In this interview spotlight, I chat with David Wayne about his latest project, motivations, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style rap do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I was born in Pittsburgh but my family moved to Maryland when I was about 5 years old so I grew up in Baltimore. I’m actually a singer and my style can be introspective and sometimes moody, but I can still write a good turn up tune when I’m in the mood.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
Some of my earliest memories are of me, my sister and all my cousins doing home made talent shows for my Grandma so I’ve always been involved in the arts for as long as I could remember. I used to draw, I did acting, I was also in my school choir…I just enjoyed artistic expression. I knew I had a path but it wasn’t unlocked until Michael Jackson’s passing in 2009. I found myself re-discovering his catalog and learning about who he was and his purpose, and I really aligned with how conscious he was about his art and how connected he was with sending a meaningful message through his music, songwriting, visuals and performances. I think that’s what really propelled me into being the artist that I am today, I’ve always strived to communicate a message through a combination of all art forms and to this day just having a story to tell and being better than who I was yesterday is enough to motivate me.
How is “Show Don’t Tell” different than previous releases? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
My goal for the past year has been to be authentic and unapologetic in all aspects of life. I’ve struggled a lot with my self confidence and allowed industry gate keepers to dictate how and why I released my music in the past. Show Don’t Tell is the first of many records coming in the future that will showcase me as I am and not how people think I should be.
Do you face challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? How has technology helped you (assuming it helps)?
I wouldn’t say my issues as an indie artist are related to the digital age, I look at it no different than starting a business: you’re always going to start out with limited capital and not enough time. I think the digital age is the reason why I’m still able to create and support my passion today. I’ve created all of my music from my bedroom studio, I didn’t go to music school or have a mentor in a world class recording studio show me the ropes. All I had was a passion, a laptop and the internet. From there I learned how to navigate Logic Pro, I networked with other creatives and collaborators and I’m able to connect and reach new fans every day through social media and streaming platforms. Without the digital age I’m not sure if I would be here right now.
Where can we connect with you online and discover more music?
My social media is instagram.com/davdwayne or twitter.com/davdwayne.
You can search me up on any major streaming platform by David Wayne, definitely check out my EP called BAPTISM if you’re into Trap/R&B and don’t forget to check out Show Don’t Tell once it drops on 8/9.
Anything else before we sign off?
Thank you for the interview!
