There’s not so much to do for us musicians during the pandemicso we started a little online collab – we just want to play so we did. David Bender thought of a few chords, a melody and played keys,David Grabowski played the guitar, Tim Stahlschmidt drummed the drums, and I bassed the bass, made the…Continue reading Online Collaboration
What does …
… Dave do at all? So much water has gone under the bridge since my last update. Controversies in our society have been established. Much too little music has been played. So this is the time to say: Hello world! Hello 2022! I look forward to meeting you both! The last two years were rather…Continue reading What does …
on tour with “Something Special ft. David Alleckna”
Man, there was a lot going on here – but here I am now! I had lots to do – placed a few concerts, did some session-work, and played a small tour with a duo of the saxophonist Richard Wester, who played his instrument on basically all major productions in Germany throughout the 80s and…Continue reading on tour with “Something Special ft. David Alleckna”
Dave-Blog 2019/4: Bertha and life
Now so much time has passed since my last blog-entry here – I apologise, as I planned to post weekly – and try to get back into this rhythm. Of course this is a big part of being a freelancing artist. John Lennon already mentioned that life is what happens while you are busy making…Continue reading Dave-Blog 2019/4: Bertha and life
Dave-Blog 2019/3: breaking out of comfort zones
A week ago the concert series “7 Days – 7 Guests” opened in Schleswig, where saxophonist Richard Wester invited one instrumental guest per night to improvise a concert with . I was the first guest on the opening night at the sold-out St. John Monastery and opened with a ten-minute bass-solo. I am not very…Continue reading Dave-Blog 2019/3: breaking out of comfort zones
Dave-Blog 2019/2: a musician’s life
There are so many clichés and preconceptions about the life as a musician. Jokes, when you still lie in bed at 10 a.m. (although you worked in the studio or on stage until three or four the night before), or how good the money is we earn for standing on stage for this short time……Continue reading Dave-Blog 2019/2: a musician’s life
Dave-Blog 2019/1: bass, night of the songs, Helen Schneider, Dominik Blangger, Manfred Maurenbrecher, Richard Wester
New year’s resolutions…. Never had any back in the day but now increasingly so as, of course, I do want to improve and work on being a better version of myself. One of my resolutions is to write a new post here every week. After all, there is always something happening, so: why not write…Continue reading Dave-Blog 2019/1: bass, night of the songs, Helen Schneider, Dominik Blangger, Manfred Maurenbrecher, Richard Wester
Christmas Cheers and New Year’s Resolutions
So here we are: the year is almost over, I postet not half of what I should have – and so I have my first new year’s resolution: be a little more diligent! I will not catch up with all these left-over posts right now but will start the new year afresh and will leave…Continue reading Christmas Cheers and New Year’s Resolutions
film noir, film score, and tea
Wow – it has been so long since my last post! There’s so much to tell though! Was on album-release-tour through Germany with Ivy Flindt, played on the Reeperbahn in Hamburg with Sebó, and will play with Pauline Moser next week – but I will tell you about all this another time, okay? Last night…Continue reading film noir, film score, and tea
bass on tour with Ivy Flindt
So it has already been one month since the great album by Ivy Flindt was released which was recorded and produced in Malmö and Stockholm, Sweden by the producer of the Cardigans. (Hear and purchase the album everywhere you know) We have been touring since and playing most concerts as a trio so that I…Continue reading bass on tour with Ivy Flindt
tour-rehearsals with Ivy Flindt and The President
It is hard to remember when we last had such a sunny summer here in Hamburg – so let’s go inside, hide from the oh so brutal sun, grab my bass, and rehearse. For the tour with Ivy Flindt that we will play this September (find all the tourdates on their sites, come over and…Continue reading tour-rehearsals with Ivy Flindt and The President
bass with Sebó at Hamburg Port Anniversary
The Port Anniversary festival in Hamburg is annually a big event with an abundance of food, drinks and joyrides. And next to the Fischauktionshalle where every Sunday early morning you go for the after-party and some fresh fish stood the Reve-stage where we played some good music with Sebó. It is always great fun to…Continue reading bass with Sebó at Hamburg Port Anniversary
Beatlemania at Heide theatre
In the beginning of this year I played a little tour with the Richard Wester Band and the Schleswig-Holstein Symphony. We played a mix of Richard’s tunes and songs by the Beatles. All this was called “Beatlemania” and was a lot of fun as such a big orchestra of excellent musicians is quite powerful! I…Continue reading Beatlemania at Heide theatre
dubbing, voice-over, and radio-plays
When I do not play music I love standing behind a microphone and doing voice-overs! So I can be heard in many games like the werewolf Kindred in “League of Legends“, some mafiosi in “Mafia III“, Wesley Crusher in the Southpark-game and others, but as well for movie productions and documentaries. And so there was…Continue reading dubbing, voice-over, and radio-plays
