DAVE BALDWIN'S "TIME"
TO TALK
1) Hi Dave! Some people might know you from your former band: Tradia. Which released a couple of records filled with pompish tunes in a Styx vein. Why you boys disbanded? Anyway, as I can read in the credits of your first solo effort, you are still in contact with some of them?
Well to begin TRADIA is still intact. We are in the midst of recording a new record (which is yet unnamed). It’s a bit more aggressive then the TRADIA of the past, but we are very excited about it. Also as you can tell, some of the guys played on ‘TIME’ so I do have a lot of contact with them.

2.) Why did you decided to pusue a solo career? Possibly this more organic, acoustic and introspective sound didn't fit Tradia standards?
I decided to do ‘TIME’ on my own because (as you noted in your review), the music is so different. It is a style that I have written for quite a long time, and one that I am very comfortable writing. I just could not see TRADIA recording some of the songs, so I put it together on my own.

3.) So this is something that has came up naturally, as a result of a songwritting maturity process?
I think, at least for me, It was a natural step. As I said I have been writing songs for a long time, and I think that I am really learning how to put what I FEEL into a song. I think that when you listen to a song that makes you feel what the writer feels, then you can really understand the song.

4.) Could you tell the reader which are your favourite songs in "Time".?
Favorites….Well SWEET SISTER is one, I also love OPEN UP…I really don’t know if I have a favorite, I like them all. I would even say that some of my favorites have been written SINCE the CD has been released


Read a review of Dave Baldwin's latest opus "Time".
 5.) Will you tour to promote this record, at least in the States?
There is not any real ‘tour’ here. I am concentrating more on distribution (mostly for Europe and Japan). We are playing often, throughout the NJ, NYC and the East coast, but nothing major.

6.) But I know you play a lot in the club scene near New Jersey, where you live?
Clubs have always been great to me. I can’t even tell you how many of these clubs I’ve played over the last 7 or 8 years, probably 50 clubs in the tri-state area (NJ, NY, PA, MA, DEL) and the response has always been very positive.

7.) As you have said, you are always writting new material. Do you have plans to release a second solo album?
Well, continuing from #4, I don’t have any short term plans to release anything new. I am actually recording a number of songs for other artists and publishers. I am writing a variety of styles, and having a great time doing it. I will probably begin preproduction for another record in the winter of 1998, with hopes of releasing another CD early in 2000.

8.) Well, let's leave behind your musical life for a while. How's life for Dave Baldwin right now? As we all can see by the pictures in the booklet you enjoy your family life?

Life is Great, if you can’t tell from some of these answers, I’m having a blast. I really felt (when I finished this record) that it was a great expression of my life, the ups and the downs. Fortunately for me I’m at the ‘ups’ stage right now. In regards to the photos...I think they were a way for me to show appreciation and respect for my family, they have ALWAYS supported what I do musically.

9.) By the way, there is a song, a very mellow and sentimental ballad, dedicated to your sister. What happenned to her?
My sister passed away when I was younger, it was, and still is a very difficult thing for me. Sweet Sister allowed me to get some type of closure. In fact I think I made this record just so people would hear Sweet Sister. I think that, this is what music is about...it’s meant to affect people, when someone loses a loved one they feel alone, I know, maybe if they hear a song like Sweet Sister, then they’ll know they are not really alone.

10.) Finally, do you like any young acts from the present musical scene?
I do like a number of acts that are out now Matchbox 20, Tonic, etc... Billy Meyers, the new Goo Goo Dolls is great

11.) An what about the classic. Which are your biggest influences?
My main influence... Freddy Mercury. Of course Journey, Styx, Kansas, Boston all of the classic greats

Thanks a lot Dave!





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