Craig David – Interview

Craig David is hot. It seems everyone wants a piece of him and we were no different.

Life is busy.

It’s been crazy, but I’m always ready and willing to go.

Was there a lot of pressure following up the first record?

I think so especially in the period of time that I had to finish up the album. I was lucky because I was writing on the road and had only four months once I got off the road to get the album finished. Since I had songs I could go right into the studio and record right off.

How do you write? Do you have beats? Come up with melodies?

It depends, sometimes its just melodies and words that I put down on my Dictaphone. Sometimes I have beats that are looped and I will write down ideas to the beats. I liked to have the vibe where I can structure the song. I use my G4 Mac and plug in my Mbox and you have 24 tracks. You could record your album on the road.

Is writing natural?

It is. I’ve been lucky enough not to suffer writers block yet. I think because I’ve experienced so much in the last year and a half that I have so much to talk about. I don’t know, but I think I’m blessed at picking up things and making them into melodic lines and then end up with a finished song. I don’t know where it comes from.

Do you see songwriting as a skill or gift?

I see it as more of a gift and at the same time you can hone it into a skill. I don’t know where the melodies come from and its crazy to know that you can figure out what is what and make into a song.

Is Craig David on stage the same as the guy at home?

You know what? I’m a loud person. I’m the same person on stage; I just think its reflection. When I’m home I’m really comfortable. But I’m comfortable on stage too. The only time I’m really on edge is right before I get onstage and I’m waiting and waiting for an hour. I just want to get out there and perform. I like to let it all go.

When you read all the accolades about your first record what was going through your mind?

It was flattering. When your peers speak highly of you and other artists that you look up to it just gives you so much self-esteem and motivation to work on great music. Integrity is the one thing you have and can maintain. No one can alter that except you and it helps to stay a course when you get that.

What has been the biggest change in your life in the last few years?

I have much more composure. The money does help you do more things, but you have to understand how much money is worth. I grew up in what is considered the projects here. Everything I get I enjoy because I didn’t have much growing up. I’m very blessed and very grateful for everything I’ve got. I don’t take it for granted. I want to enjoy it and not get too much of the buzz and have this ego to think that I am the man.

Does it bother you when you see artists taking it all for granted?

It does because sometimes they forget how fast it all can be taken away. It can all change. So go out there and do your best. I enjoy people enjoying my music. I just want to make great music for years because I never know when it will all go away.

People dream of being where you are, and you for a long time dreamt of being where you are, what do you dream about now?

I want to work hard and be happy. Right now I’m twenty-one and am able to do all these amazing things and meet all these different people. To have the ability to continue doing this for a long time would be incredible. I think at the point where I’m not happy that is when my dreams will change and so will my priorities. Then I’d have to decide what I wanted to do next.

+ charlie craine