tour with Richard Wester feat. Schleswig-Holstein Symphonic Orchestra: Beatlemania
I was hardly done with the production of the Xusha plus Young Orchestra Hamburg dvd when the rehearsals for a little tour with Richard Wester and the Schleswig-Holstein Symphonic Orchestra already began. This project featured Richard’s own music and the classics from The Beatles both of which were arranged for the orchestra by our Berlin…Continue reading tour with Richard Wester feat. Schleswig-Holstein Symphonic Orchestra: Beatlemania
recording an album with Noah Wunsch
By the end of last year I got asked to work with a rather special artist: Noah Wunsch. He has already done quite a few things from acting, dancing, illustrating and painting, photography over writing to music – and now he wanted to record an album with me featuring only his voice and my guitar.…Continue reading recording an album with Noah Wunsch
Night of the Songs – concert in Flensburg
This February brought another Night of the Songs which I am always really looking forward to to be a part of. Two headliners are invited to play together with the two hosts Richard Wester and Manfred Maurenbrecher and myself: only one rehearsal and then playing their songs on stage – with everybody on stage joining…Continue reading Night of the Songs – concert in Flensburg
very nice concert with Xusha featuring the Young Orchestra Hamburg
In the beginning of this year I had the chance to be a part of a project of a befriended band – Xusha. Xenia, the singer, is of Russian descent and so the idea was to combine their original music with musical quotes by Tschaikowski. To achieve this needed sound the great Young Orchestra Hamburg…Continue reading very nice concert with Xusha featuring the Young Orchestra Hamburg
playing some jazz on stage again – finally!
This year started out very nicely with a little jazz gig with my old friends from Jazztett. Ah, to be able to show what I practice all these scales, arpeggios, chord substitutions and all that for! We really did free ourselves playing this music – hey, so often people have to pay for this experience!…Continue reading playing some jazz on stage again – finally!
pitch for a film-score
The weather outside is dreadful – Hamburg tells me to play inside and so I behave and sit in my Heaven’s Club Studio to work on a pitch for a feature film. The other day a friend showed me the script for a movie that could be quite interesting. It is about fleeing time, about…Continue reading pitch for a film-score
new input at “Operation Ton” congress in Hamburg
Yesterday and today I attended the “Operation Ton” congress here in Hamburg at the SAE with loads of courses that all deal with various aspects of the music business. I learned something new or at least got some new food for thought, which is good. Like a course I attended yesterday about the “music-universe 4.0”…Continue reading new input at “Operation Ton” congress in Hamburg
the pen is stronger than the sword…
There it is: this wonderful late summer weather we were all so much looking forward to! We got good twenty degrees here in Hamburg – perfect to finally get a pen and staff paper and rush out into the sun – without any instruments at my fingertips – and start a composition. I wanted to…Continue reading the pen is stronger than the sword…
with Sebó-band at the legendary Fabrik, Hamburg
Finally! After playing a few gigs “only” in a trio we played a Sebó-concert with a full band! There were great colleagues on board that usually play in other cool bands and so it was only a matter of having fun – and we did! We headlined at a festival at the legendary Fabrik, Hamburg…Continue reading with Sebó-band at the legendary Fabrik, Hamburg
full house with Sebó in Ziethen
The other day we played another trio concert with Sebó – with Malte Kuhn on guitar and myself on bass, background vocals, and foot-percussion. This time our way led us to Ziethen in Northern-Germany. The venue was so quickly sold out that we were asked if we could not simply play two concerts – way…Continue reading full house with Sebó in Ziethen
with Michelle at “Summer Hit Festival” in Travemünde/Lübeck
Last time I played with Michelle was at a great open-air-festival about one year ago and so it was nice seeing her again and to play this gig on national tv. The festival took place in Travemünde next to Lübeck, directly by the Baltic Sea. The weather was perfect and so the setting couldn’t be…Continue reading with Michelle at “Summer Hit Festival” in Travemünde/Lübeck
bass, vocals, and foot-drums with Sebó at Duckstein-festival/Lübeck
As Sebó spends a lot of his time working on his second album there are not as many live-gigs with him (I played half of all basses on his first album but this time he will sound more contemporary and so the low notes will be met by bass-synths). However, now, finally, there were a…Continue reading bass, vocals, and foot-drums with Sebó at Duckstein-festival/Lübeck
summer feeling at Heaven’s Club Studio
It’s summer in Hamburg – very much so here at Heaven’s Club because I produce an album with production-music in an Ibiza-House-style. The sun is shining, the sand crunches under my feet, the salt on my lips – of course all that in my head – and I nod to the beat – with my…Continue reading summer feeling at Heaven’s Club Studio
