tag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:/blogs/1st-blog?p=3David's Blog2021-05-17T11:14:27-07:00David Sabafalsetag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/66326312021-05-17T11:14:27-07:002022-05-19T19:02:37-07:00New Song For npr Tiny Desk Songwriter's Contest 2021: "A NICE MOVE AWAY"<p>Each year npr Music has a fabulous song writers contest. The artists write their own songs and submit a video with one single song for judging. There are many many excellent entries every year and it's an honor for me to place myself amongst these very talented musical / lyrical people.</p>
<p>This year I wrote my submission titled, "A Nice Move Away" in March & April 2021. For the video, I rearranged my garage and moved my piano and small sound system in for the shoot, May 2021. I'm really happy with how it came off.</p>
<p>npr Music posts all the video submissions so maybe check them out if you feel keen: npr.org/tinydeskcontest</p>
<p>Cheers,</p>
<p>David</p>
<p> </p>David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/65754482021-03-16T10:29:52-07:002022-08-05T23:50:00-07:00Returning Slowly Back To Normal<p>Well it has been exactly one year since I played my last show "with a 'live audience." It was at the Joshua Tree Saloon in Joshua Tree, California. I remember that night well. I finished performing and I was packing up and word came out that all public performances in all public spots were cancelled from that point on indefinitely in the sate of California. I was forced to cancel a further 3 shows I had been booked for. As it turned out similar rules were being enforced throughout the world from this point forward. A disappointment at the time of course but in hind site, far for the better. </p>
<p>Now, it would appear things may be slowly creeping back to that place again where people will be able to start enjoying "live shows. Be they in smaller numbers perhaps? No one really knows yet....</p>
<p>The good news is, I was able to really get down and focus on my songwriting and over the last year I have come up with some songs that I feel are very strong, worthy of performing and hanging my name on. As well I enjoyed recording small "live at home" shows throughout this time and posting them on my website and DS social media spots. These felt good because I felt like maybe the audience interaction may not be as strong (obviously) but at least I was able to get my songs out there, get feedback. (thank you all for your comments) and connect at some level. We were also working very hard on the new DS album project witch was going great guns but slowed down considerably as the pandemic continued to intensify. So with things improving I am really looking forward to getting back to more studio time on new album.</p>
<p>As they say, it all starts with <span style="color:#e74c3c;">strong</span> songs. Without strong songs you have nothing. So it all boils back to this time I have had to really really work on the songwriting. I'm most thankful for that.</p>
<p>Stay well everyone and we'll talk soon.</p>
<p>Cheers,</p>
<p>David</p>
<p> </p>David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/65156702021-01-07T10:24:51-08:002023-12-10T08:58:26-08:00Writing New Songs & Working In Studio On New Songs For New Album <p>Happy New Year Everyone. All best wishes for a turn around back to greatness for all in 2021.</p>
<p>Through these last 10 months I have had a chance to put together a substantial group of new songs. Not to say I don't write in normal times but through this pandemic it has given me a chance like I haven't experienced before. As far as songwriting, both the creative inspiration for song ideas and the discipline to put those ideas down into finished songs seems to flow well when sticking around home so much. Not only writing new songs but also revisiting some older songs and rewriting them. Making them all 'round stronger.</p>
<p>As well, we've been working vigorously on a new album project I'm really excited about. A slow process but worth it in the end. Particularly if the songs are strong and I feel confident that we are putting this abundance of musical energy into a very positive place. </p>
<p>I miss performing and seeing everyone out there 'live but I think we've now turned a corner and it's slowly coming back.</p>
<p>Stay safe and we'll see you soon.....</p>
<p>David</p>David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/64280672020-09-08T11:09:07-07:002023-11-09T10:31:52-08:00Song - "Little Sparrow"<p>This song I wanted to single out individually. I just posted it up on my web site, my youtube channel and all my other social media platforms. Normally I will not blog anything such as this. Its usually more a spirited event, a show, a group of shows, an interview or whatever else along the lines of a broader experience. </p>
