Desmond Allen

Story

I’m a singer songwriter who crosses several genres: Folk-Country, Ballads, Folk-Rock, Blues, and 50’s Style Classic Rock. I’m primarily a guitar player with more than 50 years experience, but I also play bass and other stringed instruments, as well as a little keyboard and harmonica if needed.

Profile

Instruments

Genres

Influences

Equipment

Languages

What is music to you? What does it give you?

I enjoy playing and creating music more than I listening to it.

What is your music dream?

For other musicians to cover and record some of my songs.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

Build strong family units.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

"Yellow Polka Dot Bikini"

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Beatles, Willie Nelson, BB King, Kris Kristofferson,Robert Johnson, Eric Clapton, Lois Armstrong, Dean Martin, Doris Day

What inspires you to make music?

As for songwriting, sometimes a thought or a phrase comes to mind, or I play a lick on the guitar that seems to need a song around it.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Strong relationships.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Confident, yet still a bit nervous.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

As far back as you can go in history, musicians, as a whole, have always been devalued, even Mozart was unappreciated by his king and died penniless. Because there are so many very talented musicians (other than the few who land big promotion deals) I do not see this changing in the future.

What do you think of Drooble?

Interesting place to interact and exchange ideas with other musicians.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

The confusing processes in place for distributing and monetizing your music .

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

I go to an occasional concert.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

Perseverance

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

John Doohan, Santa Rosa, California