production music … and more
Perhaps you know these “… and more”-stores, too, where they offer “fresh haircuts … and more” or “good food … and more” – and most of the time you wonder what that “more” might be… Well, it just cracks me up – but of course I don’t want to be left out and so now…Continue reading production music … and more
gig with Mel C at ESC2017
Last Saturday the Eurovision Song Contest took place in Kiew and two great things happened: a beautiful song that stands out from all the so often heard “Euro-trash-sound” won and after the points were given I played with Melanie C (remember – “Sporty Spice” from the Spice Girls) feat. Alex Francis on national tv. The…Continue reading gig with Mel C at ESC2017
studio work, bass, Ivy, and the Mafia
The other day I lent my voice to one of the mobsters for the successor of the “Mafia III” game again – that was fun, even if the other guy broke my neck….. Incredible, to see the amount of work that is being put in these game-productions – you gamers out there can look forward…Continue reading studio work, bass, Ivy, and the Mafia
voice-over, film-scoring, weekend and the other day…
The sun is out there today. In Hamburg! Perfect for working on some nice projects indoors in my studio. Did some voice-over work again that will be heard somewhere soon, right now sitting here and working on my film-score portfolio – however, my looper beckons to me and I guess I just have to take…Continue reading voice-over, film-scoring, weekend and the other day…
bass at “Nacht der Lieder” (night of the songs) in Flensburg
The other day I went to beautiful Flensburg in the North of Germany to accompany the “Nacht der Lieder” on my basses. Usually there are only two main acts invited to play but since this time was the twentieth anniversary, a whole bunch of singers arrived at the Deutsches Haus venue. As every time, we only had…Continue reading bass at “Nacht der Lieder” (night of the songs) in Flensburg
at Prachtwerk, Berlin with Ivy Flindt
Last week the Ivy Flindt band took a little trip to the Prachtwerk in Berlin Neukölln. There, we met dear colleagues, presenters of the media, a great support-act (Livy Pear) and a welcoming crowd. As well, it was great to play my Höfner Beatles-bass again! On our way back in our tourbus: good talks and fast-food:…Continue reading at Prachtwerk, Berlin with Ivy Flindt
scoring for film-trailer
This year ends on a relaxed note, Christmas is upon us and I am sitting in my studio working on a score for a trailer. So much fun to work these nice sample-libraries – however, my fingers itch only thinking of my bass!
concert with Papillon Rising in Munich for GQ Germany
You do get around as a working musician – this time with Papillon Rising for GQ in Munich. That was fun: 80s-synth-pop-funk and I don’t only play my bass but my synthbass, as well. Usually there are even some parts for my electric guitar but this time our keyboarder took over with his keytar! Great party,…Continue reading concert with Papillon Rising in Munich for GQ Germany
concert with Thomas Anders in Almaty, Khasachstan
The last few days set another great example for the fact that the concept of “Rock’n Roll” applies to all musical styles. About one week ago I was asked if I wanted to play bass for Thomas Anders (the “Brother Louie”, “Geronimo’s Cadillac” and so on) in Almaty, Kazakhstan. That sounded like fun and so…Continue reading concert with Thomas Anders in Almaty, Khasachstan
music for VW commercial
Finally, Volkswagen released the first of three commercials that I composed and produced the music for. That was fun – shredding the guitars, basses – and even singing all vocal parts! The clips where produced by the incredible Ole Zapatka – check him out, too!
recording at the legendary Hansastudios, Berlin
I spent the last three days at the legendary Hansastudios in Berlin, tracking basses for a new production which will be released next January. That was so much fun as before me there were many great colleagues in this studio like David Bowie, U2, Depeche Mode, David Byrne, and many, many more. For different sounds…Continue reading recording at the legendary Hansastudios, Berlin
putting last finish on Volkswagen commercial music
What a great sunny day it is here in Hamburg! Just perfect to stay inside, NOT get a sunburn and instead work on some final touches for a Volkswagen commercial music that I produce in my studio. The three clips should be online on the usual internet-platforms in a few weeks.
concert with Michelle at Rehna Open Air
Last night I played my bass for Michelle again – this time at a festival in Rehna. It was great playing with this fantastic band again, it was a perfect summer night, and the Rehna crowd was having a blast. I love my job!
great Hamburg weather, the Altonale fest, and gig with Sebó
Many things were happening this weekend here in Hamburg: a little block party in Eimsbüttel, a bigger party at an art gallery, an even bigger one at the Schlager-move – and the Altonale (in the Altona district). 60% rain probability BUT at 20 degrees Celsius! So – why bother travelling down south? It was fun playing…Continue reading great Hamburg weather, the Altonale fest, and gig with Sebó
Back on the block, back on the bass!
