We were lucky to catch up with David Feder (pronounced Fader) recently and have shared our conversation below.

David, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful ongoing projects in my life has been the Bay Jam Music Festival and all of its’ offshoots. In 1995 I volunteered to perform at the first Bay Jam fundraiser to help the local high school’s art and music programs. Soon I was running the event, and years later this arts charity work evolved into an organization that created the town’s amphitheater /performance space and continues to support local youth arts, In addition, this NFP, ICE, has widened to support many other arts organizations, more in school programs, adult arts enhancement programs, and programs for at-risk youth.
ICE’s mission is varied, evolving, and ongoing in a way that strives to meet the community’s needs as they arise.
the website is www.keysice.com
My work as a creator/performer usually gives me the flexible schedule I need to attend to these community needs.
And my small amount of name recognition helps me open doors for other creatives on the path.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have been a composer for as long as I can remember. I recall sitting at the piano not playing the lesson but making up my own songs since I was around 5. Although I always played music, I was strongly pushed towards engineering in college, attending RIT. After my RIT time I found myself wanting more and attended Buffalo State College for music.
After moving to the Florida Keys I created an electronic/photographic equipment design and repair business which provided the time to play music in the off hours.
I began playing music professionally in doses until the music became the lion’s share of my time.
My aim when playing music, whether in a concert setting, recording studio, or in a public venue, is to heal the listener.
I view music like Reiki. It flows to those who need it. Sometimes they may be unaware. But it does not matter to me. I feel like I am doing some good, a butterfly effect.
The songs I write (mostly Instrumental) are crafted (channelled) to fulfill a purpose that I will never fully understand. But I feel compelled to provide that for others.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

The age old question. How will I make. living and support the family? This hovers over artist’s heads from the time they step into the art world if they dare.. What is the backup plan? etc. Some folks can work at art like a business without diluting the muse’s direction. Others need to be fully engaged in creating. Lots of grey area also. But for me a pivotal moment was when, after hiring musicians for my first band.
One of the members looked at my playlist of original songs and scoffed, “you can’t play these songs because they are not what people expect in a bar” . I told him he could leave if he wanted to but I would be playing the music that spoke to me regardless of what was expected.
This guy had been playing music in cover bands his whole career and this was his experience.
I had no desire to regurgitate music. (although I do enjoy lot’s of music) I did not see myself as a juke box and I still don’t.
It is hard sometimes for listeners to understand. But often in non concert settings, people are not really listening to what I am playing, and make a request for some popular song. They are often dismayed that I will not play it.
When it is appropriate I will explain that the artist’s music they are requesting does not regularly play my compositions either.
Sometimes they get it.
I have great respect for musicians that do well playing the hits. But to me that is not fulfilling. I play in the moment, creating and giving what is needed spiritually at the time. Sometimes it is really goofy, sometimes really deep. Whatever is needed. I try to stay aware and attuned.
To the musician who said “you can’t play that” he had a lucrative run with my band for several years.
The point for me is: It is not about what will sell. It is about what is needed and useful and healing.
The money comes if the needs of your audiences are addressed. Sometimes those needs are not so obvious, so a bit of faith is required.
When someone wants to hire me and wants cover music. I recommend someone else.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Creating a healthy ecosystem for art goes hand in hand with creating a healthy balanced community. Encouraging arts in the schools, at home, and through travel and exposure to other cultures are key. There are no real substitutes for experiencing live Dance, Music, and Theater performances.
Communities that support artists become more mentally balanced.
In these modern times there is so much art and music available online that it sometimes goes unnoticed due to overwhelming amount out there.
So I think it is wise to expose children to live emerging art all the time.
If you are an artist, volunteer in a school.
As audience members or viewers we need to learn to value and support artists while recognizing their integral part of our well being. Art is humanity. The more we can do to include artists in all of our social doings, the better we will be.
I always encourage folks to start a concert series or a visual art event in their town. The ball starts rolling and then we all benifit.

Contact Info:

• Website: davidfeder.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidfedermusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LimitlessGuitar/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKKTHArs5D3rlbRX8U2M-YQ