<p>Writing songs is a very fulfilling / satisfying craft when the writer feels the song has really come off. It's a nightmare when the song sits either unable to be finished or finished and crappy.</p>
<p>Little Sparrow is a song I first tackled in 2003. It was a very sad event that put the need to write this song into my head and I was thinking, OK, I've got this. I'll be able to put this song down and make it perfect in a shorter amount of time than usual. But that was not to be. I wrote it and because of the subject matter, I thought it was going to be perfect. Well it was far from it. And it stayed far from it for a lot of years. For me, I could never get the song to measure up emotionally to the loss so many experienced in losing this little person. As a result, of course I never performed the song, yet I so badly wanted to. I played around with it a few times over the years but I was never satisfied with what I was coming up with. Eventually, I gave up. I felt this event was not meant to have a song connected to it. At least not a song written by me.</p>
<p>Finally, in late March of this year when we were all locked inside in isolation, I took it out yet again and started working on it and like out of nowhere it came to me and landed in my lap. Seventeen years later it came together.</p>
<p>At last, I felt this song was saying what it was supposed to say, lyrically and musically. More importantly it was feeling there at last emotionally.</p>
<p>I'm proud to have written this song, "Little Sparrow" and I'll be proud to perform it anywhere, any time as the years go by.....</p>
<p>I guess sometimes making it right, means leaving it alone for 17 years.</p>
<p>Talk soon.....</p>
<p>David</p>
<p> </p>David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/63821802020-07-10T11:49:57-07:002023-12-10T09:15:11-08:00Performing 'Live From Home<p>When you are a performing singer songwriter that's what you do to keep moving forward. Sing and perform songs you have written . When everything shuts down around the world as it has since mid March 2020 with our world pandemic, the writing is still very much in place but the 'live singing and performing aspect can easily just vanish.If you let it. As a songwriter, I never feel my songs have truly been brought to life upon just completing them until I have had a chance to try them out in front of 'live audiences. Audiences let you know. Audiences do not lie and I love getting that assurance however witch way it may swing. Once I get that song out there one or two or seven times I know in my soul that now this song is finished and ready to enjoy a long life.</p>
<p>With these confining/limiting circumstances it has forced me to become creative as a performer in other ways. Ways I have never experimented with before. Instead of arriving to play somewhere with an existing audience of listeners one has to drum it up. So far I have done a small mini series of a handful of original songs from various places around my home. Both inside and outside depending on my mood at that time. I have posted some of them on my website, youtube channel as well my other usual social media spots. As well I made a video specifically for a very well publicized songwriter's contest I happened to be drawn towards. This generated many views as well some very positive feed back. The last thing I have tried to do is take my guitar with me if we are doing a social distancing thing with friends in their yards. Letting them know I have a couple of new songs and I need to try them out. Would they mind me spinning them on their front lawn? The answer is always, " right on , great, yeah go for it, we'd love to hear them ." BANG - audience, feedback, feeling like you're still in the game.</p>
<p>Just 'cos the world throws you a curve doesn't mean you have to be out of the game.</p>
<p>Thank you so much to all those who have been so willingly kind and patient with me. To put up with this tenacity and be so very keen and supportive. As an artist it is all you can hope for and dream of. As always it is hugely appreciated.</p>
<p>Hang in there folks and stay safe...</p>
<p>Have a great summer</p>
<p>David</p>