Time for a little update after being busy for the last while. Moving lies behind me, most of my stuff has found its place, the studio is ready for action! I was not idle in the meantime – a few gigs (soon more here), session work in my studio (coming up) and now a little…Continue reading Back on the block, back on the bass!
new week, new Klotz-cables!
Ah, what a great weekend: great weather, some fun work – and now for the new week a blessing by Klotz! Thanks André and everybody at Klotz! I love their cables because I never have any problems with them and they deliver my sound the way it is supposed to sound! Will re-do my studio…Continue reading new week, new Klotz-cables!
Iveta Mukuchyan at ESC2016 and one year ago
Last year I produced a little acoustic version of Beyoncé’s “crazy in love” with the great singer Iveta Mukuchyan in my studio (click on the pic to listen to it on YouTube). I already knew her from tracking basses for her own album. Tomorrow she will sing for Armenia at the Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm –…Continue reading Iveta Mukuchyan at ESC2016 and one year ago
rehearsals with Ivy Flindt
Last weekend we met with the Ivy Flindt band to work on our live repertoire. I look forward to playing bass with this band: the music is great (produced by the producer of the Cardigans), the colleagues are cool and know what they are doing, I can finally play my Höfner basses live that I usually…Continue reading rehearsals with Ivy Flindt
film-scoring, arranging strings and horns
Today I am working on a film-score again and am super-excited about Albion One, a new plugin that I got the other day. Great strings, awesome horns, phat percussions! Of course, my bass is never too far and only mentioning it – her? – I feel my fingers itching. As well: I think it might…Continue reading film-scoring, arranging strings and horns
playing at the Fabrik, Hamburg, for NDR with Sebó, ft. Nico Suave and Flo Mega
A few days ago I performed with the German hiphop/pop act Sebó for Hamburg Sounds by NDR, playing basses and synth-bass. Nico Suave and Flo Mega joined us on stage as special guests. The venue was packed and I love playing here at this go-to stage for every international artist! Sebó jammed his finger in a door…Continue reading playing at the Fabrik, Hamburg, for NDR with Sebó, ft. Nico Suave and Flo Mega
on the road again with Sebó
On the road again: we’re going to play at Kito, Bremen tonight. My basses, the band, and I look forward to seeing you there!
Kellerhertz-Sessions at Birdland with Sebó
Just returned from playing bass for Sebó at Birdland, Hamburg! There were cameras filming all over the place – perhaps I’ll see you on YouTube then? Thank you very much for the great night!
recording with José Valdes
Had a great vocal session in my studio with José Valdes today for a summer song which will be released this spring. I produce it and did not only play the bass but all the other instruments, too!
Nacht der Lieder (night of the songs) in Flensburg
Two days ago I played my basses at the “Nacht der Lieder” (night of the songs) in Flensburg again. It is always heaps of fun to play here since a few acts that have never performed together meet to do so – half-spontaneously with only one rehearsal. Never perfect – but then again it always somehow…Continue reading Nacht der Lieder (night of the songs) in Flensburg
studio fun for summer hit
Having heaps of fun working on a new production, using percussions that I purchased the other day at the Ikea “musicstore”! Do they have that special sound or do I?….
rehearsal with Ivy Flindt
Had a great rehearsal yesterday playing my basses with the Ivy Flindt band that just finished recording their album in Malmö and Stockholm, produced by Per Sunding (The Cardigans)! Super band, great music, good times!
rehearsal with Mischa Gohlke for ZDF tv
Last Tuesday I subbed playing bass for my dear colleague Martin Glaser (congrats to fatherhood, Martin!) at the Mischa Gohlke band. A crew from ZDF tv was there to film a little special about him for their show “Menschen. Das Magazin”.
rehearsals with Papillon Rising
Just finished two days rehearsing with Paul Cless’ new band “Papillon Rising”. I really love my setup (finally playing not only my bass, but some synth-basses, as well, and guitar on a few tunes!)!