Georgia-Country.com Artist of the Month

GC: David, lets get Georgia familiar with you. Tell us where you were born and raise, where you live now and a little about your family?

DL: I was actually born in Southern California, in San Diego County to be exact. My family moved to Dacula, GA when I was five years old and we have been here ever since. I have an older sister, Erica, who is married and living in Denver, CO. I am very proud to say that Erica has served our country in the US Air Force, and during her time of service was actually deployed to Iraq. She and her husband have 3 amazing kids. My younger brother, Caleb, is in 11th grade at Dacula high school, and an avid soccer player. My parents are beyond incredible - my dad is a long distance trucker, and my mom is the director of a large product support team here in GA.

GC: Who all were your musical influences growing up?

DL: When I was really young, I listened to mostly gospel music, as I got a little older I branched out to mostly Country .

GC: When and where did you first perform in front of an audience?

DL: The very first time I performed in front of an audience was when I was "volun-told" by my mom that I was going to be in the church Christmas production.

GC: For someone that is young, you have a strong love for traditional country. Where does that come from?

Dl: I would have to say in discovering the music of Randy Travis. Traditional country is so simple, but has such a direct message.

GC: You have been performing through your teens. What one piece of advice would you give any teen act out there?

DL: I would actually give two pieces of advice. First, find your own sound, and stick with it! It is so easy to imitate someone else, but they are already out there. It really is ok to cover other people's music - but don't imitate them when you are singing their songs, sing those songs as YOU. Second, , get ahold of a great mentor, or 5. I cannot stress this enough. You have to be a sponge and really soak up the knowledge that those who have gone before you are willing to impart on you. I am incredibly blessed to be surrounded by people who are willing to spend their time guiding me - it's my job to listen, learn and apply.

GC: Who is your all time favorite artist and why?

DL: If I have to pick just one, I would have to go with Josh Turner. The songs he writes, as well as sings, have a traditional value, with a modern twist. He is the type of artist - and person - that I strive to be.

GC: What current acts do you listen to?

DL: This list could get long! Third Day, Josh Turner, Thousand Foot Krutch, Jason Aldean, Rachel Farley, Colt Ford, Skillet, Casting Crowns, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church... So, wow... just about everyone!

GC: You are currently putting together a band. How has that process gone?

DL: Slow, but also quick. It seems like we have had times where everything has come together, but then that wasn't the right mix. So, now I think we are where we need to be and might be ready to premier THE band here in the next couple of months (fingers crossed).

GC: If you could have one wish for your career, what would that be?

DL: That no matter where I play, people are enjoying the music. It isn't about being out there and making a fortune - it's about making a name for being that guy who people smile when they think of and say "Yes, I want to go to one of his shows - he makes me smile, sing along, and forget about the troubles of life for a little bit." I want people leaving a show happier than when they got there. I want to make a difference.

GC: What are your plans for the rest of 2013?

DL: Keep running, rocking, and never looking back! I am so excited and humbled by the opportunities that have been coming my way that I want to ensure I do my utmost to do right by them. That will take a lot of focus on my part, and I don't take that lightly.