Dave Sereny brings an entirely fresh perspective to the singer-songwriter genre with his self-described “singer-songwriter on steroids” style, combining intricate guitar techniques, soulful melodies, and rhythmic innovation. In this interview, Dave reflects on the transformative experiences that have shaped his music, including collaborating with iconic musicians like Nathan Watts and opening for Gregory Porter. He also shares insights into his unconventional songwriting process, the challenges of self-producing his latest project, and the importance of staying true to the feel of the music. As he continues to release new material, including stripped-down acoustic work and exciting collaborations, Dave offers a candid look into his creative world and the personal triumphs that have defined his career.
Welcome to A&R Factory, Dave Sereny! It’s an absolute pleasure to explore your unique sound and learn more about your impressive career. You’ve described your style as “singer-songwriter on steroids.” What inspired this approach, and how does it stand apart from more traditional singer-songwriter music?
The reason I call it singer-songwriter on steroids is due to the guitar style I have developed. Approximately 4 years ago, I figured out a new technique that allows me to play very strong rhythm guitar. It sounds almost like a B3 organ player. I’m able to play the bass lines and chords at the same time while grooving at maximum level. It sounds like a full band but it’s just me with no electronic gimmicks. People always ask me if I overdubbed the parts but the answer is no. I call it “groove and grind”, and anytime I have performed solo, I get the same result! An audience that’s either dancing or bopping their heads. It’s an amazing accomplishment that I’m very proud of, and I look forward to other guitar players trying to steal my sound and make it even better!
Collaborating with Nathan Watts, a musical icon, must have been a memorable experience. How did this partnership come about, and what impact has it had on your creative process?
Nate Watts is my brother from another mother! We met at CES in Las Vegas. I was a guest of George Benson, where we were hosted by Monster Cable. We met there and have been best friends ever since. Our connection as friends and in music is extraordinary. There is no one better at holding down the bottom in music, and I am blessed to be able to share him with Stevie Wonder. My creative process is channelling and improvisation. I play and record my musings, then I review them and hope there is some nuggets of gold in the madness I create. I do not have the ability to take pen to paper and pre-script anything. My brain does not work that way. It has to be in real-time!
Performing as an opener for Gregory Porter in front of 5,000 people must have been a defining moment. How did it feel, and how has that experience shaped your growth as an artist?
Opening for Gregory Porter was a miracle! The truth is that I never opened my mouth to sing until I discovered the guitar technique I mentioned earlier. If you asked me 4 years ago to take my guitar and sing a song, I would have said, “You are crazy, I don’t know how to do that”! So, the fact that I ended up in Atlanta singing before a legend is a miracle. I was able to sing clean and free, and it was effortless. I also felt at home on stage and was able to work the room, and I got a lot of positive feedback! I didn’t have to duck any tomatoes! The funny part was as I was singing and in my mind, I was thinking, ”Do they like this?” Thank God they did! I’m in shock about doing this but the truth is I have never felt this comfortable doing music as I do now as a singer! I’m able to do it without thought or anxiety!
You’ve mentioned that your recent experiences have felt almost miraculous. What moments stand out as turning points that reinforced your belief in the power of dreams?
As I said, the fact that I can perform by myself and get an amazing crowd reaction, actually better than any reaction I ever got just playing guitar in a band setting is a miracle.! I truly believed that I did not have the capability to do this. I never believed that I could actually sing a song from beginning to end. I was doing session guitar work and humming along to my guitar lines when the producer asked me to sing on the song we were working on. I told him, “I don’t sing, so don’t ask me again. He said you sound like Michael Franks and I laughed! He was adamant and connected me with a vocal coach. I took a few lessons, and he said, ”You sound like Michael Franks!” Ok, that’s 2 for 2! I went home still unconvinced and recorded myself, something I never could listen to previously as I would just cringe! But I heard what they were talking about and I realized the reason I struggled with singing was that I was starting too high in my register and that my voice already sounded high in my lower register! That’s when I realized that I actually have the ability to do this!
