In this interview we spend a few minutes with Canadian singer/songwriter Daven Atma to discuss his music, challenges in the digital era, and influences.

You can check out Daven performing his song “Promised Land” in the below video.

Introduce yourself to our readers and describe the style of music you create.

My name is Daven Atma. I am a Canadian independent singer/songwriter/performer. I bring the tradition of the 1960s folk music revival period to the modern era. My music centers around thoughtful lyrical content with penetrating, un-processed vocals. My original music includes a variety of material from catchy, up-tempo, sing-along songs to deeper, more reflective material.
My live performances are typically based around the six-string acoustic guitar and often accompanying myself on the harmonica. I have recently begun to include other musicians in my live performances on percussion, back-up vocals and other instruments.

Who or what influences your playing and/or writing styles? Also, what motivates you to keep creating?

One of my greatest influences over the years has been Bob Dylan. Something about the early Bob Dylan sound and style particularly appeals to me.

New music and songs just seem to continually flow out spontaneously. Sometimes it’s when I have my guitar in hand and other times a particular melody or line keeps ringing in my head for a few days until I finally sit down to hash it out.

What was the last song you listened to?

I just watched a live performance of ‘Changing of the Guards’ – Bob Dylan. What a great song!

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?

The digital era is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand it is definitely much more difficult to make an impression with (as you point out) such an abundance of music so easily available. But on the other hand, it allows relatively unknown independents like me to be on all the same platforms as the biggest names in music. The internet has allowed me to bring my music to listeners and acquire fans from all over the world.

I try not to dwell on it too much but instead focus on continuing to produce and perform quality music.

Do you gig, tour or perform through any live streaming services? Where can music lovers see you perform?

To date I have not done any live streaming performances, although that is something that I would certainly consider doing in the future. I am currently scheduled to perform at various events and venues within my local area over the next several months. I have also been known to show up at an occasional open mic night 😉

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?

Please connect with me on my Facebook artist page to stay up to date with where I will be performing. You will also find videos of recent performances there.

My music is available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, YouTube and all other major sites as well as through my website www.davenatma.com

Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?

Seek out, enjoy and support local musicians and live music venues in your area. There are plenty of talented acts all across the country that are not signed with the major labels. Often attending a live music performance in a more intimate setting (and at a fraction of the cost of a major act) can be a much more enjoyable and satisfying experience.