Eclectic indie-folk singer/songwriter Dave Von Bieker is looking forward to bringing his energetic stage show and thought–provoking lyrics to the Music in the Forest series, taking place Saturday, June 24 at Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park.
While some musicians crave large audiences, Von Bieker prefers to play in scaled-down, intimate settings which he says enable him to get up close and personal with his fans.
“Small outdoor shows are some of my favourites because the people are so friendly and really get into the performance,” he stated, referring to the smaller stage shows as “listening rooms.”
Influences from Bono and Cohen to Hall & Oates
Von Bieker’s brand of indie-folk, which is also infused with other styles, has been described as having the ability to haunt the listener’s heart. The Edmonton-based musician has had a plethora of musical legends from which to draw his inspiration, ranging from legendary Canadian folkie Bruce Cockburn, the late, great Leonard Cohen, Glen Hansard, as well as Bono of U2 fame. He says those inspirational artists shine a poetic light on the little things in life and take him out of the everyday to something considerably more transcendent.
He also admits to being a fan of the 80s music.
“I absolutely love 1980s pop music for its hooks, especially groups like Talking Heads and Hall and Oates, which get stuck in my head and make their way into my live sets,” he confessed, adding that the styles and brilliance of countless popular artists have served as a creative muse over the years. “Blend in a good dose of retro guitar grooves from artists like Bahamas and Andy Shauf and you’ve got all the ingredients for a Von Bieker performance.”
Retaining the theme of keeping things small, these days, when he isn’t hitting the road, Von Bieker can be found at home, which doubles as the headquarters for his studio, aptly named Small Enough Recordings. His latest musical offering, DUMB HOPE, is nearing completion.
“I’ve been recording this record in my home studio, as well as with Paul Zacharias at Wheelhouse Sound in High River. We’ll come together for a few days, then take what we’ve made home, sit with it, and add to it as the ideas come,” he explained. “This is my first time co-producing a record this way and it’s turning into a collection of 12 songs I’m really proud of and could not have done on my own.
It’s no secret that producing a record is no cheap affair, with huge investments in not only money, but also time. To offset the costs of his latest project, Von Bieker will soon be setting out on his first leg of the DUMB HOPE ROADSHOW.
The indie musician says the tour — already filling up with intimate dates in halls, campgrounds, backyards, and even living rooms — will give existing and new fans the opportunity to hear some of his latest tunes. It will also be a way for the musician to raise a few dollars to help offset expenses tied to the new record.
“I launched this project with a crowdfunding campaign that raised over $6,000 and that’s taken me far, but not to the end. Now I’m leaning on community again to get these 12 songs out into the world, which seems appropriate for a project about the positive power of community.”
Von Bieker made clear that the name for his most recent recording was born out of the difficult years of the pandemic, when, it seemed, for most people at least, that hope and optimism for the future were at a premium.
“DUMB HOPE came to me first as a chorus to a new song that sings, “Dumb hope / it keeps me happy / but it keeps me broke” We’re living in a time when hope feels more important than ever,” he said, explaining the song as a hopeful view on the state of the world. “So much has changed in the world and there is so much apocalyptic news coming at us from every angle. To have hope in times like this feels naive – maybe even dumb. But it’s also critical.”
While Von Bieker has toured extensively around Alberta, the Music in the Forest stop is his first foray into this neck of the woods.
“I haven’t played in the Lac La Biche area before and I’m really looking forward to this because I love listening rooms. I weave a lot of stories and dry humour through my sets and that can be tough in a crowded, loud bar,” he stated. “Any time I can play a space full of people who maybe haven’t heard my music before, but are just there for great songs and stories - that’s my kind of room. I’m excited to meet many new people at the show – and excited for my first “glamping” experience with my wife at the campground too.
Tickets and Details
Details on tickets for the June 24 show can be found at Von Bieker's website or through Alberta Parks. Ticket prices start at $20, but there is also a 'name-your-price' option to help offset musician expenses.
The Music in the Forest musical series is a program created through Alberta Parks, bringing independent artists to Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park to highlight the arts and the environment.
