ve straightened the road that leads to mine door
it’s flooded with lights and with signs!!
And I would give this girl all that I own
if she would walk the road alone

Yeah, she has molded at heart from a stone
but she must walk the road alone…

Smile And Make Ready

2010-01-05

Smile And Make Ready

With good intentions I give her
a handful of flowers in bloom
She thanks me, and I see them wither
and I smile – smile and make ready for doom

The cherries I gave her are bitter
The puppy will find its death soon
The poor girl won’t know what hit her
and I smile – smile and make ready for doom

There’s beauty in self destruction
There’s pleasure in tearing things down
Admitting I can’t fight corruption
Accepting that one day I’ll drown

The bricks I have layn this morning
will shatter before we reach noon
The young girls are widows in mourning
and I smile – smile and make ready for doom

The lives that we lead are pointless
but most are immune to gloom
and they are the ones who are mindless
and they smile – smile and make ready for doom

There’s beauty in self destruction
There’s pleasure in tearing things down
Admitting I can’t fight corruption
Accepting that one day we’ll drown

My Heart Says So

2009-11-25

My Heart Says So

I wrote a song for a girl I once knew
I have known more than one
I put my words where I once were
Will she know they are of her?

I took my clothes, took the stairs, took the road
I felt my senses return
I knew that I still had miles left to walk
Bridges to cross and to burn

And though I have to leave you here
there’s nothing wrong with you, my dear
I need to find the things I fear
I need to leave and disappear
I will leave you tears to cry
but my eyes will stay clear and dry
There will be no “you and I”
’cause I just love the word goodbye

I, there’s so much I don’t know
I, I’m not yes – I am no
I, I’ve got to go
I, ’cause my heart says so

I met a girl on the road I took
When will I ever learn?
I let her claim what she thought would be hers
I felt the numbness return

I lie awake while she sleeps by my side
Oh, how I suffer and yearn
I need to move, need my clothes, need the road
Set it ablaze and let it burn

And though I have to leave you here
there’s nothing wrong with you, my dear
I need to find the things I fear
I need to leave and disappear
I will leave you tears to cry
but my eyes will stay clear and dry
There will be no “you and I”
’cause I just love the word goodbye

I, there’s so much I don’t know
I, I’m not yes – I am no
I, I’ve got to go
I, ’cause my heart says so

Baby

2009-11-25

Baby

First time that I looked
I was bought and sold and hooked
I was laying out a scheme to make you want me

First time you saw me
you were beautiful and free
you were confident and wise and independent

And baby
you keep saying maybe
but I still know that you will we
in bed with me
tonight
And baby
I know that you secretly
fantasize how it would be
on top of me
tonight

Second time I looked
I was boiled and peeled and cooked
but I did not show the signs of my weakness

It all worked perfectly
suddenly you were not free
and your eyes belonged to me, oh so hungry

And baby
you keep saying maybe
but I still know that you will be
in bed with me
tonight
And baby
I know that you secretly
fantasize how it would be
to sit on me
tonight

Third time that I looked
I was sold out, fully booked
I was terrified to see that you were taken

He was on the top
until all came to a stop
when I stole your soul away and left him shaken

‘Cause maybe
you are someone’s baby
but I still know that you will be
in bed with me
tonight
And baby
I know that you secretly
fantasize how it would be
to cheat with me
tonight

Hide It in a Song

2009-11-25

Hide It in a Song

Maybe she’s ambitious
She wants to be my muse
Maybe it’s her mission
to dazzle and confuse

Is she really conscious?
There’s havoc in her trail
Is she without conscience
with hidden horns and tail?

She might be the one
She treats me wrong
She might be the one
and she’s always gone
I know I can’t find her and tell her
so I’ll hide what I feel in this song

Maybe I should spell it
how much she means to me
Sing it, say it, yell it
or should I just let be?

Can she take the pressure
or will she run away?
Will she find the treasure
in all the words I say?

She might be the one
She treats me wrong
She might be the one
and she’s always gone
I know I can’t find her and tell her
so I’ll hide what I feel in this song

Past Tense

2009-11-13

Past Tense

She’s sitting in the window of her cosy two-room flat
The light is turned down way low, she looks just like a cat
She’s working on a poem, I’m playing my guitar
I cannot wait to show them the couple that we are

Lying in her covers, no place I’d rather be
I want us to be lovers and she does not want me

I try to play my cards right, not pushy, not too weak
We laugh and cuddle all night – I wish we had all week
She wakes me up at daybreak, she wants my company
And soon she’ll make my heart ache – taste the irony

Lying in her covers, no place I’d rather be
I want us to be lovers and she does not want me

Standing on her sidewalk, I’m trying to get in
“Can’t we just at least talk?” – past tense can begin
So I picked up a pebble – was that the way to go?
Though no one likes a rebel, my heart said “Throw man, throw!”

