Its
a weird thing, writing a bio for yourself. Would that be considered an
autobio? Anyway, the problem I find is to come up with things to say
that are in some way relevant to the medium. I know, its not that
complicated, I’m not Marshall McLuhan for Pete’s sake and I’m not
applying for a loan here so maybe I should just tell you who I am and
you can decide for yourself whether or not its even interesting let
alone relevant.
It
all began in Glasgow, Scotland. That’s where I was born. I grew up in a
suburb of Glasgow called East Kilbride, a nice town to the casual
observer but to a young boy the perfect spot for adventure and
excitement. Many were the days I spent exploring the Calder Glen with
my Brothers and my best friend Chris. The Kings of Calderwood we called
ourselves.
At
the age of ten a new page was turned as my Family emigrated to Canada.
The moss covered foundation of an old bothy, which to the eyes of an
eight year old can remarkably resemble the ruins of an ancient castle,
and the thick forest of the Calder Glen gave way to the ravine behind a
town house in Don Mills. Act two had certainly begun.
In
the weeks and years to follow I learned to mask my accent when as a
young boy I wanted to simply fit in. Later of course, I sought to find
it again when as an older person I became more inclined to stand out. I
spent those years coming to grips with my Identity. I studied Scottish
History on my own and practiced the traditions and customs that I
thought would help me maintain my ‘’Scottishness’, if there is such a
thing. I even went so far as to undertake learning Gaelic. I’m very
glad that I did all of these things of course. They’ve helped to shape
who I am now as a person and as an artist, though none of these
activities ever lead to any confirmation of who I am in the broader
sense. That understanding came from my Grandmother who said to me as I
called her from Glasgow Central Station on my first return visit to
Scotland, “Are you coming home now”. As I’ve said elsewhere, “life is
simple but its not easy”.
And
so that in a nut shell is who I am. Just a guy with a happy ordinary
life and a vivid imagination. Two elements that complement each other
quite nicely as far as I am concerned. I write songs that tell stories
and stories tell truth. Whether they are fact, fiction or a blend of
the two becomes immaterial. Truth after all, is universal.
Glean
from this what you will or what you like. I hope at least, that I’ve
made it in some way interesting. If you take the chance to listen to my
music, thank you. If you’re simply passing through, happy travels and
if you decide to return you will be welcome.
Na beannachdan uile, (All the best)
Dave
January, 2007