David Michael Celia shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
David Michael, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I’m very much a creature of habit, it turns out, also a bit of a morning person. I find it’s the time my brain is most clear, though I have recently made the switch to tea instead of coffee in the morning, so that’s been an adjustment! The first 90 minutes are pretty straightforward in my day, breakfast and tea at the kitchen table, and it’s the time I focus most on answering and writing emails. I’ll also brainstorm everything I need to do that day and write a list in the reminders app that I can check off throughout the day. I’ll also mix a bit of news reading, YouTube watching, and giving attention to my cat, as she walks all over my laptop.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure! I’m a composer, record producer, multi-instrumentalist out of my own studio, Tape Path Productions. I am also the founder and head operator of the Vinyl Record Label, F-Spot Records. I’ve definitely found that I split my music creativity into the various aspects I’m most passionate about, be it composing for TV & Film, or writing, producing, and mixing songs influenced by my love of the ’60s and ’70s and all the great music to come out of those decades. In my TV & Film work, I’ll cross many genres, ranging from writing for “classic” instruments and full orchestration to getting deep into modular synthesis, sound design, and the rabbit hole that entails. In my record production life, I find myself going in the opposite direction, finding gritty sounds, using analog tape, and approaching it from a very analog/vintage gear point of view. My love for Jazz, Funk, and the various forms it has evolved around the world led me to start F-Spot Records, which is a boutique vinyl record label based here in Los Angeles. We’re going on 10 years now with over 40 7″ vinyl records and coming up on our 10th 12″ LP release. It’s truly a labor of love that continues to grow and reach more and more people around the world. Currently, I am scoring the BBC show Death In Paradise, which is entering its 15th season, while planning the rest of this year and some of next year’s releases on F-Spot, including a 7″ from my own musical project, The Bombillas, coming this winter, which I’m very excited to finally be released!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I definitely strive to stay humble and not overpower any situation, but I may say… growing up, I spent most of my young musical life playing drums. I remember a time in 6th grade, my brother (he played guitar) and I performed at a school talent show. Being the drummer up on stage and having the auditorium cheer me on, that was a powerful feeling. It was again later in high school that I realized the music I was creating, writing, and recording with my friends gave me that same sense of power and fulfillment. I guess that’s why I’ve stayed the course and have never looked back.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was. It was probably in my mid 20’s. I think it’s a tough time and a period of reflection for most people. I was barely getting by, teaching music lessons, playing in bands, doing random gigs etc… At the time, there sure was fun to be had, but I didn’t see the real passion of playing smelly bars or anything leading anywhere. I was looking at leaving LA, maybe going back to school, maybe switching everything up, music or not, I didn’t know. It was around that time that I made the conscious decision to keep pressing on and take action harder. My New Year’s resolution every year started to become “do more”. I took the small amount of money I received from a sync placement to invest in myself, start the record label, and dive harder into my real passion, composing, and it’s been uphill ever since.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’ve recently started on a solo album, something that is true to myself, at least at this point in my musical adventure. It can be challenging to find the time, but I’ve been making progress in my downtime. I’m committed to seeing it through, even if it takes a few years! My belief in making music for the sake of making music and not caring what others say or think will always continue. If it’s in you, express yourself.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
It’s probably the first few seconds of entering my studio each day. I close the door from the outside, and all goes quiet. The intense, fast-paced life of Los Angeles and its people/traffic all go away. It’s calm, peaceful, silent. I turn on the lights, see my gear, and feel at peace. Now, let’s get to work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.davidmichaelcelia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmichaelcelia/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-michael-celia/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidmichaelcelia
- Other: https://www.fspotrecords.com
https://www.instagram.com/fspotrecords/
https://www.youtube.com/@fspotrecords
Image Credits
Gregory Ullery