Lying in her covers, no place I’d rather be
I want us to be lovers and she does not want me

She’s lying in her covers – there no place I’d rather be
I wish that we were lovers – I wish she wanted me

I know the Direction

2009-11-13

I know the Direction

I’m leaving the picture you have of me
I’m stepping out of that frame
I won’t be where I used to be
I’ll go by my own true name

‘Cause my boots are worn, but my soles are fresh
I feel reborn in soul and in flesh
I won’t forfeit what lies behind me
I won’t forget, no need to remind me

If I were you, I’d forget who I was
and get to know me again
Come visit me in the land where I’m boss
where I write the verse and refrain

‘Cause my boots are worn, but my soles are fresh
I feel reborn in soul and in flesh
I won’t forfeit what lies behind me
I won’t forget, no need to remind me
Twenty and five is different that twenty
I thought I lived life, I thought I knew plenty

I hope that you’ll bite come with me tonight
and hear what I have to say
Cause try as they might, to turn off my light
I know that I’m here to stay

‘Cause my boots are worn, but my soles are fresh
I feel reborn in soul and in flesh
I won’t forfeit what lies behind me
I won’t forget, no need to remind me
Twenty and five is different that twenty
I thought I lived life, I thought I knew plenty
Compared to then I don’t fit a description
Don’t know where I’ll end, but I know the direction

Femme Fatale

2009-11-13

Femme Fatale
Rainwet streets leads a man astray
He longs for night, and shuns the day

I can’t believe how mean you are
a hag without morale
But you can’t have a film noir
without a Femme Fatale

Red like danger, soft lush lips
Knife in hand, but he sees hips

I can’t believe how mean you are
a hag without morale
But you can’t have a film noir
without a Femme Fatale

Pain comes quick, but death is slow
He dies in love, but she won’t know

I can’t believe how mean you are
a hag without morale
But you can’t have a film noir
without a Femme Fatale

Recording strings and horns!!

2009-11-09

I was just in the studio recording strings and horns for I Left It at Your Place and Yellow Sign. Just caught at couple of quick videos of the talented musician who helped me out (yeah, I don’t play strings and horns that well, yet).
It might not make that much musical sense right now – because you only hear the string and horn parts – but it’ll all make sense in due time. Trust me!

Strings!

And horns!

Next tuesday – live @ Drop Inn, Copenhagen!

2009-10-26

Alright – so next tuesday, november 3rd, I’m live @ Drop Inn in the middle of Copenhagen at 9.30 pm.

Peter Bonde will be accompanying me and the we’ll play some new material.

I hope to see you out there!

Live @ Løve’s Bookcafé yesterday…

2009-10-23

There it is – that familiar feeling…

2009-10-20

It’s been sneaking it’s way back into my life. It’s been in here for a while, but it hasn’t really shown itself untill now. It’s not a thing, but a feeling – not a feeling, but a state.

I’m in a leaving state of mind.

Maybe you can tell how far into this state I am, by the length of my beard. The longer the beard – the more hopeless I am. Deep, deep within my traveling plans – my schemes for raking in enough cash to buy an old beaten up motorcycle – my drawings on a map of my route through the African desert…

A friend of mine just watched “Into the Wild”. I did too – before I left last time. Inspirational and kinda scary at the same time. She, my friend, said that the main character reminded her of someone she knew. Who might that be?

david_into_the_wild

Femme Fatale

2009-10-14

Femme Fatale

I can’t believe how mean you are

a hag without morale

but you can’t have a film noir

without a femme fatale

Past Tense

2009-10-10

Past Tense

Sitting in her window
of her cosy, two-room flat
The light is turned down way low
She looks just like a cat

She’s working on a poem
I’m playing my guitar
I cannot wait to show them
the couple that we are

Lying in her covers
no place I’d rather be
I want us to be lovers
and she does not want me

I try to play my cards right
Not pushy, not too weak
We laugh and cuddle all night
I wish we had all week

She wakes me up a daybreak
She wants my company
Soon she’ll make my heart ache
- is that irony?

Lying in her covers
no place I’d rather be
I want us to be lovers
and she does not want me

Standing on her sidewalk
I’m trying to get in
“Can’t we just at least talk?”
Past Tense can begin

I picked up a pebble
Was that the way to go?
Though no one likes a rebel
my heart said “Throw man, throw!”

Lying in her covers
no place I’d rather be
I wish that we were lovers
I wish she wanted me

Songwriter’s night @ Løve’s Book Café

2009-09-30

løves_2

Thanks for coming out tonight!

2009-09-30

I just did a show at Galaksen, Værløse – and I really enjoyed myself. What a great audience and venue! Thank you so much for having us and for paying attention.