The funniest part was the first day in the studio recording. I went to sing my first take and Nate Watts had a very weird look on his face. I say, ”Stop the track what’s going on?” He presses the talkback button and says, ”Michael Franks!” So, the moral of the story is that miracles can happen because they happened to me! As for dreams, the truth is I never even dreamed about this because I had convinced myself that it was just not possible. I feel the greatest moments in life are when you have your perspective changed! You let go of your preconceived notions and hopefully, you become a better you!
How did creating your latest music compare to previous projects, and what was the most rewarding part of bringing your vision to life this time around?
The difference this time around was that I was self-producing. I used to engineer before but usually had another producer at the helm. This time, I outsourced the engineering part and just focused on playing the music and producing. I hired a young man named Corey Bernard at City Sounds studio. The issue for me was how to capture my sound because I play percussion with my feet, play the guitar and sing at the same time. That is very hard to capture together, so I had to record each part separately in order to get an optimal sound. Sonically, it’s way better, but there is a slight loss in that magic I can create with what I call my One Man Band!
I didn’t want to do it separately but in the end, I was happy as the sonic result was much better! The most rewarding part was being able to listen to myself and actually enjoying the sound of my voice! Also, I’m very happy about the musicians that participated Nate Watts on bass, Luiscito Orbegoso on extra percussions, Geoff Bournes on sax and Betty Beata on background vocals. The album has a great groove and a completely unique sound that is unlike anybody else music. For me, It’s a home run!
Over the course of your career, how has your music changed, and how do you manage to honour your earlier influences while continuing to experiment with new ideas?
This new music is a complete change of style. Firstly, I am focusing on my singing and my new style of guitar playing. I’m working on new music now that is fully produced, unlike this project, which is stripped down. So, I am writing more songs, and it’s coming out, so I’m happy about that. Generally, the new music is way more mass market and not so niche. It also puts me more artist-focused and presents as active listener music as opposed to smooth jazz, which is kind of background music! I’ll still take some guitar solos, but definitely a lot less. The correlation between the old and the new is that it has to feel good, and you should be able to tap your foot to the music! It’s all about the feel, not the technique!
What inspires your songwriting today, and how do you approach crafting lyrics and melodies that truly connect with listeners?
I never fashioned myself as a songwriter, and to tell you the truth, I don’t really hear lyrics. I hear melodies and harmonies. I get basic ideas from something I play on the guitar. I mesh that out into a structure. I’ll record the guitar, and after, I’ll turn on the microphone and improvise and sing. Wherever I mess up, I fix and find a part that fits the previous musings. I never pre-write anything. I have no previous experience as a songwriter, and I am sure my process is very unconventional! I heard George Michael did the same thing so I guess I’m in good company! I’m still learning and I like to learn cover songs but my biggest hurdle is remembering the lyrics. My memory for that is the worst ever. I can fake them perfectly!
Having witnessed the changes in the music industry, what advice would you give to new artists about building their audience and navigating the current landscape?
I am a new artist who just found his true voice. I’m learning now how to do this, and it’s quite daunting. I am more introverted than extroverted, so going on camera on social media is challenging. My advice to any musicians is to only do music if you love it and not look at it as a career. I’d be playing the guitar even if there were no more people on earth! I just love the guitar and music, and If I’m lucky enough to have supporters, then I feel extra blessed! If you can find someone who is good at organization and marketing, than keep that person close by. I am unfortunate that I do not possess those skills. But I keep trying! Never give up, and be persistent! Miracles do happen!
Finally, what’s next for Dave Sereny?
I’m going to keep releasing my music! I have a kid’s album I did. I have another even more stripped-down album just guitar and voice. I have a larger catalog as a producer that’s being re-released with some amazing artists! Betty Beata, one of the greatest voices ever, Jay Keez, a new pop singer and rapper, Alexis Baro, Cuban trumpet virtuoso, Paul Lakatos, the greatest gypsy jazz guitar player in the world, Wade O Brown Detroit R&B sensation, the Dark Sons, Rock and Roll like it used to be! So I’ve done a lot, and the rebirth is starting with myself!
Stream Dave Sereny’s latest single on Spotify and keep track of his new releases via his official website.
Interview by Amelia Vandergast