Tell us about yourself and your music
I’m a regular guy that has always loved music. I got bit by the music bug when I was 5 or 6 years old watching Soul Train. Ever since then, I’ve been interested in music, from the production phase to being in front of people performing. As we all know, life happens and can be unforgiving, so my music has been a push to the side many times. However, no matter how well I’m doing, my life always feels incomplete without music in it. So I stuck with and always made time for it. I have a wife of 23 years and 3 kids, that aren’t really kids anymore. I work a 5 am-9 pm job at UPS (for 28years) and also do a lot of volunteer work in my community. I feel my music has a place in the hearts of a lot of people because it’s real. I talk about love, sorrow, and the struggle to keep a family together. Soulful Hip Hop is my genre, real lyrics with a smooth vibe, and RnB hooks. Give it a listen and I’m sure you’ll be able to relate and enjoy the vibe.
Talk to us more about your latest release
My last release “Gonna Stay” is a song about my wife standing beside me through the struggles of life. My involvement in music has always been a wedge between us and for her to accept my decision to stick with it, has been a blessing. So even though I do things that she doesn’t approve of and can’t understand why? She still accepts me, loves me, and is “Gonna Stay.” with me. We’ve made it through so rough patches and with God’s love and grace, we want to share it with the world. Relationships aren’t easy, but if you can get through the tough times, they’re worth it. That’s why I tell people, “If you like rainbows, you have to put up with the rain.” Soulful Hip Hop-Music with meaning, RnB hooks, with a smooth vibe. “Gonna Stay” by Dave &The Family Hustle, is just that.
What inspired you to write this release?
I’ve done a lot of music they the years, but never with so much meaning and emotion. I feel like my music can teach young couples to get through some tough times and heal open wounds by helping them understand. There’s no book on relationships (marriage) so any help is good, there are too many broken homes and it’s mainly because a lot of people don’t know how to express themselves. I pray that my music can help others to understand that although your a couple, each of you are still individuals. Accepting each other and encourage one another, is a big part of the success of your relationship. Communication is key and my music can be a tool to help just that. Love can heal all, you have to fight for it at times though and there’s always has to be a compromise. So I’m inspired to write this release in the hopes that I’m able to reach more homes and couples to help out in any way I can.
Describe the writing and recording process
My writing and recording process has changed thru the years. I first start writing by making a beat and then recording my freestyle, then listening back to it and making adjustments. I did that for many years and still do that when I create the hook. Now that I’m the artist and not the producer, I let the beat talk to me. I only select tracks that Speak to me and then it’s really easy for me to write. I’ve always had the gift of gab and can communicate well, so writing has come pretty naturally to me. Once I’ve got the lyrics written out, I get in the booth and record. Then I listen to it a couple hundred times and record. I repeat that till it’s right and then you get to hear the final recording. I usually change, make adjustments, and alter the song 5/6 times before that final recording. I just want to make sure you (the listen) has the best version of my track. It takes longer, it cost more, but you’re worth it.
Any plans to release a video?
Any plans to hit the road?
My plans to hit the road will start being planned out, once the Country opens back up. The Corona Virus has put everything on lockdown so no plans as of right now. But you can follow my IG @davedahustle for all updates, new releases, and any “LIVES” that I do.
As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?
I wish I knew, I’d be further along than I am…lol
But seriously, I’m not sure. I’m just gonna keep on making music with meaning, continue to invest in new ways to market & promote it, and pray for the best. I just do what I can to give everyone my best version of me and keep my music genuine and real. I try to keep my fans updated on all my social media platforms and look for any opportunities to get my brand out there. Other then that, I’ll just keep making music that heartfelt and has a great vibe.
Who have you been listening to lately?
I listen to what my kids are listening too and a lot of 80’s and early 90’s music. (Some 70’s as well) I think that’s when music was still emotionally charged and still had meaning. I like a lot of unsigned artist music as well, an artist I met at gigs. The music is so good, I wish I knew how to get it out. Not just for myself, but there is so many talented artists with such good music, the world is missing out on. As soon as I find that path, I’m definitely bringing a lot of people with me. I think we don’t have enough of that, but change starts from within. So I’ll be that guy, God blesses us to be a blessing to others.
Who are your biggest influences?
I have people in my life that were dealt a really tough hand but managed to make the most of it. That’s who influences me, along with helping me stay motivated. If certain people I know can go through the things they went through and still manage to find peace and happiness. Then there’s no reason for me, that’s why I’m always happy. I’ve learned a long time ago to know situations are temporary, keep the faith, and stay coarse. Trust that God has a plan and He would never put you through anything you couldn’t handle.
Tell us about your passions
My passions are really anything that I do, I have to be the beat at it. No matter what it is, my father taught me that whatever I do? That’s my signature in life, I did it and if you gave it your all, you have no reason to feel bad. At the end of the day, I have to answer to the man in the mirror. When you can’t look that person in the eye, then you have real problems. Always stay true to yourself and never do anything half-fast. Give it your all and don’t hold back, good things will happen.
What else is happening next in your world?
Right now, I’m just finishing up the album that I’m working on. I still have a full-time job that takes 60-70 hours a week from me, a family to guide and be there for, and I’m still working on my script for a book/ movie. So my plate stays full, but never full enough to not have time for you or anyone else that wants to know about my music. One thing about life is, you never know when it’s your time. When family and friends tell me I need rest I tell them, “I’ll get enough sleep when I die.” Until then I’m going to keep on grinding and helping as many people as I can. Love my family and friends with all my heart and try my best to stay healthy. Keep giving God His glory and continue to pray for the world. That’s all I can do, but what’s up? Did you get something for me? LOL
Thanks for an awesome interview, David Sotomayor
Connect with David Sotomayor
Website: https://linktr.ee/DaveandTheFamilyHustleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.sotomayor.338Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/david.sotomayor.338Youtube: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=JFiMD-dTkK4&feature=shareLinkedIn: https://linktr.ee/DaveandTheFamilyHustleSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bolden-enterprises/priceless-dave-the-familyReverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/davethefamilyhustle