Tomorrow I’ll play at Annexet in my hometown Elsinore – looking forward to it!

Good night,

D.

New shows this week…

2009-09-28

0930-4-men-onlyI’m playing at Galaksen, Værløse this wednesday. Show starts at 8pm and three other singer/songwriters will play as well.
Tickets are 70 kroner and can be purchased here.
Read more about the show here.

The day after I’ll play at AnneXet in Elsinore. Show starts at 11pm and we’ll play two sets.

a8

Read more about Annexet here.

Yay – Facebook!

2009-09-27

So, on the left side of this, you should see a facebook logo – click it click it click it!

I’m sure you’re on Facebook, so check out my Fan Page – are you a fan of mine? Wanna show it?

In a few days Facebook should have approved my identity, so I’ll be able to put up music there as well – neat!

I have a few demos on the way – I’ll put them here and there – when I do, let me know what you think.

Bu-bye!

A new thing…

2009-09-11

I have begun writing letters. This is not a new thing in it self – but the twist is that I do not send them. I write them – but I keep them to myself.

Is this weird? Do many people do this?

Have you ever written a letter that you did not send? Yeah, probably. But have you ever written one, with the intent of not sending it?

It’s kind of like writing a journal or a diary – but it is addressed to a specific person… Maybe I’ll send them as a big package someday. “Here you go – a hundred letters for you, that you were never meant to read…”

Opening for Jens Unmack, Toldkammeret – Elsinore, Denmark

2009-09-06

Fourth day of recording…

2009-09-06

Time for a bit of fun…

2009-09-04

Thanks for your attention tonight…

2009-09-03

I would like to thank Jens Unmack and Toldkammeret, Elsinore for having me – and the audience for your attention. It felt great be able to play my songs for you – I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Now – off to bed!

D.

Tired…

2009-09-02

Recording organ for I Left It at Your Place…

2009-09-02

Recording with Stillwalker Productions – day 2 continued

2009-09-02

Recording with Stillwalker Productions – day 2

2009-09-02

Recording with Stillwalker Productions – day 1

2009-09-02

Recording in progress…

2009-09-01

In the studio...So – we’re almost halfway through day two of recording I Left It at Your Place and Yellow Sign at Feedback Studios with Stillwalker Productions in Århus, Denmark.

It is really coming together and I feel really confident!





Check out Stillwalker here

New music player!

2009-08-31

Check out this new music player that I’m testing. It’s on the bottom of the screen in that blue bar… Click it once to hear my songs – and click the small icon in the bottom right corner to pop out the player, so you can listen to my songs while you browse my pages and the rest of the web…

I’m off to the studio!

D.

Less than a week!

2009-08-25

So, in less that a week I will begin to record the first two songs from my forthcoming album. I’m gonna record in an old recording studio in Århus, Denmark – called Feedback Studios.

I’ll put up some behind the scenes footage soon.

Also, I played to gigs last week – both very succesful – and next week I will open for Jens Unmack in my hometown Elsinore. Check out time and place over on the right column…

Thank you!

2009-08-20

Peter and I played a show at Nørrebro Bryghus, Copenhagen, Denmark – yesterday. Every show we play just seems more and more right – I really felt a connection to the audience. I hope the feeling is mutual…

So, thank you for coming out yesterday – I hope you liked it!

D.

The Storyteller

2009-07-31

She’s the storyteller
and all is up to her
why did something compel her
to kill my character?

2009-07-30

…Never did John Mayer’s “Dreaming with a Broken Heart” make so much sense…

I’m turning into a Disney songwriter…

2009-07-29

Hide It in a Song

Maybe she’s ambitious
she wants to be my muse
Maybe it’s her mission
to dazzle and confuse

Is she really conscious
there’s havoc in her trail
Is she without conscience
with hidden horns and tail?

She might be the one – she treats me wrong
She might be the one – and she’s always gone
I know I can’t find her and tell her
So I’ll hide what I feel in this song

Maybe I should spell it
how much she means to me
Sing it, say it, yell it
Or should I just let be?

Can she take the pressure
or will she run away?
Will she find the treasure
in all the words I say?

She might be the one – she treats me wrong
She might be the one – and she’s always gone
I know I can’t find her and tell her
So I’ll hide what I feel in this song

Thanks for coming out to Café Divino today!

2009-07-26

Peter and I just played a gig at Café Divino in Espergærde, Denmark – and everything went well.

I hope everyone had a nice afternoon – I know we did!

Here’s a couple of videos from today – first one is an excerpt from my new song “Man of Stone”:

The next one is Yellow Sign – with Peter Bonde who does percussion and vocals. He’ll be touring with me – so you’ll have to get used to him!