<p> </p>David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/62762552020-04-08T11:50:21-07:002022-08-30T22:32:17-07:00Shows Booked & Shows Cancelled - Uncertain Times We Face<p>As we all hunker down and isolate, we are discovering just how weird yet very essential it is during these times to understand, and adhere to the orders of health experts everywhere. All public gatherings are strictly taboo. This leaves performers and audiences of all kinds out of business. At least for the present time. Though I had some great shows booked to play, I was very fortunate to get in just under the wire with a half of them and then had to postpone the remainder. When I retuned home I was facing a 2 week quarantine period so decided immediately to make good use of this time. As well as working from my home at my day job, I also decided I was really going to roll up my sleeves and work on my music. Though I am in the middle of a new album project, of course I can't get near the studio or really be around other musicians. Yes we can work virally at these projects but there is something that comes together in the final analysis that is essential with human touch. As a result of these things, I have settled into some songwriting utilizing the gear I have in my home and its working out GREAT! As I was looking out my studio window It dawned on me what they are doing in Italy at the present time. People are playing music alone from their balconies, front yards, living room windows, roof tops etc. for whom ever wants to listen. Perhaps a way of brightening up the day in an otherwise gloomy situation for the world at present. I live across the street from a big park and my plan is to very soon set up my PA system in the front yard and play a short solo set from way back for those who may be out & physically distanced within in the park. Perhaps on Easter Sunday......</p>
<p>Enjoy the down time and stay well</p>
<p> </p>David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/61545482020-01-23T11:17:15-08:002023-12-10T08:33:14-08:002019 Was An Amazing Year & 2020 Is Shaping Up Huge<p>Looking back on 2019 I'm really pleased with what I was able to get done artistically and accomoplish as a performing singer/songwriter:<br>I was very fortunate that the winds of creativity blew many great ideas into my head so I was able to write several new songs. The songs of course being the basis of all this. So every day I'm very thankfull that the juices are flowing strong....<br>I was also very fortunate in getting opportunities to play as many spots and shows as I did both locally and far reaching as the States of Washington and California.<br>It's amazing the contacts one can make by getting out and shakin' the bushes. The great people you meet and how keen they are to help you get your songs out there and get 'em heard. <br>Right now I'm just in the throws of putting together show dates in Southern California & Washington for March and April as well as having already played a couple of shows locally.<br>My long time friend and musical collaborator Sid Perez has been helping me out with my new (second) album project. The follow up to 2016's "OUT OF TIME."<br>We have been working vigourously on this project since July, 2019 and we are so far about a third of the way through. It takes a long time and we really want it to be right. But it's happening in full swing and that's the main thing.<br>Lastly, I want to give a shout out to every one for the endless love and support. Making it a great day every day to get up and get going as an indy singer/songwriter from Vancouver, BC Canada. This is truly the best thing to do, period. Thank You....</p>
<p>All show dates and lots more at: </p>
<p>davidsabamusic.com</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/59698502019-11-22T13:55:23-08:002022-05-29T01:11:28-07:00New Album Project In the Works<p>We've been working very hard since the end of the summer on a new album project right here in Vancouver. It's been 3 years since the last one and I have done lots of writing. The time was right to pick out some very strong songs from this ongoing pool of work and get to it on recording some of them. So far we have 6 songs well under way. You never can set a finish date on a project such as this 'cos to do it well you need to take your time. In addition to the recording, with the mixing and mastering it seems to go on forever. But it's well worth it when the project is complete and ready for presentation....</p>
<p>So please stay tuned everyone for some new David Saba material coming out in the not to distant future.</p>David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/59698482019-11-22T13:45:34-08:002022-04-22T04:44:24-07:00Another Very Successful Group of Shows In Southern California<p>Got away in October and played 5 shows down south in California. A standout was a benefit for desert Autism I played with my friend Marty Swiderski on Violin and my buddy Buz Blvd on percussion. It's always inspiring to get out of your town and perform your own songs in different spots. I think the making of new fans and friends is totally inspiring to a performing songwriter. Especially when it's done by moving around to play in new cities & towns.</p>
