A Chat with Dave Curl (06.03.25)
Dave Curl describes his music as an intimate blend of raw emotion, acoustic rock, and powerful rhythms, shaped by his personal experiences and struggles. Despite his growing success, he remains grounded, continuing to experiment with genre-blending sounds and drawing inspiration from his diverse cultural roots, with a focus on vulnerability and self-growth in his lyrics. We caught up with the music artist to discuss all things music.
OSR: Dave, your music blends so many genres, from folk to pop and rock. How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard your music before?
Curl: I’d describe it as a typical Dave Curl acoustic rock sound – a blend of raw emotion with stripped-down guitars and a rhythm that feels like it’s just breathing alongside the lyrics. It’s the kind of sound that feels intimate yet full of power.
OSR: ‘Fool in Love’ is such a personal song, written years ago but only now coming to life. What made you decide it was the right time to release this track?
Curl: It’s funny, I feel like it wasn’t really me who decided the time was right for this song to come out – it was more like the song decided that the moment had arrived. I rewrote it a couple of times and struggled to find the right pre-chorus. It definitely took its time, but I guess that’s just how it goes sometimes. You can’t rush the music; it finds its own way.
OSR: You mentioned that ‘Fool in Love’ reflects the confusion and insecurity you felt in your twenties. What were some of the emotional struggles you experienced during that time?
Curl: In my 20s, I was caught in a whirlwind of trying to figure out who I was and what I wanted from life. I was constantly searching for answers, questioning my place in the world, and that emotional struggle really fuelled a lot of my writing during that time.
OSR: How has your approach to songwriting evolved over the years, particularly when reflecting on themes of love, growth, and societal issues?
Curl: The initial spark for a song hasn’t really changed; it just kind of comes to me out of nowhere, like a fleeting idea that I have to grab. I usually record a quick voice note on my phone to capture it. But over the years, what’s changed is how much more effort I put into shaping it into something cohesive. I work hard on fitting the lyrics together, trying to make sense of the story and rewriting it until everything clicks. The experience of knowing that I will eventually find the right path for the song helps, too.
OSR: Your vocals have this raw, emotive quality. How do you tap into those emotions when performing such vulnerable songs?
Curl: Tapping into the emotions of my songs is something that comes fairly naturally to me. I draw from my own life experiences or from things I’ve witnessed that moved me deeply. I always write from a personal point of view, so when I sit down to write, it’s just about recalling those emotions and putting myself back in those moments. It’s a way of channelling those feelings and hopefully delivering the right emotion through the song.
OSR: With over 1.5 million Spotify streams, how do you stay grounded in the face of growing success?
Curl: The 1.5 million Spotify streams came from years of hard work, releasing around 30 singles, two albums, and two EPs. It’s pretty surreal to know there’s a fan base out there that connects with my music. But at the same time, the music industry is a tough world to navigate. There’s always pressure to find something new, and there’s rarely any peace or sense of stability. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but when you see how the industry works, it can be disheartening. It’s a bittersweet feeling.
OSR: Who were some of your musical influences growing up, and do you still draw inspiration from them in your music today?
Curl: I feel incredibly fortunate to have grown up during such a rich and creative time for music, especially in the ’80s and ’90s. That period was a goldmine of incredible sounds, and I can still remember how the music from legends like Chris Rea, Eurythmics, The Police and U2 touched me deeply. Their music was so powerful that it shaped my childhood, teenage years, and even my 20s. That sense of magic in music is something I still carry with me today.
OSR: You have a diverse background with Swiss, English, and Australian roots. How have these cultural influences shaped your sound and creative process?
Curl: Living in Switzerland keeps me grounded and organised – there’s a certain structure to life there. But then there’s the influence of my English and Australian sides, which keeps me creative, spontaneous, and a little bit wild. That balance between order and chaos is essential for creating music, especially when you’re an independent artist like I am. It’s all about finding that harmony in your own process.
OSR: What’s the most important message or feeling you want listeners to take away from your music, especially tracks like ‘Fool in Love’?
Curl: Follow your heart, make mistakes, and believe in yourself. Don’t shy away from working on yourself and embracing your feelings. It’s okay to be vulnerable, and it’s through those moments that you’ll truly grow.
OSR: With Lockdown – Seven Nations and your other albums, you’ve been able to experiment with different sounds. What’s next for you musically? Can we expect more genre-blending and experimentation in future releases?
Curl: I have a Swiss-English song coming out soon, which I’m really excited about. It’s a song I wrote back in my 20s, and it’s come back to me in a new light. I’m also considering exploring more Swiss German in the future because people have been telling me how much they enjoy hearing me sing in both languages. As for my sound, I don’t think it’ll change drastically. I’ll continue blending folk, rock, and pop elements into my music, stretching and experimenting within that mix as I go.
Find out more about Dave Curl on his Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
