Daniel Wesley is a household name to most Vancouverites but you might not actually know too much about the laid back artist you groove to on the airwaves!
Wesley started his first band in high school, and by 2006 had recorded his first album, Outlaw. Wesley walked away with the win at the CFOX SEEDS contest at CFOX Radio in 2007, and by 2013 was nominated for Songwriter of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards – all while maintaining his own unique style, which The Province newspaper music critic Tom Harris describes as “a prominent reggae element but there is also an unvarnished rock sound that sometimes recalls Neil Young.” (wiki). As far as falling under any specific genre, Wesley tells us,
“It’s just music. I just write songs and if they happen to be in different genre’s if you want to call it that, then whatever happens happens. The artists I personally like, don’t have one specific sound, I like many sounds, and I think my own music reflects that.”
With his 7th album fresh under his belt, where does Wesley find inspiration to write his songs?
“I write about my own life in general,” says Daniel. “Just living my life, and trying to be happy and have as many experiences as possible. Travelling, being outdoors and just being happy with my family… most of my songs are upbeat and positive. Not all of course, but most are. They are reflections of how I am in my life right now; I try to capture whatever is there at that moment.”
Judging by the songs on Wesley’s current album, ‘I Am Your Man‘, he’s in a good place in his life right now.
“Yeah, I have been for awhile now. Life is short and I’m just trying to enjoy it all, you know? I’ve been lucky enough to do music and it’s a lot of fun. Just trying not to take it too seriously. Making music, doing shows for people, travelling – its a great way to live,” says Wesley.
At a time when the Industry is in ‘shambles’ and many artists are becoming jaded, and struggling to make a living, Wesley maintains a pretty positive outlook, due in part to self producing ‘I Am Your Man‘ on his own label (Beechgrove Records) and knowing what he wants out of life as a musician.
“I don’t really care about the industry per se. I like being who I am and just do it. I make music for myself and my own enjoyment. I figure if I like it, I hope others do too. I’ve been lucky to be able to make a living at it. I just want to be happy with my music, and don’t put a lot of concern into the business part of it or what others are doing. I’m just living my own life and my music is an extension of what’s going on in my life.”
“I’m on my 7th album, in my mid 30’s and just had my first child 2 years ago. I have no aspirations to be the biggest artist in the world- I’m satisfied with where my career is leading me into. If I could become more, extend my music horizons to people who may not know me, to me that is important, but not as important as sharing my experiences through my music in a positive way.”
Wesley will be touring across Canada this summer, including shows in Kamloops, Kelowna, Vancouver and Toronto. He recently injured his achilles tendon playing basketball (and posted about it on his Facebook page). Is having to wear an air cast going to impact his shows? Not a chance!
“We’ll be doing full band shows – we usually do a three piece but this time we’re bringing a four piece band. I’ll be sitting this time, so it will be a different experience (laughs). I usually move around quite a bit and have a good time but this time it will be a bit different. Its just a happy encompassing vibe -welcoming. Just letting people come out and enjoy the night that they decided to come out and hang out with some music. We just try to create that environment at any show.”
Daniel Wesley will be joined by his band – Tim – drums, Darren – bass, Mike – guitar and keys. Tour dates are listed below, tickets available at Live Nation and other ticket brokers depending on what city.
Tour Dates:
June 4 – Kamloops, BC / Blue Grotto
June 5 – Kelowna, BC / Habitat
June 6 – Vancouver, BC / Commodore
June 25 – Nanaimo, BC / Queens
June 26 – Tall Tree Music Festival / Port Renfrew BC 40 mins from Victoria
July 1 – White Rock, BC / Canada Day Festival
July 4 – St. Albert, AB / Seven Music Festival with Sam Roberts & Current Swell
Aug 21 – Nanaimo, BC / VIEx Festival
Aug 22 – Courtney, BC / Avalanche
To find out more about Daniel Wesley check him out at:
Facebook
Twitter
Website
and check out Daniel’s new tune on iTunes
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