<p> </p>David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/58405692019-07-29T11:03:00-07:002022-05-30T09:36:46-07:00Another Successful Run Of Shows In Southern California<p>Another very successful tour of show dates in Southern California. Five shows in two and a half weeks. For me that was a good run and every show felt really good. I was able to showcase a handful of new songs along with many of the tried and true chestnuts. Out with me this time was percussionist Buz Keplinger and for one show my old friend and amazing violin player Marty Swiderski was able to join us.Temperatures were over 100 degrees F every day so most shows were indoors except for one we played in the high desert. This was an outdoor evening show at the Joshua Tree Saloon in Joshua Tree California, Probably 15 degrees cooler. A beautiful outdoor stage with a very keen evening audience.<br>Thanks to Coachella Valley Brewing Co., The Joshua Tree Saloon and Plan B for booking me to perform these shows. Thanks as well to all the organizers and fans for your enthusiasm in a guys burning desire to write great songs and to get out to perform them for the people....</p>
<p>Cheers and see you again soon....</p>
<p>David</p>David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/58129732019-07-03T13:30:31-07:002022-05-19T19:04:40-07:00Summer Is Really Shaping Up<p>Hi Everyone,</p>
<p>Well so far, summer is really taking off. I have started work on my new album project as of mid June and the tour/show dates have been coming in nicely as well.</p>
<p>First summer show was last Sunday at the Black Kettle Brewery in North Vancouver, BC with a great turn out. This Sunday, My second being Car Free Day out on Commercial Drive, Vancouver. This is my 4th CFD and they are always a lot of fun with LOTS of people coming out for the entire day's events...</p>
<p>Then immediately after, Monday morning I catch an early morning flight down to Southern California where I'm booked for five show dates ranging from a 2 hour Joshua Tree outdoor evening show to four more dates on mixed bills with other featured performers in the Thousand Palms and Palm Desert areas of good ol' California spread over a 3 week period.</p>
<p>So far In August I have one show booked as well at the fabulous Culture Café in Bellingham, Washington. I have played here a few times now in the winters but this will be my first summer show. I can't wait 'cos I know the walls role up in the summer out to the street.</p>
<p>So......I'm very eager to get out on these stages and play my songs for whomever is keen to listen and wherever I get the chance.</p>
<p>Thanks for everyone's love and support and stay tuned for more dates as the summer unfurls....</p>
<p>All the best,</p>
<p>David</p>David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/57643362019-05-22T13:15:00-07:002019-05-22T13:15:00-07:00Something New....for me<p>This trip down South once again I was able to play some different spots. Most notably one spot I have never played before, The Plan B Tavern in Thousand Palms , California. This place is a big room with a big stage and great sound. Sooo.... I was feeling on top of the world this particular night because it was very busy and I had friends show up as well, both as performers and or audience members. Lots of support.</p>
<p>Rob Lawrence, a local solo musician and member of the band UPPER CLASS POVERTY, came up to me after my set and kindly asked me if I would be interested in doing a radio interview covering something to do with my songwriting. I was very surprised as well as very eager to participate. As it turns out I was to be at one of the rockinist radio stations in Palm Springs, California KCLB 93.7, 3 days later for a full on interview and as well complete rotation of my song, "Caught Up In You" from my last CD , "OUT OF TIME." This came off so well and sure as summer was aired 3 days later at 5:50 PM and it sounded awesome! </p>
<p>So now heading back to Vancouver. I'm excited though this time to be heading home because I will be starting work on a new DS recording project June 1st. </p>
<p>Thanks for checking in....</p>
<p>David</p>David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/56937272019-03-25T19:03:53-07:002019-03-25T20:08:27-07:00Just Coming Off Two And A Half Weeks Fantastic U.S. Dates<p>Finally finished up last night March 24 with a Songwriter's Spotlight in Indio California at the Big Rock Pub. This is a new event with songwriters bringing their songs to a venue set up weekly just for songwriters to perform to a listening/attentive audience. Great job Lance and Lisa Lynn putting this together for all us songwriters to really benefit from. Exceptional talent here, can't wait to return.</p>
<p>One feature 2 hour show at the Joshua Tree Saloon in Joshua Tree California. Always a blast playing here. Especially on a Saturday Eve in March it'll always be busy. They are a great group and they love listening to the originals. Thanks Leslie for your endless generosity... Once again Thanks Buz Boulevard for making the journey and playing with me.</p>
