Watkyns is best known for his performances with Arno Carstens and he is still a member of the Springbok Nude Girls.
His session playing and songwriting credits include Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike and the Mechanics), Jack Hardman (Good Boy), Zolani Mahola (Freshlyground), Judith Sephuma, Jimmy Dludu, and upcoming Gabriela Diamond.
David has performed across Africa, Europe and Asia, including Isle of Wight Festival (UK), St Paul's Cathedral (UK), Oppikoppi (SA), Rocking the Daisies (SA), and winner of MELA Award for Contribution by Youth to South African Music Industry.
His music is influenced by Peter Gabriel, Chet Baker, Johnny Clegg, The 1975, New Radicals and Paul Simon.
Watkyn’s music is story-driven with classic instrumentation, big trumpet solos, nostalgic
synthesizers and lyrics of love, lust and loss.
His new single Education is out now - and I caught up with him last week…
Songwriter, musician, entertainer.
Music is the one universal language we all understand and feel.
Connecting, escaping, enjoyment, freedom.
The musical journey never ends!
Swimming if I can’t see the bottom…
Gregg Alexander, Andrew Wyatt, Paul Simon and David Kramer.
I find inspiration in my everyday experiences and memories, my friends, and looking back at history.
Live performances. When I connect with strangers and friends in a unique moment. Special creative moments in the studio. Spending time with my family.
Magic. It's what the people want, and I’m happy to play it again and again!
Too many! I love interacting with the bandmates and sharing the ups and downs of live shows. Gears not working, falling over cables, forgetting lyrics, changing lyrics, technical errors… all part of the wonderful fun journey.
People that share their art and believes without hesitation, censorship or fear.
Prince, Harry Styles and Frank Sinatra.
Youtuber MrBeast is really inspiring with his relentless creativity, entertainment and philanthropy initiatives.
My wife Carina, and our son Finn Watkyns.
Depends on the occasion. But probably either Castle Light, SouthernComfort-Lime, or Jagermeister.
Glastonbury, Coachella
My voice and song-writing are unique, maybe my dance moves too - but not in a good way…
Duidelik David was a thing in high school, glad it ended.
Acting.
Adventurous, workaholic, unpredictable, passionate, patient.
On TV, football and a bit of Friends. Otherwise music and podcasts (Tape Notes, And The Writer Is, Fader Uncovered)
Notting Hill.
Dune by Frank Herbert, before that was Elton Johns ME.
There Will Never Be Another You by Chet Baker
You Get What You Give by New Radicals
Sincerity Is Scary by The 1975
My wife Carina, my son Finn, my family/friends, my bandmates and creative team.
Yes.
Visit and perform in New York.
Becoming a dad, becoming a husband and becoming a solo artist.
Traffic.
Heights and disability.
Content, comfort and creativity
Go flipping wild. Express every emotion I feel. Take risks. Connect. Give me all to the audience.
Live in the now, not the “what if”
Joining forces with Arno Carstens and parenthood.
I work with a lot of young songwriters and musicians that don’t have access or knowledge to produce their own ideas. I look to empower their creativity and give them insight into how the industry works.
Keep writing better and better songs, reach a wider audience and have a wonderful relationship with family and friends.