Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with David Ayscue

Singer-songwriter David Ayscue started his musical career in high school, where he performed at open mic nights and student concerts. In 11th grade, he put pen to paper and discovered a newfound love for songwriting.

His debut album, Southwood Waltz, is a culmination of his experiences from youth to adulthood, featuring songs about love, anxiety, and adventures. Pop Culturalist recently had the chance to catch up with David to chat about his journey and Southwood Waltz.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
David: When I was a kid, I used to sing all the time. One of my first musical memories is dancing around our house as a four-year-old, holding bananas on my head, singing “Banana Boat Song (Day-O)” by Harry Belafonte.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
David: I’ve had great music teachers in school throughout the years that have pushed me to pursue it and gave me the “okay” to do so, even when pursuing music as a career is pretty off the beaten track. As far as being influenced by other artists, I’ve been super influenced in the past year by much of Bruce Springsteen’s early work.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
David: Authenticity is super important. Hard work. Consistency. There’s a lot.

PC: Tell us about your new LP, Southwood Waltz. What inspired it?
David: The album is a collection of songs that I’ve built up over the past few years that center around my own life and transitioning into adulthood. A lot of it deals with the anxiety of that shift, but also with the gratefulness of looking back at my life and the experiences I’ve had so far.

PC: If you had to choose one song that best encompasses the LP, what would it be and why?
David: Probably the song “Where We Land”. Musically, it’s a journey from a slow, soothing guitar and vocal part into a four-on-the-floor rock anthem thing. The lyrics are also very nostalgic.

PC: What does the year hold for you as we look ahead to the rest of 2019?
David: Lots of gigs throughout California, writing and producing more, and enjoying life!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
David: Nothing currently, but I used to love Downtown Abbey.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
David: Happy Gilmore

PC: Favorite book?
David: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

PC: Favorite play or musical?
David: Les Misérables

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
David: Justin Timberlake

PC: First album you bought?
David: Back in Black by AC/DC

PC: First concert you attended?
David: The Eagles

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
David: John Mayer’s Where the Light Is. It’s a live concert album. It got me really into playing and singing at the same time, and eventually writing my own tunes.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
David: Fenway Park

To keep up with David, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up Southwood Waltz on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.