<p>Another interesting show I played with my buddy Marty Swidersky on fiddle. This one a rockin' house show at my friend David Kain's place in Indian Wells California. Great chicken and ribs too Dave!</p>
<p>2 shows at the Coachella Valley Brewing in Thousand Palms California. The first show was an Acoustic Afternoon. Myself and 2 other artists tying the place up with our individual solo acoustic shows. The second was a week later, same spot. An all day St Paddy's day concert. Two stages indoor and out. Solos and bands. This entire day was a blast both as a performer and audience member. Loads of talent. It felt great to have been included in these shows. Thanks Ben and Wes for all of that! As well my friend Buz Boulevard playing with me on percussion</p>
<p>Started off this journey with a show Friday , March 8th at the Beach Store Cafe at Lummi Island Washington. This is an unbelievably musical Island in the North West I love playing and hope to get out again soon. Thanks Tess for the gig.</p>
<p>So.....now back to Vancouver to start work on my new CD. Its been 2 1/2 years since my last release and I've got lots of new material. I'm super excited to get going on this new project and start fleshing out these new songs with my long time collaborator/producer Sid Perez.</p>
<p>Cheers and thanks everyone for your amazing love and support......</p>David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/56339432019-02-08T11:42:38-08:002021-04-21T10:02:07-07:00Playing Some New So. Cal. Dates / Staring Up New Recording Project<p>So off we go to perform some dates up and coming in Southern California once again. It always feels so great to exit stage left from what we're used to and shake it up a bit.</p>
<p>Booked <span style="color: rgb(231, 76, 60);">so far </span>for March 2019's Southern California jaunt:</p>
<p>2 acoustic dates at the CVBC in Thousand Palms. 1 x acoustic Sunday Show with four other artists plus 1 x St. Patty's Sunday Show . An all day event with several bands and solo artists.</p>
<p>1 x House show in Indian Wells Calif.</p>
<p>1 x Songwriters showcase in Indio, Calif.</p>
<p>Check davidsabamusic.com for future dates.</p>
<p>April 2019 back in Vancouver: At last, work begins on my next Album Project. It's written , studios booked, musicians lined up etc. etc. Can't wait to start layin' down tracks....</p>
<p>Cheers!</p>David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/49415132017-11-20T15:41:28-08:002022-05-19T19:03:46-07:00Another Southern California Mini Tour Winding Down<p>Well, just finishing up another California Mini tour. These events for me are school, a proving ground, a fortunate event of new friends and performance opportunities for one arriving from another stratosphere. </p>
<p>They do things differently down here. I'm not saying better just differently than my home town Vancouver. Its very good to go different now and then as a performing singer songwriter. It gives you more to write about in new songs and it gives you more to sing about from your heart. I have been very fortunate over the last couple of years to establish some good friends and contacts down here through just playing any spots I could find. Slowly I am gaining traction in a very strong outside (to me) musical market. Earning new spots to perform 1 & 2 hour shows of my own songwriting material instead of always just running the open mic circuit. Open mics are great because that is where initially you establish your contacts and warm your confidence up as a performer. To finally be able to branch away from that a little and step it up as well is important though. </p>
<p>Places I have played this trip have been very exciting. To be a performer you have to get used to and expect a lot of moving around. A lot of driving, but its definitely worth it . What it does is it drums up NEW excitement during the journey for the upcoming performance.</p>
<p>One more date Wednesday night at the Coachella Valley Brewing Company in Thousand Palms California, then back to Vancouver on Thursday. See you back home.....</p>David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/48954962017-10-17T12:47:38-07:002020-01-22T00:53:13-08:00Playing Bellingham<p>Going to Bellingham was always a big deal as a kid having grown up in Vancouver. We were going to "THE STATES" to buy Levi 501's , blue Keds sneakers and Three Musketeers chocolate bars . Things you could not get in Vancouver at the time. It was a blast running down in the back seat of our Mustang convertible with my older sister and her boyfriend for the afternoon. Simple.</p>
