Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your musical journey and background?
I am a singer-songwriter on a unique musical mission. I’ve been passionate about music since I was a kid growing up in Wimberley, Texas. I spent my youth dreaming of being a rock star and then made a short-lived, futile attempt at becoming one in college. Back then, I used music for selfish purposes… for attention and vanity. But God changed my life about 9 years ago and then about two years ago I knew he was calling me to start using music for him instead of myself. So now I am on a mission to help people encounter their Creator through music that doesn’t sound like most Christian music. On top of that, I am a husband, father of seven kids ages 3 to 15, part-time pastor, and full-time IT professional so I stay busy!
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and style?
Some of my biggest influences include Radiohead, Ween, Air, Failure, The Beatles, Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, Led Zeppelin, Elliot Smith, Supergrass, and Stone Temple Pilots. These artists have had a profound impact on my style, guiding me towards creating music that’s catchy yet unique.
Can you share a specific artist or album that has had a significant impact on your music?
There are so many, but Pisces Iscariot by The Smashing Pumpkins had a massive impact on me. It’s all over the place, from the haunting solo-acoustic opener Soothe to the 11-minute rock anthem Starla. I remember listening to Starla on repeat on my portable Walkman CD player over and over again when I was 14 years old. By themselves, Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlain are both excellent musicians, but the synergy of them together is unreal.
What’s your creative process like when you’re composing or writing a new song?
My creative process nearly always begins with an acoustic guitar, my go-to instrument. Ideas often come when I’m playing, and sometimes they randomly pop into my head. I’ll record these ideas on my phone’s voice memos app and revisit them frequently over time to see which ones stick and evolve into full songs. I toss most of my ideas because they don’t stand the test of time and I won’t release something I’m already bored of. Lyrics are the final piece, and I always seek divine inspiration for the words that will help people connect with God.
Among all the songs you’ve created, do you have a personal favorite? If so, what makes it special to you?
That’s tough. I don’t really have a favorite, but if I am in the mood for something heavier I would say Be Healed. The chorus and guitar solo over the bridge always fire me up, as do the lyrics that reference multiple instances in scripture where Jesus healed people miraculously.
Can you share the story or inspiration behind that particular song?
The bible is filled with many occasions where people were healed by God in a miraculous way, but I have observed that a large number of Christians today don’t believe that still happens. I used to think that too, and I understand why people have a hard time believing it if they haven’t experienced for themselves. The first time I saw someone miraculously healed with my own two eyes in a manner that was indisputable, it changed my life and increased my faith immensely. Now, when someone needs healing, prayer is always my first go-to. Be Healed is a declaration of God’s healing power so that more people will know they should turn to him for healing. The specific scriptures I reference in it are John 4:52, Luke 17:6, Matthew 9:30, Mathew 9:33, Mark 7:37, and John 5:8, and you can see a lyric vide .
Let’s talk about your latest song. What’s the title, and what’s the story or message behind it?
My latest song is called He Knows Your Name and it was released on November 1, 2023. I wrote it for people battling suicidal thoughts. It was inspired by the profound words of Psalm 139, which declare that we are wonderfully made and known by God, and it encourages listeners to call on God for salvation and freedom from the hopelessness they are experiencing. I am really excited about it because I believe God is going to use it to save lives, both physically and spiritually.
Share a memorable or unique experience from one of your live performances.
At a recent show I had the huge honor of getting to open for acclaimed Nashville singer-songwriter Bryan Simpson in downtown Cleburne, Texas at an awesome listening room called Songbird Live. Listening rooms are smaller, more intimate experiences and it was my first time playing in that type of venue. There were only about 100 seats and we sold it out, so the energy in the room was incredible. Bryan put on one of the most entertaining shows I’ve ever seen, which set a high bar and gave me a lot of inspiration to keep improving and upping my game.
Beyond music, do you have any hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about? How do they influence your music?
My family is a top priority and being a dad of 7 takes a lot of effort. Between them, church, music and my “real job”, there isn’t time for other hobbies. But I am passionate about health and fitness, so I eat healthy, exercise frequently, and take several high-quality supplements on top of trying to get plenty of sleep. I even started taking ice baths a few months ago after I kept hearing about the health benefits. The mental resistance you have to overcome to get into ice water for several minutes when nobody is forcing you to is pretty wild.
Is there a dream collaboration you’d like to pursue in the future?
I would definitely like to collaborate with other musicians, and I know God will cross my path with the ones that he wants me to work with on this mission. But right now, I don’t know who that will be.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting their journey in the music industry?
Don’t do it for selfish reasons, and don’t use it to promote/celebrate sin and darkness. If you would be ashamed to be in the room with your grandma while the song played, rewrite it. Get right with God, because you are entering a spiritual battlefield where you will be tempted to compromise your morals in exchange for worldly success. Be the unique person God wired you to be instead of trying to copy others. And don’t be discouraged when you realize there are a thousand different things all the experts say you’re supposed to be doing and you’re only able to do five of them with the limited amount of time and money you have. Just work hard to do what you can every day, little by little. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or new music you have in the works? What can your fans and listeners look forward to from you in the near future?
I’m currently working on my second album, crafting songs that will continue to help more people encounter God through music. I have released 3 singles from this upcoming album thus far, and there’s a lot to look forward to. Folks can stay in the loop by joining my newsletter at https://DavidRaybuck.com.