Mitch Davis has been making his mark on the local and international music scene since 2008. Renowned for his intense delivery and uncanny ability to put into words, personal yet somewhat universal tales, captivating listeners from all ages and backgrounds. At 27, Mitch has neatly chiseled his distinct sound from an extensively wide range of genres, settling somewhere between folk, blues, rock, jazz and indie. With a voice that stands unique and power driven, you can’t help but stop, look and listen to what Mitch has to say.
2012 brings a new line up for his band, The Dawn Chorus, and is quickly building a reputation for its raw, yet undeniably tight knit stage show. Smooth keys and well defined vocal harmonies create a warm bedding whilst their rock solid rhythm section entrances the crowd with infectious grooves and seamless dynamics.
Notoriously hard to put a finger on, Mitch Davis and The Dawn Chorus’s sound has been said to resemble the likes of Jeff Buckley, Chris Cornell, Joe Cocker, The Cold War Kids and even Sublime to name a few, Though what listeners usually find is something that draws from such a broad array of influences, that its much easier to label “it’s own”.
What’s your earliest memory of performing and who inspired you to start?
My older sister and cousins used to dress me up at Christmas to sing for the family. It’s pretty embarrassing to look back on now. I think they had me singing a boys to men song.You must answer this question honestly or we steal your rider. What and where was the first gig you went to?
I’m pretty sure it was a punk rock show. No Fun At All. That being the band’s name not my experience.
‘Fess up. What records have you stolen from your parent’s record collection and why?
I listen to everything my parents do, so when I was younger I was constantly in trouble for the missing James Taylor or Paul Kelly album. I recently found mum’s copy of Joni Mitchell, Blue in my draw. Don’t tell her though, I’ve grown quite attached to it.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
Steve Smyth. If you haven’t heard him yet, look him up. He’s Australian but I think he spends a lot of time over seas so if you get the chance, go watch.
How do you find new music?
I don’t really. I seem to just find old music, on late night youtube journeys.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
I spend a lot of mental energy trying not to get too drunk, But in the same sentence I drink to calm my nerves so I guess this is my pre-show ritual/ battle.
When you’re Rolling Stones Big, what are you going to request on your rider: don’t be shy. We want specifics!
I don’t want to be rolling stones big. That seems like a whole lot of pointless pressure. A couple of beers to shake the nerves is good enough for me.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with? Tell us why?
Vince Jones and his band. Because I love jazz but don’t have the skills to pull it off on my own.
What is your band’s music the best soundtrack for?
The story of me. But I’m thinking its highly unlikely that that film will ever get made. Its definitely a melloncolie movie though. Maybe melincolia….
Where we can see you play next, what releases do you have available and where can we get them?
Playing the Corner Hotel, 7th of June supporting BONJAH!
Find us on facebook:
www.facebook.com/pages/Mitch-Davis-and-The-Dawn-Chorus/137157359651722
