Q+A: Five Minutes With Davis Caruso

 

Soulful Michigan based R&B singer Davis Caruso released his new single ‘REGGAE IN AN ICESTORM’ on the 22nd of September via MICHIGROWN. The experimental American singer-songwriter has built up an extensive catalog of self-written music, and has performed primarily as a busker on the streets of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Michigan where he showcases his sublime talent for crafting intricate and personal songs unbound by genre. The track has already premiered and received support from notable webzine EARMILK. We took some time out to speak to the enigmatic artist on all things music, life and creativity.

 

 

 

Set the tone for us. Why the arts?

The arts are the special sauce of life

 

Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?

Different every time

 

Does your material feature any collaborations?

It’s all a collaboration, even when its not. We fuel each other one way or another.

 

What’s on your current playlist?

Curtis Mayfield, Claude Debussy, Bill Evans and Faith Hill are the most recent artists I listened to LOL!

 

Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.

I like it to be playful and real. Very experimental and ideally aim to offer a show that fits the venue.

 

What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?

if i told you i would have to kill you

 

Take us through a day in the recording studio.

There are many different versions of what that day could look like but the golden thread would be joy and gratitude to do what I love with people I love. Aka if we’re in the studio together, I love you.

 

Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?

I don’t think that I ever had that moment. It is more of an impulse that compells me to continually plunge into the vulnerability of self expression. Music just happens to be the way I am most able to do that.

 

What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?

Water and God. (not trying to scare anyone with that word, call her what you want).

 

Any emerging artists on your radar?

is it cheating to say one of my main collaborators? If not, Kyandé, If so, Rau Ze.

 

What gets your creative juices flowing?

These juices are a river and stop for no man.

 

Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.

I have accumulated several toys over my adult life that support an evolving pallet of sound and expression. Talking about gear seems a little boring to me though! Its not what you’ve got its what you do with it i think…

 

Any side projects you’re working on?

i’m not sure what “side project” means but i am always eager to lend my gifts when i’m invited and feel inspired to contribute in a creative way.

 

How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?

I would consider myself currently outside of the industry. I treat my work as a sacred community building experience. Profits are secondary but I do recognize their importance as we strive toward sustainability for those involved. What is true about all of us is that we are growers. Everyone who I work with is constantly refining what they do. We do that by being curious and willing to invest in ourselves.

 

Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?

Let it all be a surprise! This is a dance. I will make my move and see what happens, which will determine my next move….

 

Famous last words?

Thank you.

 

Follow Davis Caruso:

Website – Facebook – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify