Davidson discussed his “brutally honest” Indie music, his influences through his career and much more
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
I’ve never really had to work with major labels and if I had I guess this answer would be slightly longer. Working with the indie labels I’ve been involved with has always been stress free and I’m pretty much left alone to create and release whatever I want. The only thing I would like to see change is the the rate of payment given to artist from digital platforms like Spotify etc.
What or who got you into music?
As far as I can remember I’ve always loved music and remember feeling emotionally moved by it at a very early age. It became a very strong passion when i heard punk rock around the age of 12 and quickly wanted an instrument to express myself through.
If you could have 3 musicians headline a festival, dead or alive, who would it be?
Wilco / The Doors / Nirvana
What is your dream gig venue?
I’m lucky enough to have ticked my dream venue boxes with playing The Crocodile (Seattle) and The Roxy in Los Angeles. But I guess I would like to play The Viper Rooms in LA although i was booked to play there as part of an American tour in 2015 but had to refuse as it was cheaper to fly to Seattle and start the tour from there.
If you had to describe Scottish gig culture in 3 words, what would they be?
Hit or miss
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I would love to to something with Lost Map Records a small Scottish label on the Isle of Eigg run by Johnny of Pictish Trail. Or have Jason Lytle of Grandaddy add some vintage synthesisers to a track.
What plans do you have for any new releases such as videos or gigs?
I release my my 8th album in February of last year and was over in Europe touring it when the virus was kinda starting to kick off so that halted and postponed my uk dates as well as a tour of Finland so I’m waiting until November to finally get back on the road. Meantime I have a new single and music video coming out on April the 30th which will be the first single off a new album.
What did you get up to during Lockdown?
Mainly writing and recording. I did release a single and a 5 track EP in December of last year. But mainly just lots of studio work to finish off the next full length record.
What is the first thing you’re going to do when you’re out of Lockdown?
Carry on from where I left off and play the rescheduled dates as well as booking some shows overseas.
What are some of your favourite up and coming bands from Scotland?
I’m a big fan of Pictish trail although he’s pretty established by now. I really like CS Buchan a songwriter from Aberdeen who also runs Fit Like Records. And theirs a great industrial grungy band called Dear John that I like to go see live. I really need to get out more and see more Scottish bands.
What’s a few songs that you listen to and think “God, I wish I wrote this”?
I sometimes cover a song called “Maria” by Patrick Duff he’s a great songwriter from Bristol and folks always compliment me on how great that song is and i have to break it to them that it’s not written by me so makes sense to wish I wrote that. Apart from that I don’t really wish to have written a song by anyone else I would rather write my own and try enjoy playing them.
How do you think the gig scene in Scotland is going to look in 2021?
Hopefully it’s going to be active and well attended after everyone being starved of live shows. The last 5 years I’ve been mainly playing shows in Europe and the United States building an audience there so I hope the Scottish scene and venues survive so i can work on an audience in my own country.
For those who aren’t familiar with your music, how would you describe it?
Brutally honest alternative indie acoustic
What is the best musical advice you’ve ever been given?
Always be grateful and in the moment when you are in a position of success such as a comfortable tour. I used to get really homesick on lengthy tours and miss out on enjoying / seeing beautiful parts of the world.
Thank you to Craig for taking part! Check out his socials below.
