[DAVIE](https://open.spotify.com/artist/3LtkIxt8EHLpuXMOpFYZ06) is quickly becoming one of the most exciting artists to watch in R&B, he has shared the screen with Matthew McConaughey, sang alongside Selena Gomez and graced the stages of Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. Impeccably dressed and loaded with tunes that touch on his influences from Curtis Mayfield to Brandy and Frank Ocean, DAVIE found himself a hit with 2017’s “Testify” and has continued to build momentum with his newest campaign, All in the Family, an EP that brings high energy tracks, slow jams and introspective ballads all together.
We spoke with DAVIE about where he has been and where he’s going as the EP continues to climb up R&B charts internationally.
**How did you get your start in music?**
I started singing in my dad's church as a child. My family really saw the passion I had for singing and performing and were completely supportive of me chasing my dream. I was very lucky to have prominent vocal coach Bret Manning (Has worked with Taylor Swift, Leona Lewis and Hayley Williams of Paramore) come through my town to give me lessons. He was hugely encouraging and pushed my parents to send me to Nashville to work on some demo's with some producers. This was a huge turning point for me as it then led to an artist development deal which pushed me into songwriting.
**For people who are new to your music, how would you best describe your sound and artistic vision?**
My sound and vision is a culmination of a lot of my influences and upbringing and I'd best sum it up as funky gospel pop. It has the groove of classic funk, the catchiness of pop tunes and undertones of the gospel harmonies I grew up performing.
**How was the recording process for All in the Family?**
It was hard work, I had been working on these tunes since 2019 and we started recording at the beginning of the lockdown. I had scheduled studio time with the band and was really excited to workshop the songs and then the world paused. However, this really allowed me time to re-record and think deeper about some of the more detailed elements of each traffic. That extra time went a long way and the process was still really fun/rewarding.
**What were some of the inspirations and influences behind the songwriting process?**
I had a dance project in the queue that I scheduled time to work on right before the world stopped. But when everything shut down, I kinda switched gears and motivation. I wanted to write more about what I knew at that moment and the beauty of my family. During the pandemic, I was incredibly grateful to spend time with my close family all under one roof and those feelings really shined through on the EP.
**Tell us about the short film for All in the Family?**
It was truly a labor of love and unlike anything I've ever done in my career. I worked hard to find a director, and was lucky enough to connect with Adam Chitayat, who was able to bring my vision to life as a director and producer. A hugely important feeling I had was to honor my grandmother and her home and how it made me feel. The music, the laughter, the fun. I worked with Adam to find actors who would be able to bring this feeling to reality, that consisted of carefully choosing the songs from the EP that best worked with the vibe we were creating. We shot it back in Feb/March and it debuted in late November.
**What drove you to create that alongside the album? What were you looking to highlight with that?**
I wanted to make a piece of art that I would be proud of for my entire career and that would really capture where I was for that moment in time. It wasn't really about the accolades, the views or the awards. It was about making something special that paid homage to my Grandmother, her home and the positive memories that I cherish there and inspired my approach as an artist.
**What songs have people been connecting with the most?**
"Somewhere" has been a track that has been really resonating with listeners. This wasn't a single off the EP, but I believe it connects with my fans on a deep level. I’m really excited to perform this tune live.
**Have you had a chance to perform any of these live?**
Not yet, but have plans to hit the road in 2022 and bring these tracks to life in a new way.
**What was it like working with Matthew McConaughey on the Wild Turkey Campaign?**
He is as incredible as he is portrayed. One of the most focused people I have had the pleasure of working with. I admired his kindness and ability to be straightforward on set to get the most out of the team/set. That Wild Turkey commercial changed my career, and what I learned from that experience was invaluable.
**Tracks like "Testify" from your past records have become favorites among DJs and producers. How did all of that come to be?**
I remember having this idea for the tune and I presented it to another artist, and it was Testify. I showed them the church claps I heard and they didn't end up feeling it. I thought it was a jam and decided to put this out myself. I made the demo, sent it to my publisher and heard crickets back, but all of a sudden, I heard it was going to land on the show "Grey's Anatomy.” Once that debuted there, the song blew up and really created a life of its own evolving into a ton of DJs remixing it. I was especially stoked on Idris Elba playing a remix of it on a virtual set on IG. That was pretty insane.
**What does the future hold for DAVIE in 2022 and beyond?**
It involves a lot of touring. Technically my first debut album hasn't come out yet, so I'm looking to hopefully release that next year. You can catch up with me on the day to day though on IG at @musicbydavie.
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