About That Song: Davina
About That Song #47
In our special series, singer-songwriter Sarah Morris interviews artists about the songs that shaped them.
Hi! I’m Sarah Morris. I’m wildly in love with songs and the people who write them. There have been a few songs in my life that have been total gamechangers—songs that made me want to be a songwriter and songs I’ve written that made me feel like I am a songwriter. About That Song is a space where I can learn more about those pivotal songs in other writers’ lives.
In the 47th edition of our special series, I was overjoyed to connect with Davina of the vintage yet edgy jazz-blues group Davina and The Vagabonds to ask her about formative songs in her musical journey.
Davina. Photo credit: Christie Williams.
Sarah: Hi Davina! I’m a bit of a superfan—of your effortlessly dynamic and captivating live performances, your kindness and sense of play—so it is thrilling to 1) know that you have a new album coming for all of our ears and 2) get to chat with you a bit About That Song. Or THOSE songs perhaps—the ones that led you to the release of Shoot For The Moon, which you are celebrating with a fantastic show at Ordway Center for the Arts on May 31.
First, do you remember the song that you heard that made you want to be a songwriter? Tell us about that song.
Davina: “Ruby Tuesday.” It’s funny, although written about a love lost (Keith Richards being dumped), I took it as a freedom call for me to get out of the small armpit town I grew up in. I knew there was more out there for me … just because of the feels that song gave me. Little 16-year-old Davina was ready.
Although the original is amazing, I actually didn’t fall in love with the Rolling Stones version. I fell in love with Melanie’s cover of it. (“Melanie” Safka, a singer-songwriter in the late 60s.) She was a huge influence on me growing up. She instilled in me the idea I could express myself with songwriting and singing. Ironically she didn't write that song, but she for sure made it her own—which I think is another gift.
Sarah: Absolutely. Some people are specifically gifted with otherworldly interpretive powers.
Davina: She does a killer Dylan’s “Lay Lady Lay” too.
Sarah: Ooh, I look forward to listening to both of these. Once you began writing, did you feel like a writer immediately? Was there a song that gave you that “a-HA! I AM a songwriter!” moment? Tell us about that song.
Davina: I still don’t think I’m a songwriter. I never think I’m good at anything TBH. But I mostly enjoy the process. I enjoy the fact I can communicate easier with lyrics and melody. People seem to listen more when you sing your testimonies.
Sarah: A lot of songwriters I’ve interviewed have shared similar sentiments in response to that question. Some embrace the identity as a matter of fact, and some still feel a ways away from it. As a listener, of course I am shouting/cheering right now OH YOU ARE YOU ARE AN EXCELLENT SONGWRITER.
I also find it easier to communicate with lyrics and melody, and I think enjoying the process—well, that’s just about the best thing around.
Congratulations on the release of your new album! In the lead single, “Find My Love,” you take the listener on a little walk on a stoney street with all manner of swagger and play and a determination to “Find My Love.” With a sharp, bold pencil behind the lyrics, a big beating heart in the production, and a deeply catchy melody, I was immediately hooked. Can you tell us about that song?
Davina: I’m tired. I’ve lived a full 45 years. It, at times, leaves me dull and loveless. Almost like a feeling of giving up. I am, for sure, at some crossroads in my life. But I’m starting to feel that crack of light again and am determined to get my heart back—determined to not let the BS squash my hopes and freedom of love. That’s what this song is about. I gotta find my love. I just have to, Sarah. It's not a person, it's not a place. It simply is love and I gotta find it.
Sarah: Oh, that resonates for me so strongly. It simply is love. And I am enchanted by the idea that even more than that it is your love, and there would be my love. Here’s to you, and the getting back of your heart.
I’ve heard that you think of the new album as an old-school mixtape—that was once upon a time my favorite way to tell someone I thought they were the bee’s knees, so I’m glad you’re bringing it back. With its mix of covers and originals, I’m curious—was there a song that sparked this project, whether cover or original?
Davina. Photo credit: Christie Williams.
Davina: I couldn’t write much during the Big Break i.e. pandemic. I pushed myself to learn songs I’ve loved over the years, songs that I’ve wanted to arrange for the band. Eventually, I got the writing bug here and there. Together it’s a mixtape for me. TBH all of my albums are mixtapes. A snapshot of what I wanna share with my beautiful fans, family, and friends.
Sarah: We all get your mixtape! Thank you!
The first verse of “Mighty Scar” has a particularly vivid sense of place, and a viscerality that appears in much of your lyrics: “I guess our arms kept sticking to the bar / We all hummed the same tunes / Didn’t mind the smell of the room.” Tell us about that song.
Davina: “Mighty Scar” is where I came from in my small town. The start of my addiction—wanting to feel a sense of belonging with people that are just as lonely as you, even if your surroundings are not the best. You’ll accept that just to be with people who listen or understand.
I struggle to this day with a sense of belonging and loneliness. At times I think I sit in it too long. That’s where it gets scary, but for some reason there’s a comfort in it for me. Sometimes down feels like home. Crazy how feeling low can have comfort in it. Sometimes it’s all I know.
Sarah: Offering up that story feels like a profound gift to your listeners. Thank you. In addition to the release show, what’s your summer touring schedule look like? Are you Shooting for the Moon while celebrating your new album? (Sarah Morris is here for word nerdery forever).
Davina: I’m not working a ton. Edinburgh, some Midwest shows. I’m planning on touring super soon, but just breathing a bit through the summer.
Sarah: Wonderful. Breathing a bit sounds wise and good. Thank you so much for talking with me, Davina. And again—congratulations on the album. It’s a stunner.
Listen to “Find My Love”
Shoot For The Moon Album Credits
Executive Producer - Davina Sowers | Producer - Becca Lozier | Co-Producer - Davina Sowers | Recording and Mixing by Becca Lozier @ Lewshwa Music Studio, Minneapolis, MN | All songs written by Davina Sowers (except where noted) | Davina Sowers - vocals / piano / melodica | Connor McRae Hammergren - vocals / drums | Becca Lozier - trumpet | Graydon Peterson - upright bass | Matthew Hanzelka - trombone
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Morris. Photo credit: Tom Smouse.
Sarah Morris is a superfan of songs and the people who write them, and a believer that certain songs can change your life. A singer-songwriter / mama / bread maker / coffee drinker who recently released her fifth album of original material, she’s been known to joyfully sing with people in her Big Green Bathroom.