I guess, I feel a bit more cheerful today…

2009-07-25

I’d much rather share it with you

 

I’m roaming the bar where you met me

and the guys play all right – sure they do

I know I’ve had plenty – my pockets are empty

and I’d much rather share this with you

 

I’m walking the streets way past midnight

my hangover is breaking on through

and all is all right – I’ve had a good night

but I’d much rather share it with you

 

My morning is full of bright sunlight

and coffee and cereal too

it’s not even eight – I can snooze, which is great

but I’d much rather do that with you

Yes, I’d much rather share it with you

Man of Stone

2009-07-24

I had hoped that the next song I would publish, would be a happy one – but things turned out differently. I’ll try to write something a bit more cheery soon…

Man of Stone

I should thank you
Now I know what to sing about
I talked to you
You couldn’t even say it out loud
- but I heard it anyway

You told me to smile
It feels wrong, but I will try
After a while
there’s no you in “You and I”
- but I wish that you could stay

In my dreams

So I found out
You’re not where I thought you were
There’s no more doubt
There’s no more hope in here
- but will there be someday?

I can’t stay weak
No heart – no flesh and bone
Next time we speak
I must be the man of stone
- but I wish that you could stay

In my dreams

I feel like taking pictures

2009-07-13

The world is full of pictures, but I will take my own. I’ll hang them on my wall, in large scale – fully blown.

I have the perfect motive, intriguing and complex. It makes me think of traveling, it makes me think of sex.

My motive is quite stunning, I’m sure you would agree. It’s not a mere old landscape – my motive is a she…

V-log #71 & 72 – NYC and Copenhagen Airport…

2009-07-09

Hey there. I just realized that I hadn’t uploaded the final two videos from my tour of The States. So – here they are…

Last look at New York City:

And a tired David in Copenhagen Airport:

Thanks for coming out on thursday!

2009-07-04

I had a great time playing at Annexet, in my home town Elsinore, Denmark. First gig after my trip to The US – and I felt like I had something more to give the audience than before. It really feels like I’ve achieved something on my trip…

Can’t wait to play more gigs – next one is in August – in the heart of Nørrebro, Copenhagen. Hopefully I book some more soon.

I will be recording first part of my album within a month or so – so things are starting to happen.

D.

Day 86

2009-06-20

I can’t believe that my trip is almost over. 86 days gone – only two to go.

Come to think about it – it seems like a really long time since I was home in Denmark. I miss my family and my friends a lot. Luckily I have my sister here – which helps.

I’m really enjoying New York – even more than the first time. But still, I can’t wait to sit on the plane in 51 hours. I’m so glad everything has gone well, and that I have only been robbed once.

I have made so many new friends over here – thank you so much for letting me crash on your couches and floors. You know who you are – and you are all welcome to come crash in my castle in Copenhagen.

I bring so many things with me back home. Not physical things – although I have shopped a bit these past days – but a lot of experience and thoughts about my music, my future. I’m ready to record my first solo album, and I’m really confident in my material – I have gotten so much positive response to my songs over here.

So – I’ll keep blogging at home, but maybe not as frequent. And I’ll definitely keep you updated on concerts and my album.

Thank you for following me on my journey – I have really enjoyed sharing it with you.

D.

Just played last gig in The US for now…

2009-06-15
Bob Dylan and Patti Smith at The Bitter End, 1975

Bob Dylan and Patti Smith, The Bitter End, 1975

I played The Bitter End in New York tonight – a 30 minute set. I took the opportunity to play some of the songs I have written during the three months I have been traveling. And they seamed to work:-) Last gig in The US for now – going back to Denmark in a week.

My sister got the concert on camera, so I’ll upload it when I get the chance – now I’m off to bed!

Thanks to the people at The Bitter End and thanks for coming out tonight Suzy!

D.

P.S. Pretty cool to play the same venue as Bob Dylan did in his youth! No comparison, by the way…

V-log #70 Union Square Art Exhibition

2009-06-13

V-log #69 Alcatraz!!

2009-06-13

V-log #68 Alcatraz and Sealions

2009-06-10

V-log # 67 My sister is here!!

2009-06-10

I am afraid!

2009-06-07

I just read the results of Europe Parliament vote back in Denmark – and it turns out that Danish People’s Party (aka. The Bad Guys) have gone from 6.8 % to 14.4 % of the votes. They have gained more than 100 %…

It really makes me sad, because the candidates are, in my eyes, obviously racist and ignorant. It used to be the elderly voting for them, due to their ancient views upon foreigners and race (and ok, their elderly policy) – but as time goes by – as my generation gets older, and the elderly becomes fewer – Danish People’s Party should recieve less and less votes.

This is not the case – and that means that a big part of my generation also votes for them.

But how can this be? How can people – having grown up in the same world as me, the same time period as me – have such an ignorant approach?

