Davis IL

Question: Do You Trust the Art or the Artist?

The question pops up when listening to Davis IL. A zelig of both Northern &amp; Southern California music scenes, he grew out of San Francisco with the band <a href="spotify:artist:2Ak1yDSN0a8SSUTFSLirC2" data-name="Growwler">Growwler</a> before an eventual move to Los Angeles signaled work as a sideman with acts like <a href="spotify:artist:6QCJlDImUdyqBFXcMvm52U" data-name="Jaime Wyatt">Jaime Wyatt</a> &amp; <a href="spotify:artist:3uCmGQUSAkY2BvcrhMLLzE" data-name="Tropa Magica">Tropa Magica</a>. Soaking up the heady weirdness &amp; modern sheen of each town, he released a duo of singles in 2020 (“All That’s Solid/Queenie Pie”) meant to be played loud &amp; leads one to believe a love child of Ozzy &amp; Elton- but raised by Angel Olsen- exists.

The album “Half-wild” followed on the only Friday the 13th in 2021. Its contents inspired by genre-agnostic playlists of the day: combining acid rock with cosmic pop &amp; electro rhythms. 

“It was recorded modularly as the song collection developed &amp; that affected every cut” he said. “Each one a mini movie in itself shifting through different genres. The title ‘Half-wild’ represents one’s dual personality &amp; the multidirectional changes in the songs.”

An album you have to play twice before listening. A sequencing that makes the listener feel appreciated with twists &amp; turns, highs &amp; lows, &amp; plenty of drama burned into them. “What would make me happiest is someone shutting the door to their room, putting headphones on or cranking the speakers up, &amp; giving it a solid full listen,” he said. “Albums can be a daily rabbit hole- a journey that takes you places as long as you’re down for the ride.

Answer: Play Twice Before Listening