1 Hour Special Showcasing Dave Percell on October 29th, 4am EST

Published on 10/12/2008 By Artistopia

Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why?

I realized that I wanted to become a music artist at eight years old. My family is a musical family,
And it is just in the blood.

Q. Most music artists have that special someone or thing that influenced their decision to do music. Did anyone or something in your life play a major role in influencing you to go into the music business?

Their were quite a few people that influenced me. One was my brother Jerome Powell, who is an incredible vocalist. He had a very high standard with the type of music that he does. Another was Chuckie
Perez, another awesome vocalist, who straight out told me to get my CD done and completed. I was into heavy procrastination and he cured that real quick. And my nephew Kevin Crockett, we started playing guitar together at eight or nine years old, up until he took off to study music at Berkley School of Music in Boston. He has always had a gift to play guitar even at an early age. I always knew sooner or later in life that we would join forces and play music together. I have spent my life making sure that I would be ready when this happens. And just a lot of close friends and family who kept asking "What on earth are you waiting for"?

Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why?

As an instrumentalist, I also like listening to vocalist. Two of my favorites are Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston. If I could get my guitar to give the effect of these two, would be the ultimate. As far as musicians, there are four guitarists that influenced me. They are Allan Holdsworth, Al DiMeola, Paco Delucia, and John McLaughlin. To me there was no need to listen to anyone else.

Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition?

I have spent a life time working on a signature sound and style. I believe that has been accomplished. At this point I will go to another level. This is what sets you apart. When you hear Carlos Santana, you know it is Carlos Santana. My objective is to have a distinctive and fresh style and sound. These days everyone sounds like everyone else. I wanted to put the passion and fire back into the music. This is one of the reasons that I really enjoy the flamenco style, is because of the passion and the fire.

Q. Music industry professionals are quick to say that being an artist means to gracefully fit a marketable niche in the industry. If you were offered an opportunity that asked you to be something you are not, would you do it to get your foot in the door?

There would be a possibility if it was lucrative to do so and if I discerned that it would work. Also if it would help someone else out , bu would do it kicking and screaming to get back to my style, goal and purpose.

Q. Making music is one thing, selling it is another. What types of strategies do you use in promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals?

I basically use the web such as social networking sites such as Myspace, Face book, Artistopia (smile), and other great profile sites and then of course playing live. Basically getting people to hear what you are doing and being as excited as much as I am.

Q. In regards to wheeling and dealing, how important do you feel business knowledge is to making it in an industry filled with much heartache?

The business part of the industry is extremely important. You cannot just be a musician; you must have the business knowledge in order to maximize your goal.

Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists?

I would say stay focused, complete what you started as far as your product is concerned and have a signature sound and style. Surround yourself with people that are positive and are as excited about what you are doing as much as you are. Get your music heard and promoted.

Q. Most successful artists are involved in charitable organizations that stand for a cause that hits close to home. In that regard, once you reach success, what charitable cause(s) would you like to be involved in and why?

I would like to be involved with the homeless. There are a lot of wasted minds out their wondering around lost. If I can help direct some of these people would be awesome.

Well, we thank you for taking the time to interview with us and certainly wish you the best in your music career endeavors. There you have it ladies and gentlemen, an inside look into the mind of an independent artist struggling to bring their hard work to fruition in an industry where perseverance and thick skin means survival. No one said it would be easy.

Dave Percell Official Website