It really makes me sad… And what’s even worse is that Denmark is not even the worst country. A lot of countries are way more conservative and, yes, I dare say it – racist.

On the bright side – Socialistic People’s Party (aka. The Good Guys) also had a similar increase – so at least I’m not alone…

Any one up for starting a new country – solar powered, Co2 neutral, relying solely on organic food, no race, no religion, no army – only people?

V-log #66 A day at the beach!

2009-06-07

V-log #65 San Francisco skyline

2009-06-04

V-log #64 Fog over San Francisco

2009-06-04

V-log #63 Tons of bicycles!!

2009-05-30

V-log #62 Breakfast with Veronica in San Francisco

2009-05-30

Good burgers in San Francisco!

2009-05-30

sany0007
If you’re ever downtown in San Francisco, feeling hungry – go to Lori’s Diner on Mason – just near Geary.

Good food, good service – and a very retro American diner style. Red vinyl seats and the whole shebang – all at a very reasonable price! I think they make milkshakes too…

V-log #61 First day in San Francisco

2009-05-28

V-log #60 Lunch in Portland

2009-05-28

Last day in Portland

2009-05-26

I’m sitting at a coffee shop in downtown Portland. I have spent the last couple of days here – mostly being bored… I feel an itch throughout my body – I wanna work, do something creative. I’m ready to record my album and go touring.

Ahead of me lies an 18-hour train ride to San Francisco – the last city I will visit before heading back to NYC in three weeks.

It’s suddently occuring to me that I have been alone for more than two months. Or rather – I have been alone in company of new friends. There’s an amazing freedom and a frightning emptiness in being unknown.

I’m looking forward to come back home – it seems so far away and closer than ever:-) I’m writing a song about it, but it’s not done yet.

I feel like a better musician than ever, which is kinda strange, because I haven’t been able to practice as much as I do at home. Maybe a bit of perspective helps my guitar play, my singing voice and my songwriting… Anyway, whatever it is – I’m all for it.

Come to think about it, I have had my guitar on my back almost every day since I quit my job. There’s no way I’m putting it down again – I won’t be deterred from achieving my goal – not by myself, not by anyone.

I believe in it – but sometimes common “sense” tells me to lower my expectations. But why should I? Why shouldn’t I shoot for the stars – live out the dream in my head, in my heart? Why should I settle for something less – something I don’t want?

Get out of your shell, David, get out!

V-log #59 The Verver’s house on The Oregon Coast!

2009-05-24

V-log #58 Baby live @ The Pink Door, Seattle

2009-05-17

V-log #57 I Left It at Your Place live @ The Pink Door, Seattle

2009-05-17

V-log #56 Back stage @ The Pink Door, Seattle

2009-05-17

V-log #55 Playing at Canadian Radiostation CiTR Vancouver

2009-05-15

V-log #54 I want this house!!

2009-05-14

V-log #53 Five hour hike in Vancouver

2009-05-14

V-log #52 First look at Vancouver

2009-05-13

V-log #51 Trouble on the train to Vancouver…

2009-05-13

V-log #50 David hearts Seattle!

2009-05-12

V-log #49 A Perfect Day on Lake Washington

2009-05-10

V-log #48 The Space Needle, Seattle, WA

2009-05-10

V-log #47 First day in Seattle, WA

2009-05-10

V-log #45 Aboard The Empire Builder

2009-05-06

V-log #44 If you’re ever in Chicago – go see this!!

2009-05-03

To Much Light Makes The Baby Go BlindIf you’re ever in Chicago you should definatly go and see this.
It’s a theater that’s been around for more than twenty years – playing every weekend, 50 weeks a year.

The concept is that a group of eight actors, write new plays every week – and then perform 30 plays in 60 minutes. So the plays are small skits – some really funny, some really profound and deep.

The actors draw the audience into the plays – but don’t worry – you won’t be pulled up there to do something awful.

The theater only houses 150 people in the audience, so you should be there early. The tickets are 9$ plus the roll of a six-sided die – so between 10$ and 15$.

Go to www.neofuturists.org NOW! – HEY, I’m not kidding! GO!! Okay, maybe that’s a bit rough – please go, I think you would like it…

V-log #43 Chicago from Above!

2009-05-03

V-log #42 A walk around Chicago

2009-05-01

V-log #41 First day in Chicago

2009-04-30

V-log #40 On the Red-Eye to Chicago

2009-04-30

V-log #39 Public Transportation in America!?

2009-04-30

No wonder everybody drives everywhere…

V-log #38 My host Leslie @ The Peter B. Lewis Building, Cleveland

2009-04-28

Philip Ørnø – Had too much @ The Barking Spider, Cleveland

2009-04-28

Philip Ørnø – Kedeligt @ The Barking Spider, Cleveland

2009-04-28

V-log #37 Sunset over Cleveland

2009-04-27

V-log #36 Cleveland!