<p>I was performing one night in Vancouver this last summer and I met a gentleman "Chuck Dingee" who played before me. Chuck has an amazing voice and can sing the hell out of any song, so I really took note of him. When he came off I went over and struck up a conversation with him and he informed me he was from Bellingham and he came up to Vancouver now and then to play. He also said he ran an open mic in Bellingham every Sunday night from 7 - 11 pm with a weekly feature in between, from 8:30 - 9:30 and he invited me to come down and perform my originals in the feature spot. I was honored he invited me as well as all over this idea/opportunity both from a professional and nostalgic place. Going down there now is exactly the same basically as it was when I was 12 so I very much wanted to get down and play. Some family and some friends came down with me and of course Chuck was there to greet us as friendly and welcoming as could be. The venue was the old "Bellingham Herald" building and "The Culture Café" is set up in the old mail room of said building. I had a great time playing, as well the other performers were excellent and the audience members very friendly. Just the way I remember Bellingham as a kid except I have a closet full of Levi 501's I can buy now in Vancouver....</p>David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/47821652017-07-17T11:31:26-07:002017-07-24T10:31:15-07:00Performing Outdoors<p>Playing outside is a whole different can 'o corn for a performing artist. No longer are you in a DARK tiny (or big or medium) room wearing jeans and a ski jacket. You are out in the day with the sun and the expanse of the world around you wearing shorts and a T-shirt as you send your songs off in all directions to an outdoor audience.</p>
<p>Its just different! I have played outdoors in the past, but recently I had a chance to play 2 outdoor shows. One 2 hour show on an outdoor stage in the Southern California Desert, then 1 back in Vancouver just last weekend where I was fortunate enough to have a chance to play 1 hour on the outdoor area at 2nd and Commercial Dr. for the "Commercial Drive Car Free Day". You just seem to free - up as you play and the audience seems very keen outdoors as well. Last night / Sunday as I was BBQ'n dinner for my family the urge struck me once again to play outside. So, I set up on my back patio in the warm sun, shorts and a t-shirt and gave my neighbours a concert as I was cookin' dinner. As I mentioned I have played outdoors before but it never really occurred to me then how much different and how much more "Fun" it is than paying inside. Maybe 'cos everything just seems more fun in the summer....</p>David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/47314352017-06-02T10:53:22-07:002017-06-30T10:42:47-07:00California Mini Tour<p>I have just returned from a mini tour in California. Its so worth it to get into a new area other than what you are most familiar / comfortable with to perform your songs. All the way along I was able to shake myself up, get some new / different ideas and write some new songs as well. Initially I landed in San Francisco, spent 2 days in this amazing city then headed south down the coast through Carmel , Santa Cruz , Santa Barbara etc. Played in Santa Barbara, then made my way east into the Yucca Valley / Morongo Valley and played some spots In the Coachella Valley, Morongo Valley & Yucca Valley Regions. These are very rich musical communities with many aspiring & talented songwriters and performing musicians. I have familiarized myself with this area over the last couple of years. Making friends, playing and just becoming a better performer because of the opportunities that have come up for me in these areas. Its great to get away and play other places and I always feel refreshed when I come back to my hometown music scene after an adventure like this.</p>
<p>Whenever I go away and play other spots, it always makes me realize what a great place Vancouver is for musical artists, writers and artists of all types. A lot of inspiration & many opportunities going on in Vancouver...</p>David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/46580772017-04-04T14:26:14-07:002022-05-19T19:05:12-07:00The Piano Is ImportantThe piano is a very useful tool for writing songs. After many years of playing just the guitar, I finally realized I needed to learn the piano so I could become a better songwriter. In my early 30's I had a friend I played a lot of tennis with who was a very good piano player & I asked him one day if he would be able to teach me how to play piano, FAST! He assured me that this would be possible if I put in the time. For the next two years that was ALL I DID. Take piano lessons and practice. Obsessively!! I finally got to the point where I actually was able to utilize this instrument as a songwriting tool and that was great. Problem was now being able to perform these piano songs 'live. Hardly any venues furnish a piano for