David Ferrard is a young Scottish American singer-songwriter based in Edinburgh, Scotland. His voice has been compared to James Taylor and John Denver and his writing to Woody Guthrie and John Prine. His songs tell stories about his and others' lives, and are marked by a strong commitment to social justice and peace.
An ability to get under the skin of different characters and to convery these stories in song has won him songwriting and performance competitions (Celtic Connections 2006, Burnsong 2007). He is a popular local performer in his hometown, Edinburgh, where he regularly sells out shows, and is becoming an established act on the UK festival circuit. In 2007 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe he sold out 24 consecutive nights.
2008: Broken Sky - debut album
David's debut album, Broken Sky, has been released in Scotland and sees its UK/Europe release this May. The album has received glowing reviews, named Album Of The Week by The Sunday Herald, BBC Radio Scotland's Iain Anderson Show, & Celtic Music Radio. Broken Sky was recorded at Glasgow's foremost studio, Ca Va Sound, where many great Scottish bands (Belle and Sebastian, Capercaillie) have recorded. David was approached at the end of 2006 by producer Brian Young (John Martyn, Runrig) to record his debut album at Brian's studio. David jumped at the offer. The album is to be released on the independent Glasgow label, Flamingo West (www.flamingowest.co.uk). A host of great musicians feature on the album including Karine Polwart (vocals), Alan Thomson (bass, slide guitar), Josh Goforth (fiddle, mandolin, vocals), Alyn Cosker (drums), Sandy Butler (guitar), James Ross (piano), Karen Dietz and Yvonne Lyon (vocals). David is touring the album at present.
A festival favourite
David has become a regular act on the UK festival circuit, playing some of the most prestigious folk festivals in the country, including: Celtic Connections, Towersey, Gosport & Fareham, Beverley, Fylde, Raise Your Banners, the Wickerman, the Big Green Gathering, Shepley, Wickham and Knockengorroch. Wherever David plays he makes new fans and sells dozens of CDs. His Edinburgh Festival Fringe show, Scottish Folk Roots And Offshoots, sold out for 24 consecutive nights in 2007.
Amazing supports
Some of the musicians David has recently supported include: Richie Havens, Richard Thompson, Roy Bailey, Dick Gaughan, Julie Felix, Martyn Joseph, and The Handsome Family.
Music & Activism
As well as concert gigs David often takes his music to campaign groups and political rallies, opening for anti-war and peace meetings. Some of the speakers he has recently shared the platform with are: Tony Benn, Bill Bailey, Tommy Sheridan and Rose Gentle. He was the singer in residence on Scotland For Peace's Long Walk For Peace in September 2006.
Songs For Change
David runs a topical songwriting project called Songs For Change which staged its first event in November 2004: a 12 hour song-a-thon featuring over 100 musicians playing non-stop political music to call for change in the US presidential elections. David has put on gigs for visiting artists with political material including David Rovics and Tom Neilson. He ran the Songs For Change Songwriting Competition in 2006 to collect new anti-war songs and peace anthems. Over 100 such songs from all over the world have been submitted to the website (www.songsforchange.com) and songs continue to be sent in.
Not In Our Name CD
David has released a compilation CD of folk songs about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Not In Our Name, with all profits going to Stop The War Coalition. This CD features songs by the following artists: Eliza Gilkyson, Dick Gaughan, Robb Johnson, Rory McLeod, Leon Rosselson, Jez Lowe, Amy Martin, Roy Bailey, Jose, Pat Humphries & Sandy O, and Mark Erelli. All of the above kindly donated their recordings to the album, which was released in November 2007 to critical acclaim. You can order the CD from www.songsforchange.com .
Organiser extraordinaire
As well organising Songs For Change, David has also put on fundraisers (for the Tsunami disaster) and memorials (marking the first anniversary of the destruction of Fallujah, Iraq). As Chair of Edinburgh Rush 2005 David put on a nine-day grassroots festival of music, theatre, film and spoken word events involving dozens of local artists and performers.
Edinburgh Folk Club
Since Septemer 2005 David has been Vice Chair of the Edinburgh Folk Club where he frequently supports (musically!) visiting artists such as Martin Simpson, Roy Bailey, Dick Gaughan and Julie Felix.
The future
David is booking gigs for 2008/2009. To book or make an enquiry about a booking e-mail: info@davidferrard.com
