Dave Desmelik has established himself as an accomplished and rising singer/songwriter whose music might best be described as Americana or Alt/Country. Drawing upon influences from country to bluegrass to blues to rock n’ roll, Desmelik writes and performs a unique blend of songs.
Growing up in Alpharetta, Georgia, music affected Dave early. He started playing bass guitar in his high school jazz band, as well as cello in his high school orchestra, while also learning the guitar. Playing guitar, writing music, and singing songs became a part of Dave’s life, but it wasn’t until he moved to Flagstaff, Arizona that his songwriting would really take hold. During his time in Arizona, Dave played and wrote songs with such acts as The John Treitor Band, Big Jim and the Twins, and Onus B. Johnson. Onus B Johnson has released two CDs, “Johnson Family Jewels” (1998) and “Box of Moonlight” (2000) on which Dave’s songwriting is a key ingredient. Dave has released six independent CDs, “Move On” (1998), “Have Another” (2001), “Afterthoughts” (2003), “When Your Eyes Are Closed” (2005), “Unheard Of” (2007) and “Onlooker” (2009).
Dave returned to his southeastern roots in 2003, and is currently living in western North Carolina, where he has been performing regionally as a solo artist and with his band. At the present time, Dave Desmelik continues to write songs and play music that is consistent and identifiable to his growing fan base.
Some Career Highlights and Awards
-“Unheard Of” voted #16 best new regional release of 2007 by the listeners of WNCW.
-“Unheard Of” reached #16 on the EuroAmericana chart for June 2007.
-“Best of 2006” local artist (Alt/Country) Mountain Xpress readers’ poll.
-“When Your Eyes Are Closed” reached #6 on the EuroAmericana chart for January 2006.
-“When Your Eyes Are Closed” reached #12 on the Freeform American Roots chart for January of 2006.
-“When Your Eyes Are Closed” reached #19 on the Roots Music Report (Folk) for January of 2006.
-“When Your Eyes Are Closed” voted in top 100 releases of 2005, #13 best regional by listeners of WNCW
-Featured artist on “The United State of Americana” Vol. 2 compilation CD (Shut Eye Records).
-Included on “Crowd Around the Mic” Vol. 9 compilation CD (WNCW).
-Winner of the 2004 Asheville “Make a Wish” Foundation songwriter shootout.
-Winner of the 2002 FAME (Flagstaff Awards for Music Excellence) award for best singer/songwriter.
-Onus B. Johnson voted Flagstaff’s best band three times.
-Onus B. Johnson was a band finalist at the 2001 Telluride Bluegrass Festival band competition.
“An unpretentious approach to songwriting and performance, gritty and generic without being predictable, Desmelik’s songs show an excellent range.” –americana-uk.com
www.davedesmelik.com
www.myspace.com/davedesmelik
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