2009-04-27

V-log #35 Beer Pong in Pittsburgh!

2009-04-27

V-log #34 On our way through Blue Ridge Mountains

2009-04-27

V-log #33 Architecture in York, PA

2009-04-27

Problem with YouTube

2009-04-23

Seems like YouTube is down – so my videos aren’t working. But knowing the YouTube Organization – it’ll be fixed before I can even post this…

I’m going to Cleveland on Sunday and from there I’ll head to Chicago a few days later… Yup!

More videos soon…

Concert with Dave Swarbrick and my dad in Elsinore

2009-04-22

daveswarbrick_nyhed_578x220

My dad is playing with Dave Swarbrick, the legendary fiddler from The UK on friday in Toldkammeret, Elsinore, DK on friday.
Lars, my dad, will open with his own band – Lars Kjædegaard’s Orchestra.

I am named after Dave – and he’s always been a huge influence musically – so if you’re in the neighbourhood, check it out. I won’t be able to come, as I am on the other side of the world…

Check the link and give yourself an extraordinary musical experience.

Dave Swarbrick with Lars Kjædegaard in Toldkammeret

V-log #32 FLIP CUP!!

2009-04-20

Survivor Flip Cup – I was last man stading on my team, so I had to drink and flip seven cups. The other team still had three guys on it, so they only had to drink/flip two, two and three…

Shucks – I lost… But not by much!

V-log #31 York Market

2009-04-20

V-log #30 The Aquaducts of York!

2009-04-17

V-log #29 DIY @ Lucy

2009-04-17

V-log #28 Lunch @ Lucy!

2009-04-17

Still here!

2009-04-16

New video will be up today – have been resting a bit the past couple of days – I’m an old man now, 25, and I can feel my body ageing…

Just kidding – ran an obstacle course today – or something called a “World Trail” – this old bag of bones can still move!! I actually feel stronger than I have in a long time.

Going for a tour around York City, PA, now – and I’ll show you how it looks. It’s fascinating to live an American life – or try to – very interesting…

I’ll also show you some DIY (do it yourself=gør det selv) projects Rachel and I have begun at her house.

GiddyUp!

V-log #27 A big thank you!!

2009-04-12

V-log #26 Rachel, David and The Birthday Cake of Greatness

2009-04-12

V-log #25 A quick notice on language conversion

2009-04-12

V-log #24 Easter in York @ Rachels house

2009-04-12

V-log #23 The Poor, The Weird and The Very Scary

2009-04-11


En gåtur i East Village, NYC, kan være særdeles begivenhedsrig!

More V-logs tomorrow

2009-04-09

I haven’t had the chance to upload videos the past couple of days – it’s hard to find internet cafes in NYC. I’m leaving tomorrow – going to my friend Rachel’s place in York – just west of Philadelphia.

Getting my laptop tomorrow – my sweet danish friends are bringing it, so from now on it should be a lot easier to update the blog…

Yup!

V-log #22 The White House Hostel, NYC – ??!

2009-04-06

3rd live performance – The Bitter End, NYC

2009-04-06

V-log #21 Jen and her friends!

2009-04-06

More video to come!

2009-04-05

Jeg har ikke haft mulighed for at uploade de sidste par dage – min internetcafe er bukket under for krisen – dammit!

Jeg spiller paa The Bitter End i aften – og filmer det!

Forlader NYC paa fredag – er ved at have faaet nok.

Live in New York City once but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once but leave before it makes you soft”
Taenker meget over hvad “hjem” betyder. Er ved at have det paa plads – feel a song coming…

V-log #20 Lotus & Amalie

2009-04-03

I Left It at Your Place – complete song

2009-04-02

V-log #19 A stroll around The Village

2009-04-02

V-log #18 CO2 overvejelser

2009-04-02

V-log #17 Anemone and Harlem!

2009-04-02

2nd live performance in The US – Penny’s Open Mic

2009-04-01


I only had 7 minutes – that’s why the last song was cut a bit short…

Davids rejsetips 3 – Pak’ Leth!

2009-04-01

V-log #16 Lunch @ Cafe Colonial

2009-04-01

V-log #15 A walk in Manhatten

2009-03-31

V-log #14 Morgen paa The Village Inn

2009-03-31

First live performance in The US

2009-03-31


Baby (On Top of Me) @ Sidewalk Cafe, East Village, NYC

V-log #13 To Greenpeace or not to Greenpeace

2009-03-30

V-log #12 Amerikanske kvinders stil!?

2009-03-30

V-log #11 Davids rejsetips!!

2009-03-30

V-log #10 Praktiske gris paa vaskeri.

