The man that I am sitting with today is a talent that deserves some attention. Making his way through the Indianapolis music scene allowed him to polish his talents and he has entered a whole new world of skill. Taking what I consider some of the best lyrics in the industry today, matched with a collective set of instruments he can play until the sun comes up and a voice you hear on MTV, he is nothing but a joy to listen to, see live, and sin g along to with the windows down. He has recently made a move to a singer songwriter persona and I feel this is the big break he was waiting for. Ladies and gents, it my absolute pleasure to introduce you to Davey Heritier.
How long have you been playing the guitar?
I have been playing for ten years. I started playing when I was seventeen.
What is your first memory of the guitar?
Wishing I could play it. (Laughs) I was born in 1981 and growing up with hair bands on MTV, like White Snake and Def Leopard just made me want to do that. It was more on the lines of entertaining people and being on stage and playing cock rock. (Laughs)
Do you write all your own lyrics?
Yes, I do. I have recently, with the new record deal for Universal (Blue Pumpkin) on this album Scott K. from Mardelay has been writing together. I normally write all my own lyrics.
Where do you get inspiration for a new song?
Paranoia, frustration, and joy. (Snickers)
If you could live anywhere but Indiana, where would you go?
I have never been outside of the country, but I have been to nearly every state in the United States. I would like to be in New York of L.A.
Describe your genre in one word.
In one word? Thoughtful.
What is your favorite venue to play?
I enjoyed the Whiskey A-Go-Go a great deal. But regularly that I play would be the verve in Terre Haute.
Do you have any thoughts of a nation wide tour this year?
Absolutely. Starting in July and into August. I am booking my own for July. Universal is putting together a tour for a handful of new bands that they just signed and I am going to be on that.
What is like working with Universal?
Frustrating. (Laughs) I am not in the top 1% of those musicians. I am just someone they are trying to develop. I am someone that likes to get things done and execute it on my time table. They work on their time table. It is frustrating when I want to do something this week but they want to do it in four weeks. But the opportunity will be incredible for sure.
What is the biggest crowd that you have ever played for?
Up close and personal 1,000. I have played, with Rich Hardesty, in 2003 at the F1 festival. The Indy Speedway was sold out.
The smallest?
(Snickers) We are looking at tonight if it keeps up. (Laughs)
What are your thoughts on MySpace?
Unfortunately it seems to be a dying market. I think it is better for bands than facebook. But then facebook is better for everyone. And I am inexperienced with Twitter.
What instruments do you play other than the guitar?
I play bass, piano, and on Pro Tools I play everything. (Snickers)
Who are some of your biggest influences?
John Lennon hands down, first and foremost. I grew up on the Grateful Dead, Rolling Stones. And currently the Killers. And I really like the Wallflowers. I enjoy some Biggy and Tupac. They influenced me on the way there. They have an ability to “flow”. (Snickers) Also I enjoy the doors. And people with big hook melodies and reasons to remember.
What is on your iPod right now? (Or should I say iPhone?)
Let’s see what I have been playing. I have been listening to The Beatles, Beck, Ben Folds, the Crash Test Dummies, some Daft Punk on there, David Bowie and David Grey, the Decemberists, Howard Jones, Jamirouquai. I have some Jay Z in there. Throw in some Johnny Cash, and Kenny Loggins. The Killers are on that list, obvilsuly. Linoel Richie is on there, Mansun, Maroon Five, MGMT, Michael Jackson, Oasis, Paulo Nutini, Paul Simon, Jack White, Pink Flotd, and the list goes on.
What is your favorite cover song to play?
I would say that my favorite ever would be Comfortably Numb from Pink Floyd.
If you could meet anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
John Lennon. I would take him out to a nice steak dinner.
Is there a song that makes every set list?
No Need to Cry, which is my song, gets thrown in every chance. It is a meaningful song and I enjoy playing it.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
It used to be getting drunk. But I no longer drink. I have been sober for almost 100 days. I would say a quick stretch is something I do before every show. It gets the blood flowing.
Let’s say that you are offered a $250,000 record deal but it was a rap album and it was someone else’s lyrics.
Yeah, why not?
Where are you originally from?
I am from Columbia City, Indiana.
You have some tattoos there. How many do you have?
I have six. The first one was the hardest one to get. But I have got a verse of when I am 64 on each one of my rib cages. Not just because they are Beatles songs, but because they are meaningful to me. I have my lyrics on each shoulder. I have a picture I drew that is encased in a frame that my tattoo artist drew freehand on the inside of my arm.
Who is the biggest name that you have ever shared the stage with?
I have played in a band with Greg Wright and Dick Lewis. They were associated with Michael Jackson. But in terms of opening for another band it would be the Why Store at the Music Mill.
What are you drinking on stage?
Cranberry juice.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Henry French says older. But Davey chimes with (full bellied laughter) touring in support of an album with songs on the radio.
What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?
Being friends with Henry French. (Again, full bellied laughter.) But Henry says, “Answer like a man.” Henry sees Davey when it is all said and done doing exactly what he decides to do in the next six months to a year is what he will be doing.
I always let the artist get the last word. Go.
I want to extend my appreciation to people like you, Ricky
Potts, and to those that are fighting the good fight and pursuing their dreams, doing what they love. I want to wish the best of luck to anyone that has the courage to out their heart on their sleeve and do what they love. To those that put their neck out. I will support anyone that will do that.
