There are many different paths musicians can take to succeed in the music business. My path has been to focus on commercial music and licensing but this is not the only way.
I wanted to interview a friend of mine that is also making a living with music. Hopefully this helps give a different perspective and provides some more ideas for other musicians out there.
So without further ado, here is my interview with the very talented, and overall awesome human being, Johnny Davis.
My name is Johnny Davis, music has been my passion and drive for over a decade now. I continue to progress my musical talents still playing in bands, touring across the country and internationally. By age 23, I was a nationally touring musician seeing over 35 different states across the U.S. earning multiple endorsements from recognized companies like Orange Amplifiers, Willis Custom Casings and Rise Up Clothing touring with my last band Capture The Flag. I am now 25 years young and still actively touring as a hire on musician currently touring with a band called Fallstar from Portland Oregon that are on Facedown Records. I am now writing, composing and producing professional music for TV, Video and Commercial use. With over a decade of live performance, multiple EP's and full length albums written, hundreds of songs & stages performed on, and many crowds seen, I have decided to dedicate my time to commercial music.
How did you get started in music?
My dads side of the family are all musicians every family reunion was a giant concert of family where everyone jumped onto instruments, my first instrument was a drum set, but I got in trouble for noise so I got a guitar and started learning from my father.
What instruments do you play?
I can play, drums, bass, guitar, piano all some what equally in skill, but primarily a guitar player.
Are you currently in a band?
Yes Fallstar on Facedown Records
What advice do you have for other musicians looking to pursue music?
All of my knowledge in music is live and touring so, If you are looking to tour, be ready for it! Haha but seriously it is some of the best and worst times of my life, sometimes everything is going great and you're having a blast other times you're whole band might be fighting in a drunken debacle over nothing after having multiple shows drop and you now have a 25 hour drive with no shows... My advice, don't have a serious GF until you are a successful band, it is going to cause more trouble and problems then it is worth, if you are serious about making it in music you don't need any distractions just focus on working your ass off. Another key thing for me is quality gear in road cases, if you're going to tour and play live 5-6 nights a week, buy good gear, and keep it good and safe in road cases, also practice, practice, practice my last band would practice 4 days a week for 2 hours a day for 3-4 weeks before a tour, if you are serious be serious and sound good, nothing says unprofessional like a band that isn't tight live or cannot hit harmonies.. Accept the fact that until you have a agent and manager promoters are going to rip you off and cancel and have horrible PA systems a lot of the time.
Do you have musical role models?
I wouldn't say role models I am pretty independent in how I think but if I had to pick someone I think highly of Dave Grohl would be on the top of the list.
What types of revenue streams do you have coming in to pursue music?
I own a production business, which gives me the freedom to keep music at the forefront of my time. I do concerts and events as well as some social media management.
Has the idea of music licensing changed the way you've thought of your music?
I wouldn't say it has changed the way I think of my music, but it is nice knowing I can write any type of genre I want and not feel limited to just writing one style of music.
What piece of advice would you give to anyone looking to pursue music full time?
Be persistent, it isn't a walk in and you're doing amazing things type of gig. It takes time persistence and hard work.
Have you dealt with rejection?
Since day 1. Check out this article it is really really good. http://www.
What's your DAW of choice?
Currently I use Reason 7 and I really like it a lot!
Any favorite VST's or VSTi's?
In Reason its all built in you can't use external VST's
Can you describe some of your favorite moments as a musician?
I would get into this, but I can just say touring, It is the most fun/freedom/adventure/
What is your plan for the next 5 years?
Keep writing and pursuing music and commercial music, I would like to keep upgrading my studio equipment and gear until I have everything I think I need, and keep pushing until I get to make it my full time job.
If you had a time machine, and could play with any musician, who would it be?
I don't think I would want to play with them, but watch them hang out with them, watch them write, Johnny Cash and Chuck Berry.
To check out more of what Johnny Davis is doing out in the music world head over to some of his internet hot spots.
Red Light Productions
Sky Limits Music
Fallstar
Thanks Johnny for taking the time to do an interview, and thanks for reading!
Please feel free to share, like, and comment below.
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