We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful David Grissom. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with David below.

David, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.

The best boss I ever had was Texas singer songwriter Joe Ely. I toured the world and made 5 records with Joe. He personifies what it means to be a true artist. His work ethic, encouragement and belief in me were invaluable lessons that helped shape my career path. I watched Joe stay true to his creative vision and make artistic decisions that have enabled him to maintain a vibrant career to this day. On one of my first tours in Europe we were playing a club in a small town in Germany. We were a month into the tour, pretty tired and ready to get back home. The sound system was terrible and only 4 or 5 people came to the show. Joe proceeded to give one of the most intense shows I’ve ever see him do. It was an incredible example of never “phoning it in”……of always giving 100%.

David, 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 guitar player, songwriter, producer and studio musician. I always knew music would be my path. I started as a drummer but switched to the guitar after hearing the Beatle’s Revolver album. I moved to Austin, Tx in 1983 and started playing with several bands almost immediately. Austin was a small town with an amazing music scene at that time. I’ve toured with Joe Ely, John Mellencamp, Lucinda Williams, Storyville, The Allman Brothers, The Chicks, and others. I’ve played on hundreds of records and spent quite a bit of time in Nashville in the early 2000s doing country and Americana sessions. I am especially proud of the records I did with Buddy Guy and Joe Ely, as well as my five solo records. Playing live and studio work require somewhat different skill sets, and finding a healthy balance between the two has allowed me to find a sound and style that has led to lots of unique opportunities. I always strive to check my ego at the door, play for the song and be a team player.
I have had a great relationship with PRS Guitars for over 25 years, and in 2007 collaborated on my signature model guitar that is still in production. In 2010 I again worked with PRS on designing a signature model amplifier.
The decline of CD sales and the overall changing nature of the music business has been challenging, and I am very fortunate to be able to work in many different creative environments.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

As a songwriter it is incredibly rewarding to start with a blank piece of paper and finishing a song that resonates on a deep personal level. I’m deeply moved when another artist records one of my songs. As a performer, I love improvising with great musicians. I live for the nights with my band when we get to a place I can only describe as a spiritual experience.
As a studio musician it is rewarding to help another artist realize their vision. I strive to come up with parts and ideas that elevate the music.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

For most of my career it was possible for me to make a living just being a side musician playing live or session player. As CD sales declined the budgets for records and touring declined very quickly. I definitely had to pivot and embrace streaming and the fact that recorded music was essentially free now. I was fortunate to invest the time and money into a home studio. I got my first computer at the same time I was learning to record with Pro Tools. I am able to record guitar parts remotely for anyone who has a computer and a project to play on. During the pandemic I worked almost every day in my home studio laying down guitar parts for people all over the world. By diversifying…..being able to work as a songwriter, a guitar player, and having a great relationship with PRS Guitars, I am lucky and grateful to continue on this creative path.

Contact Info:

• Website: davidgrissom.com
• Instagram: davidgrissomguitar
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidgrissommusicpage
• Twitter: @davidgrissom4
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidGrissomguitar
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6IqRTh75wzqgbhpwx7pgyV?si=WWVhe4k4T_uay115XQcMag

Image Credits
All photos are titled with the photographer’s name