DAIVID Talks Faith, Music, and the Journey That Shaped Him

austinwhite711
4 days ago
6 min read

DAIVID breaks down his artistry and what's next to come..

We love to discover new christian creatives and are so happy we had a chance to interview this artist. We asked DAIVID a few short questions about his artistry and what to expect next. Here's what he had to say..

Every artist has a unique story. Can you tell us a little about yours?

"Writing has always been a part of who I am. Growing up I loved writing poetry, essays, stories. Naturally, when I listened to rap music I followed the lyrics intently. That was my thing. Around middle school age I discovered I could write lyrics to beat as well, and I jumped in. They were bad…so bad. But I loved them, and my family gave me support. I practiced and cultivated my craft, but never really committed myself to it. My style came out in spoken word, worship songs, rap, etc. It was an outlet for me to express my feelings and thoughts in a raw and artistic way. But I never truly took it seriously until about 5 months ago. My wife and I spoke and we could tell the Lord was really putting it heavily on my heart to press into this and use the gifts He gave me to glorify Him and bless others. Hence, the “God’s Child” EP. It all happened very quickly and everything smoothly fell into place (beats, engineers, studio, etc.). What’s exciting is that this EP was only the first step, and the project that got some oil into the machine. Now it’s full speed ahead and God is providing all things necessary to keep it moving forward. We are excited to see what He does."..

Please tell us about your art. What do you do / make / create? How? Why? What’s the message or inspiration, what do you hope people take away from it?

"I make and produce songs in the Christian rap genre. My writing process is pretty simple. Once I have a beat that inspires me I will listen to over and over until a singular word or phrase emerges in my mind. Usually that’ll tell me what this song will be about. I pray, and I write. And when I sit down and write I usually get it all out pretty quickly, but sometimes it takes multiple writing sessions spread out over a couple days. In each song I hope to have diversity in topic, while maintaining the golden thread of the gospel message throughout each piece of work. Essentially showing how all things point to Christ. “For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things.” Rom. 11:36. Big takeaways I hope my listeners leave with are (1) Jesus Christ is the answer to all your problems and His love is inconceivably great, and (2) Christian rap can be godly without sacrificing vibe and excellence. I want people to be encouraged, hear the truth, and absolutely vibe out to the music."..

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?

"My first project is on all streaming platforms under: DAIVID “GOD’S CHILD” EP. But I also have a YouTube channel, TikTok, and IG where my music videos will be promoted (full length on YouTube only). You know the deal, subscribe, like, engage, share. I’m going to be dropping music frequently, along with official music videos (three on the way!). If it blesses your ears and your heart, show some love and pass it along. All the support is so encouraging and appreciated as a young artist."..

When and why did you start playing/making music?

"I started this year because I’ve had this talent on the shelf for too long. God finally said, “it’s time”. Although I’ve enjoyed writing devotionals and poetry, making rap music is an area which I believe both expresses and maximizes my abilities and my heart behind it. In short, I’m doing it both because I love it and to be obedient to the King.."..

Tell us a little about your faith journey and how you came to give your life to Jesus?

"I grew up in church but had no grasp of the gospel. No real understanding of the work Christ accomplished on my behalf, and no relationship with Him. I was a slave to my lusts. By the beginning of high school it was drugs, alcohol, partying… headlong in the world. But I’d lie awake sometimes with anxiety knowing that if I died I would go to hell. Eternity scared me. I coasted through life making very little forward progress until I was about 26. I reach something like a bottom and cried out to God to break my chains. The following six months I began to experience the effects of being born again. I wanted to read the Bible for the first time in my life, and it actually made sense to me. I grew in love for Christ, for the church, and had a desire to live a holy life. And I was in for a rude awakening! 26 years in the world didn’t let go of me so easily. I stumbled and fell many times, but would get back up and keep walking in His Grace. My conversion and sanctification process has been rugged and messy. But I’m thankful that I’m here now. Over 8 years in the Lord has matured me as a man and as a Christian. And now I strive to live each day in His light, and by His grace. And He is faithful!"..

DAIVID - Dear God (Official Music Video) ft. Stephanie Garilus

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

"I was a server for 10 years. Currently I work as a territory salesman for a Manufacturer’s Rep Agency. In the construction world we represent manufacturers of construction products (like Dewalt) and sell their products into the market through distribution. I manage accounts, drive business in markets in FL, I’m a trainer, a liaison, etc. I’m doing that full time and working on the music every chance I get."..

Name something that you did in your life that paid dividends.

"I got my BA from Liberty University in Religion: Biblical and Theological Studies. It played a huge roll in developing my worldview, view of God, and equipped me to give an answer for the hope that I have. It also made me fall more in love with God’s word. Lastly, it taught me a valuable lesson. Knowing many things doesn’t make you godly or a loving Christian. Knowing Christ and loving and serving others in practical ways makes you more godly.."..

How do you balance your music with other obligations - significant other, children, job etc? Are you full time music?

"I travel for work so I typically write at night. I practice songs to prepare for recording all the time while I’m driving. My wife is my best friend who happens to be equally passionate about music (as an artist herself) and we share all of it together. I maintain and take seriously all the duties in my current career, but dedicate as much time as possible to growing the music simultaneously. With an end goal for music to be a full time job/ministry, I’m focusing on where I’m at while keeping an eye ahead of"..

What advice would you give up and coming independent artists?

"Being that I am one, I can only give this advice. Be consistent, be resilient, and be a God-pleaser…not a man-pleaser. Those are some main ingredients to the recipe. And definitely be yourself! Trying to mimic other artists only delays your own growth and development.."..

Are you planning on staying independent as an artist? What's the next move?

"Lord knows, I do not. I submit that to Him and trust He will make it clear in time. If and when the right opportunity comes I know He will give us peace on it.."..

What can we expect next from you?

"Just dropped a new single entitled “DEAR GOD”. Raw and authentic collaboration from me and my wife. It’s explores the unique challenges of the Christian walk and our desperate need for God. It also our first song produced together. In addition to that, I’ve got about 6 other single lined up to be released as time permits. My plan is to keep a healthy flow of new music coming!"