David George shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
David, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
In July of 2023, my son, Harrison, was born. He has a lot of his scientific interest from his mother, and musical style and love of music from his father… me!
I am an old father. In reality, having a kid at my age is a scary proposition. However, my wife and I “kind of” knew what we were getting into, and he has been nothing but a joy to watch grow and become a bigger and better human! He loves the Beatles. He made us watch the 1967 Beatles movie “Yellow Submarine” every day for weeks straight. I didn’t mind. Kind of like the time he wanted to sleep with the little guitar I gave him, my wife said no… I loved it! He has twinkled the ivories a few times, breaks into the “nah nah nah nah” part on “Hey Jude.” Every day is a joy from early morning wake-ups to putting him to sleep at night. He’s funny, bright, and joyous, and I couldn’t be happier!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Howdy! My name is David George, and I’m a musician, but also a playwright, a film writer, a filmmaker, and a composer. I have a nickname that very few people call me… but they still do. Especially if you’ve known me for a while. It’s Deege. I even had a band back in the ’90s called Deege!
Currently, I am working to bring something dear to me to the stage and eventually to the silver screen. It’s a play I wrote back in 2015 and have workshopped and performed in since. Currently, the show is in our second year at the Black Box in the West Bottoms of Kansas City. Last year, we put on five shows and sold out every night! This year, we’re doing fourteen and hoping to do the same!
The show is being produced by my company Moozer Music Inc, Black Box, and in support of Fishtank Theatre, a Kansas City non-profit. The show is about when cynical club owner Benni Deveaux realizes they might have to sell their struggling nightclub to pay off debts, a chaotic Christmas Eve show—and the misfit family who calls the place home—rekindles their faith in love, music, and the magic of belonging.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
It’s a strange response to the question, “Who taught me the most about work?” It was actually two people, but we were both working for the same person, the legendary John Fogerty. After spending many days and nights with the band members, the bassist, David Santos, told me about the time he ended up playing with another legend, Billy Joel. It all happened because he heard there was a chance Billy was thinking of going back out on tour. So, without any type of confirmation or even a conversation, he proceeded to learn EVERY song in Billy’s catalog, taking notes on it all. Then, chance came. He was friends with drummer Liberty Devito and got asked to play a few songs on VH1’s Songwriter show. Then, while the band was taking a break, Billy was taking requests from the audience, and some kid asked for a song that Billy couldn’t play without a bassist… Up pops David!
From there, every time we were in a van, or jumping on our jet to fly from city to city, one of the greatest rock drummers in the world (Kenny Aranoff) was sitting with a notepad and his laptop listening to music and taking notes. I asked him, “For what?” He never sat still! He was gearing up for a show with Eric Clapton and Lenny Kravitz after our tour and was doing preproduction! He had been touring so long that the thrill of being chauffeured or flying in a private jet meant little to nothing. He also tried to never have a day off. If he could, he would call up the local drum or music shop and book a seminar, rent a car, or have someone drive him.
The level I was playing at changed everything about what it took to be successful. I still struggle with what I need to do to be successful, though I’m focusing on something that is a lot different than just being a good musician. They were more geared to be studio or touring musicians; my goal was to write, record, and play as an artist like John. He taught me a lot, too, but that’s another story!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
YES!
I left the house I lived in LA, my car, my girlfriend, and work to move back to Kansas City. I had been back for about two years. While working at a famous Italian restaurant in KC, I decided to slow down, push the music to the side, almost a sort of hobby, and start working more doing events and other things (that wasn’t music). Then, one random night while on my way to a gig, my former manager called. He asked me if I would be interested in touring with John Fogerty. I actually gave it a thought, asked my current girlfriend and eventually wife, and then said yes. HELL YES! It was the job of a lifetime that took me across Canada, performing on Leno and Letterman, everything I only dreamed of doing.
I came so close to NOT doing music. I can’t say music has always provided me a living, but it’s definitely ingrained in my system.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
My Christmas musical came about in 2015. I am fully committed to its success on many levels. One is a source of income. Two, something my son can hold onto and say, “This is my dad!” Three, its message is that of love and acceptance, which seems to be missing in a lot of what’s around us right now.
And to toss in a little response to one of the choices to answer…
I am who I am from the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep, from the moment I’m on stage to sitting backstage to getting coffee at my favorite cafe. Although I do turn up the energy knob when I’m performing!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
There still seems to be the misconception of what it takes to make it in the industry, whether it’s film, TV, Stage, or music.
The reality is, you have to commit yourself and go all in, or it is nothing more than a side hustle/hobby. You have to be willing to starve for your art. Not that you will, but if you don’t give it all, you’re only partially committing yourself, and not giving your all is like sleepwalking through life. You’ll get somewhere, but it most likely won’t be where you wanted. No one is saying to starve and die, but you might have to start eating Taco Bell instead of Morton’s!
I know and have known so many people who thought they had great music, which most did/do, and thought that they’d get a knock on their door with a golden record contract and a limo to whisk them away! Doesn’t EVER happen like that. It takes 10,000 hours of doing your art and getting good at it. Otherwise, you’re fighting the current against thousands of others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.xmasaintadrag.com
- Instagram: @xmasaintadrag
- Twitter: xmasaintadrag
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christmasaintadrag
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@christmasaintadrag
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/christmasaintadrag
- Other: personal website: https://www.davidgeorgeband.com or https://www.stgeorgeandthedragons.com
Image Credits
Photography by Todd Zimmer