2009-03-30

I Left It at Your Place – lyrics

2009-03-30

 

sany0040
I packed a bag, I booked a flight
got ready to leave all behind
Didn’t look back, let in no fright
did not leave time to rewind

Said my goodbyes, said “Yeah, I’ll be fine”
believed every word that I said
but behind these brave eyes, this courage of mine
I long for a girl I just met

I think I can hear it rumling
the roar when the plane will start
But it feels like I’m leaving something
I think I’ve forgotten my heart

I took the train, the rails sang her name
Please don’t let this be in vain
Heard it again while boarding the plane
I guess without pain, there’s no gain?

I think I can hear it rumbling
the roar when the plane will start
But it feels like I’m leaving something
I think I’ve forgotten my heart
- wait – I think I’ve forgotten my heart
- wait – I left it at your place.

V-log #9 Why East Village is so cool!

2009-03-30

Sender en tanke til Kaare M og Morten W, som begge ville elske at haenge ud her!

V-log #8 China Town and more…

2009-03-30

V-log #7 A look around East Village

2009-03-30

V-log #6 Quiet cup of coffee in Bryant Park

2009-03-29

V-log #5 Broadway

2009-03-29

V-log #4 Morning in East Village

2009-03-29

V-log #3 The Village Inn

2009-03-29

Song #1 I Left It at Your Place

2009-03-27

V-log #2 Park Avenue

2009-03-27

V-log #1 Queensborough Bridge

2009-03-27

The Village Inn, NY

2009-03-27
Breakfeast at The Village Inn, NY

Breakfeast at The Village Inn, NY

Found a great place in East Village. Its a hostel with six bed dorms – clean bathrooms, hot water (!!) and breakfeast included! Met a great German guy called Berth – don’t know how to spell it. We’re going to a comedy club tonight – and a Baptist Church on Sunday.

The weather is beautiful – Central Park, here I come!

Got the camera – just need to figure out how to record in a lesser quality, can’t upload too big files here…

Hep!

NY Baby!

2009-03-26

I’m here – or there – depending on where you are.

Getting ready to go on my first urban safari and I feel good. I’m going to get a camera today and hopefully put up a video for you and me.

Wrote a song on the plane yesterday – or I wrote the lyrics. Thought it was inappropriate to pull out my guitar in the cabin.

I’m gonna get breakfeast!

So – leaving tomorrow

2009-03-24

It feels strange to have worked towards something for so long – and when it’s finally here, I wan’t to postpone it just a bit.

It’s kinda like going on stage – the ten minutes before is the worst – I just wanna get started, strum the first chord on my guitar – sing the first phrase.

Can’t wait til I have checked in, walked through security – no way back.

The past few months I have been throwing myself into the deep end – no way back – and this is the most radical thing so far.

Again – videoblog – hopefully up thursday night…

Tatah.

I have the ticket!

2009-03-16

And I’m leaving next wednesday! Three months away – alone. Can’t wait…

I know I’ll be homesick and miss everybody, but you don’t know what you’ve got ’till you’re gone – or something like that.

Videoblog will be up first thing when I arrive in New York.

Hmm…

2009-03-09

I had time to think a ton of thoughts today – was trapped in a train for hours.

Having chosen a create path is actually very comprehensive, when I come to think of it. For example, I won’t have a boss to tell me what I do good, and what I do bad. I won’t have to negotiate my salary – it’ll all depend of my product, what I create. It’s a very freeing thought, but also a pretty scary one.

I was in the military a couple of years back – and although I disliked a lot of things, I really liked being evaluated and weighed by authority figures. Strange, but very motivating to have a goal set in stone. A shooting drill, for example, is very easy to measure – who’s good at it, and who’s not. And not that everything has to be a competition between me and everybody else – no, sometimes it’s very healthy to get your bad results in writing. It’s very difficult to run from a bad result, when it has been publicly announced… And when you can’t run from your bad results, you can either accept that you’re not good at that dicipline, or – you can choose not to accept that you’re not good at it – and become better. Practice, practice, practice! Keep going over what you do in your head – keep focusing on it.

Actually – I don’t think it’s something I can freely choose – I think, I’m built for becoming better.

Also – another thought, though totally unrelated – pretty interesting – at least to me:

I was listening to a record by an artist that I know personally, and whom I won’t name. I really don’t like the record – and though it was somewhat painful – it was a learning experience to listen to it over and over again. Everytime I heard it, I found new things that I didn’t like – and when you find something you don’t like, you also find something you like – namely the opposite. Like music that is made with the purpose of making money. I don’t like that. Now you might think that I hate making money off my music – but I don’t. What I mean is – music should not be made with the intention of making money – it should be made because the composer can’t not compose – because the composer would compose it, even if he or she was the only person left in the world. That is what hits me – that is what I believe works in the long run. And sure – some music, made with the intention of making money, is good for dancing and singing along in the car – but it rarely reaches my heart…

‘Nuff wise words for 2nite.

