Australian triple threat (singer, songwriter, guitar virtuoso) David Champagne makes his Halifax debut at The Carleton on Sunday, August 13th. Show time is 7 PM and, because it’s his first show in our fair city, admission is only $10 at the door. That’s a pretty good deal to discover an artist as extraordinary as this one. Local songwriter Jon Hines will open the show.
The story goes that the young Australian singer, songwriter and one-of-a-kind guitar virtuoso first picked up his instrument of choice as a five-year-old following in the footsteps of a musical father. He began writing songs at 12, training classically throughout his teens and performing solo wherever he could, honing his craft and developing what would become the dynamite live show that he is renowned for today. At 18 he left school, turned professional and hit the road.
Since then, he’s traversed North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, New Zealand and of course, his homeland Australia playing festivals like Vancouver and Mariposa Folk (Canada), Belgium’s Labadoux Festival and Australia’s Woodford, Falls Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival and the legendary Byron Bay Bluesfest while writing, producing and independently releasing two Eps, My Own Design (2009) and Wide Eyed and Open (2010), his first long player Pint of Mystery (2011) and the ‘Real Live’ offering in 2012. As one reviewer recently wrote, “still in his early twenties, the distances he has been would be more frequently associated with veterans of the Folk scene” (The Dwarf).
This globetrotting lifestyle would become the centerpiece of Daniel’s next recordings when in 2013, he undertook the ambitious task of delivering two stand-alone albums within the space of twelve months. The Gypsy Moon – Volumes I and II marked a great leap forward for him both as a songwriter and a recording artist, with Australia’s roots music bible Rhythms Magazine saying that ‘Champagne has gone a step further this time, it’s like he’s realized his own potential, his confidence is sky-high and he’s truly ready to explore.’ His latest, Fault Lines, was released in April 2017.
He’s now rightly regarded as a leading light in acoustic music, with a firm reputation for making festivals buzz, holding crowds in his palm, dropping jaws and breaking guitars wherever he goes. Daniel has recently relocated to North America where he continues his exciting career as an international touring and recording artist.
Cape Breton based singer songwriter has had some positive responses through the industry that include showcases for ECMAs and Music NS in previous years. In 2008 he recorded his debut CD titled Gary the Bus Driver which is available on iTunes. His CD helped him open some doors through the Maritimes, branching out into surrounding provinces for some short tours. News was getting out about this guitar player with radio interviews and podcasts, helping to spread the news.
With some momentum under his belt, Jon decided to record a follow up record titled Colours in 2012.
In 2016, after that hiatus Jon picked up his guitar again for the first time in years, started writing and discovered a new voice; he found he has something to say again. Experiencing life, love and loss. Asking questions, growing, maturing as an artist, songwriter and player. He started recording a new record and with our first taste of the new material posted one thing is for certain, this musical journey that we share together, is not over.