We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dave Tate a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dave , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Transitioning to a full-time career in music was an evolving journey for me. Initially, it wasn’t an immediate success but required a series of steps and milestones. I began my musical journey in the red rock desert of Zion National Park, drawing inspiration from the vast landscapes and translating those experiences into my music. My first larger success in music came as I was studying voice at the Utah State University. I released my album The Solitude of Here and it gained traction in several large European music magazines which led to several European tours. My next three albums also enjoyed critical acclaim and a devoted fan base in the Netherlands. I worked for a number of years in an outdoor store in Zion National Park, while I worked on music, and performed at local events, hotels and resorts.I also learned audio engineering and crafted my skills as a producer over those years which is a skill set that has and will continually benefit me.

During that time collaborating with Swedish singer-songwriter Victoria Lagerström was a turning point. Our shared musical chemistry led to the formation of Many Miles, a project that further enriched my creative endeavors. From intimate folk compositions to the alternative sounds of ‘The Adventure’, my music evolved across various albums, each reflecting a new chapter in my artistic exploration.

It wasn’t a direct path to success, but the skills I learned in sales, business and generally cultivating a solid work ethic have benefited my music greatly. I wish things would have happened sooner, but part of the lesson I learned is that it takes you making things happen, not waiting for them to happen. I don’t regret those years, they were valuable teachers and I lived in one of the most beautiful places in the world which greatly inspired my music. I also learned audio engineering and crafted my skills as a producer over those years which is a skill that has and will continually benefit me.

Now I regularly perform 140-150 shows per year across the Western United States. One major breakthrough came when my music was featured on a commercial on all American Airlines international flights, amplifying its reach globally. I moved to the Central Coast from Southern Utah in 2022 which was a big leap for me. It took hard work and perseverance to get established in this area and I am grateful for the many opportunities and the community that have welcomed me here.

Overall, the path to a full-time career in music involved perseverance, continual growth, and a deep passion for both the craft and the experiences that inspire it.

Dave , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a professional musician performing my original works and cover songs at establishments, weddings, and corporate events. My soulful original music combines intimate vocals with hushed acoustic guitar to present a unique and introspective indie-folk sound. I have been hailed as “One of the most unique artists ever.” by Heaven Magazine and “An artist who is so incredibly good that you can’t believe not all music magazines are writing about him already.” by Folk Form in the Netherlands. Newly relocated to the Central Coast of California, my homeland is the red rock desert of Zion National Park, where I spent many years.

I am most proud of my perseverance and commitment to my craft through many challenges and plateaus. I value a good work ethic and high standards for my craft which I continually strive to raise.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

To create a thriving ecosystem for artists society needs to financially value what artists provide. I used to make part of my living from record sales and downloads. Now with streaming, it’s almost impossible to make anything unless you are among the top tier of artists. It’s not because the money isn’t there, it’s because the big record labels and Spotify have made a deal to keep the earnings between them and disreguard independent artists. I would do it if I didn’t have other passions and motivations, but someone needs to make a streaming service specifically geared for independent artists that pays a decent rate. I would leave the big streaming services if there was an alternative and I know a lot of other musicians who would.

Long term, Big Tech companies devaluing music creators will result in less good music, because people like me have to work extra hard in other ways to make a living. Yes you can tell us to adapt and we will do so because we must, but that doesn’t make it right.

Locally, venues can value musicians by paying a decent rate. Musicians can do better by valuing themselves and not being afraid to ask for what they need. There are a lot of individual factors here, but when you can, hold to what you’re worth.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative goals are to continue creating and expressing myself as much as I can live and in the studio. I have a backlog of records to put out and I have an immediate goal to use my time to get those done.

My professional goals are to continue to spread my original music and broaden my fanbase. I intend to tour more in the next few years outside of the area.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.davetatemusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davetatemusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davetatemusician

Image Credits
Studio Photos by Paul Duane Live Photos by Eric Reed Beach Photo by Kaala Wood