I’m out!

Soon!

2009-03-08

Looks like I’ll sell my bike soon – and then I’ll be off to The States.

I’ll buy a camera first thing and start videoblogging.

Now – I’ll go to bed…

Went running

2009-03-03

This morning I went running with a friend. Great way to start the day… Now I just need to fight the intense lust for napping.

Guitar skills slowly improving – and one more song almost done…

Rainy day – not good for creativity

2009-03-02

I’m tired. Well, not tired – but sleepy. The I’ll-snooze-all-day kind of sleepy. I blame the grey, rainy weather in Denmark.

I really hope to sell my motorbike very soon, so I can go to The US and get a change of scenery.

On the up side – I get more and more positive feedback on the recordings I have made recently, so I’m putting them up on the web for you to listen to them. The “The Music” on the right…

Practice makes perfect – I hope…

2009-02-28

The past week I have been practicing on my guitar – I’d like to be a better guitarist – now!

Even though I can play almost anything I want, given enough time – I’d like to be more fluent in blues scales etc. I have never recieved guitar tutoring and I can feel that now. I feel a lack of theoretical understanding – and I hate not understanding stuff – especially music. SO – I’m back in rehearsal bootcamp. Feels like I’m twelve again…

I find great inspiration in following John Mayers blog – www.johnmayer.com/battlestudies – he’s in the same proces as me right now – with no comparison made. He’s such a talented guitarist, singer and songwriter! Strange how you can feel dwarfed by some elses talent… But I won’t be put off – I’ll use his superior skills as motivation rather than demotivation. On the positive side – his blog looks like mine, and I made mine first – HA!

Conversations with my father

2009-02-20

My father and I talked about getting a place where we can live out our creativity – or at least try to. My father is a writer as main occupation, but also paints and writes music.

As I have written earlier, I have experienced enhanced productivity in the past few weeks – due to the ability to focus (I quit my job) and the ability to record (I set up my home studio at my parents house and later in a summer house). My creativity is very fickle and it can come and go in minutes – maybe this is because I am still rather inexperienced, or maybe this is how it’s going to be. But because it is like this right now, I really need to have a place where I can produce without having to setup and break down gear every time. And again this is a question of resources – money – of which I have very little. So, tricky situation but I’ll manage. I guess I can record every now and then – and hope to optimize my surroundings in time.

Is this the difficult beginning?

Right – new ideas

2009-02-19

I knew that I had to focus more on my music in order to get somewhere. I didn’t know that I could be this creative…

I have thought up the basic idea for my record label – yes, I’m going to create a record label.

I have recorded four songs – ready for you, right here on davidpepke.com in a short while.

I have written several new songs, and even more are in the works.

All this in three weeks… I love being unemployed!

Total isolation

2009-02-16

I’m in a summer house now. It’s got a beautiful view…

Creativity is a funny thing – when you nurish it, it gets more hungry – and when you want to record it, it hides underneath your bed… I’ll have to lure this one out with patience, naps and red wine!

Recording in progress…

2009-02-11

Alright – I have set up all my instruments at my parents’ house and have begun recording. Two tracks are done so far – and I have been at it for two days – so it’s coming along nicely. The record is going to be very simple, very different from modern music today. Some might think that it sounds incomplete compared to modern productions, but this is the way my music is meant to sound. Simple and original.

The next step is to get the album out there – and that’s a different story. I wish that it could be simple – like – write a song, record it, publish it online, go play gigs around the world -start over – do it all again.

I’m dying to play my music live, so if you’ve got an idea to where I can play – let me know!

For now, I’ll just make a record – for me, for you…

I just moved out

2009-02-01

New lifestyle – I live in a backpack now. I can’t wait to take a look around the world – to experience something different.

I will be videoblogging here soon – I just need a camera – I’ll get one soon…

Here I come!

Freedom is close

2009-01-29

I quit my job – my last day at the office is tomorrow.

I rented out my apartment – my last night in my own bed is tomorrow.

I put my stuff for sale – and I’m giving away the most of my clothes to a refugee camp.

I’m trying to rid myself of things and commitments that are holding me down, as to be able to focus on what’s really important to me – namely the people in my life and my music. I’m going to do some recordings in february and then I’m going travelling. I need to invest in my language and songwriting skills as well as general experience.

How can I relate to the world, if I haven’t experienced it? How can I live in a world, that I cannot relate to?

Restart

2008-12-21

I just restarted my website – check out the pictures from my gig at Lades Basement this weekend.

I´ll use the christmas holidays to record some rough demos – and of course I’ll throw them up on the web as soon as they’re done.

Merry Christmas…

theme: tomorrow by pacquola.org