performers and hauling an electric keyboard around & setting it up is difficult.....so what I was finding was I had a handful of piano songs that I had written that were never getting heard outside of my music room. Now... I am by no means a good piano player, but I do use it a fair amount for songwriting and am starting to find the odd place with a piano I can use to play a song or two. I want to feel comfortable performing with the piano as I do the guitar and I'm starting to, gradually. I find myself being drawn to this opportunity wherever & whenever it presents itself. Distance is no object. I'll go way out of my way to be able to play a couple of my songs in the set on a piano along with the guitar songs. Being able to move around between these two instruments is important.....David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/46429632017-03-23T12:27:05-07:002017-03-23T13:47:54-07:00Great New Songwriter Showcase Monday Nights In Downtown Vancouver At "The Cafe Brixton"This place is kind of unique. Its organized & run by my friend Scotty Vigue, the same who co- runs The Café Deux Soleils Songwriters Showcase Thursday nights on Commercial Drive. Its in a very old building on east Georgia just off of Main street. Right on the fringe of Vancouver's old China Town. It doesn't really get going 'till around 8, so by then, there is parking avialable. So far they have had 5 consecutive events & every one has drawn out some serious local, undiscovered / up & coming songwriters. As well, the sound system , the room, the sound guy (Scotty) all seem to work very well inspiring you to sing and play your very best. As a performing songwriter I find it super important to move around, play as many different places in as many different areas as possible. Shake yourself up, climb out of that comfort zone of playing the same 3 places week after week. I'm thankful for guys like Scotty who are out shakin' the bushes and creating new places for other people to get out , play & improve themselves as artists.<br>Its well worth checking out:<br><br>The Café Brixton<br>212 East Georgia St.(at Main)<br>Vancouver<br>Mondays, 8 'till lateDavid Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/45937032017-02-16T13:45:02-08:002017-02-16T13:45:02-08:00Playing 'em Live Is So Great !Songwriting is for sure a very cool thing,though each time I complete another song I wonder if it will be my last. Despite that, I also think how very fortunate I was to be drawn into songwriting in my late teens. Yes, it can be solitary at times, being locked away on your own all by yourself while the ideas you have at THAT MOMENT spill out onto a legal pad and into a mini recorder. As wonderful and amazing as songwriting can be though, I find after a while getting out and playing them live to people that are there to hear new / undiscovered original material is even more rewarding. As a songwriter, I'll write and gather some new songs and as soon as I am satisfied with that body of work I'm very excited to get out and perform them to audiences. Get some feedback from live ears. Its most valuable....David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/45757802017-02-03T16:42:46-08:002017-02-03T16:42:46-08:00"Trees" Was ExceptionalI went down and played TREES last night , Thursday, like I often do Thursday nights, but last night was very different. Seriously, this could have been a screened talent night. The display of talent was outstanding. One girl got up and said it was her first time playing in public and she was very nervous, then proceeded to sing like a bird,sounding amazing. Next, a lady got up claiming she hadn't performed in a long while & went on to play 2 of her original songs that were very very good. After that , 2 or 3 male songwriters. Tops as well . But not just the songs, vocals, playing, emotion etc. etc. It went on all evening. Rare.<br>I walked out of there at the end of the night, drove home and started reinventing.....David Sabatag:davidsabamusic.com,2005:Post/45738452017-02-02T11:38:35-08:002017-02-02T11:38:35-08:00"Rewrites/Revisions"Often times I'll write a song , look at it and know something is not perfect. I'm just mot feeling it. It usually ends up being placed, not on the scrap heap but definitely in the unfinished bin. Then every once in a while when the writing mode starts attacking me, instead of putting together new songs I will pull out some of these older "incompletes" from the past. Often times coming up with some great ideas and finally finishing off what at last feels like a complete song out of what may have previously seemed impossible to really finish.<br>Time is the great healer. If it just doesn't feel right, don't flog it , leave it alone and go back at a later date with a fresh outlook. The results can truly be surprising...David Saba