In this interview spotlight, I chat with David Chutby about the latest music, adapting during lock downs, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
I’m from The Netherlands, Utrecht. I recorded my songs in Leeds UK. My songs are a mix of rock, pop and a bit of country. So if you listen to it you maybe hear some Eagles, Beatles, Foo Fighters, Radiohead influences. Lots of guitar, lots of harmony vocals. My lyrics are often about people’s behavior, politics, media and how we deal with the changes in our time. And sometimes also autobiographic.You can read more about my songs on this page of my website: https://www.davidchutby.com/music
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
That’s a long story. That long story can be found on https://www.davidchutby.com/story
In short: Music and creation flows through my DNA. All my life, I’ve been working in a creative professional atmosphere, specifically oriented in the field of (online) marketing and brand strategies. Currently, I am the creative director of an advertising agency but I sold my shares in it to realize my dream: Ever since I was 13 years old, I’ve been playing guitar. Since then, I’ve been following two currents within my life. The one of music and the one of my job. As a singer-songwriter, I’ve been active within a variety of bands within the Netherlands. Throughout my journey as a musician, I’ve played many gigs throughout the Netherlands. However, like many ex-musicians, I decided then to focus on my family and job. But the creation of music kept calling me back and I can’t escape this feeling and I don’t want to. It has always been a great wish of mine to make my own album, and now the time has come for me to do so.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
I got in contact with Adam Fiasco who’s a young producer in Wakefield (Leeds). I never got to work with a producer before, but I knew I had to do that to make the songs more attractive by modern recording and producing. I wanted to work in England because a lot of the music that I like is coming from the UK. And I like the way he (Adam) approached my songs. So this is my first production in the UK. I recorded the first 4 songs in October an I’m planning to finish off the album this summer.
What I would like to accomplish and to prove is that no matter how old you are you can still follow your heart and fulfill your dream. Because I wanted to do this when I was a child. You know, “Most artists give it their all in their twenties and thirties. Just as it should be and that’s cool. I just held everything up until now. It’s time to unlock it.”
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
All those years that I worked as a creative in an advertising agency, I was able to do my job just fine. But that’s another creative energy. I have satisfied my hunger for music for years with: ‘there will come a time…’.But I kept writing and will continue to do so. I was born as a creative. I am self-taught in everything I have learned. Yes, the pandemic has reduced our ability to perform. The rules were stricter in the Netherlands than over here. But precisely that gave me more time to work out my plans for an album and to start with 4 songs. With the song ‘Pandemic Black’ being the first. My journey has just started and I invite everyone to join me.
What was the last song you listened to?
Great question. I was driving in my car and there were a lot of songs…. I think the last one was ‘Sulk’ by Radiohead.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
Vinyl. Although most of the time when I’m listening to music it comes from the streaming platforms.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
Facebook or Instagram (@davidchutby) at the moment.
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Thanks so much for your interest in me!
