In this episode of the Folk My Life podcast, My guest David Perry and I, reflect on his 50-year journey in music, the evolution of his songwriting, and the impact of loss on his work. From the challenges of getting your music heard 50 years ago with a box of 2000 albums in the boot of your car, to opposite problem today of have the whole world in easy reach but still not being able to make your voice heard. 

We discuss the importance of storytelling in songwriting, the challenges of navigating the modern music landscape, and the significance of live music experiences. Perry shares insights on his latest album 'Keep Showing Up' and the emotional depth of his songs, particularly 'The Dash,' which explores the meaning of life and choices. The conversation highlights the connections between personal experiences and music, as well as the lessons learned throughout Perry's career.

His musical style encompasses Americana, folk, blues, and country and he began writing music in 1968 during a tumultuous time in American history, but The album 'Keep Showing Up' was released in 2023 after a 50-year break from studio albums. 

We discuss in depth a song by David called ”The Dash” which describes the idea that on your tombstone between the dates, your life is in fact the dash. We take our time during the Podcast to discuss David's time ”in the dash”, the life that filled the 50's years between his studio albums. 

David explains how his music focuses on storytelling and asking questions and how the song 'The Human Race' emphasises the shared human experience.

You can find David on line at https://dmperrymusic.com, there is loads of additional information about his tour dates, merchandise and story. 

David was so kind, to play live during our conversation, and treated us to to brilliant live versions of his songs on the playlist, The first was The Human Race, which is a brilliant way to start the show, as it talks about the Human condition and how we are all in it together.

Also, in a tender and emotional moment for me, David played an acoustic version of his song ”The Dash” fore going on to explain the genus of the songs lyrical backbone. 

Music Included 

David was so kind, to play live during our conversation, and treated us to to brilliant live versions of his songs on the playlist, The first was The Human Race, which is a brilliant way to start the show, as it talks about the Human condition and how we are all in it together.

Also, in a tender and emotional moment for me, David played an acoustic version of his song ”The Dash” fore going on to explain the genus of the songs lyrical backbone. 

Also in this episode

Also in this episode we discuss the deaths of John Lennon and John Prine, and how we both feel a great sense of ”future loss” as David puts it, for the sounds and songs that will never be made by those artists we have lost, seemingly always too soon. 

As David says… ”You just keep showing up.”

Timings

• 00:00 Introduction to Folk My Life Podcast
• 01:24 David Perry: A Journey Through Time
• 05:38 The Art of Storytelling in Music
• 07:32 Live Music – The Human Race
• 10:45 The Human Race: A Live Performance
• 11:43 The Process of Creating Keep Showing Up
• 14:21 Reflections on Loss and Music
• 19:02 The Importance of Showing Up
• 20:53 Learning and Evolving as a Songwriter
• 23:55 The Changing Landscape of Music Creation
• 26:06 Flipping the Music industry on its head. 
• 26:54 The Challenge of Getting Heard Today
• 29:21 The Trust in Live Music Venues
• 32:46 The Struggle for Original Music
• 36:07 The Impact of 'The Dash' Song
• 40:03 Live Music – The Dash 
• 44:22 The Connection to Folk Music Heritage
• 50:31 Folk My Life Moments and Lessons Learned
• 58:41 Future Plans and Musical Recommendations