Dave Murphy

Its a weird thing, writing a bio for yourself. Would that be considered an autobio? Anyway, the problem I find is to come up with things to say that are in some way relevant to the medium. I know, its not that complicated, I’m not Marshall McLuhan for Pete’s sake and I’m not applying for a loan here so maybe I should just tell you who I am and you can decide for yourself whether or not its even interesting let alone relevant. It all began in Glasgow, Scotland. That’s where I was born. I grew up in a suburb of Glasgow called East Kilbride, a nice town to the casual observer but to a young boy the perfect spot for adventure and excitement. Many were the days I spent exploring the Calder Glen with my Brothers and my best friend Chris. The Kings of Calderwood we called ourselves. At the age of ten a new page was turned as my Family emigrated to Canada. The moss covered foundation of an old bothy, which to the eyes of an eight year old can remarkably resemble the ruins of an ancient castle, and the thick forest of the Calder Glen gave way to the ravine behind a town house in Don Mills. Act two had certainly begun. In the weeks and years to follow I learned to mask my accent when as a young boy I wanted to simply fit in. Later of course, I sought to find it again when as an older person I became more inclined to stand out. I spent those years coming to grips with my Identity. I studied Scottish History on my own and practiced the traditions and customs that I thought would help me maintain my ‘’Scottishness’, if there is such a thing. I even went so far as to undertake learning Gaelic. I’m very glad that I did all of these things of course. They’ve helped to shape who I am now as a person and as an artist, though none of these activities ever lead to any confirmation of who I am in the broader sense. That understanding came from my Grandmother who said to me as I called her from Glasgow Central Station on my first return visit to Scotland, “Are you coming home now”. As I’ve said elsewhere, “life is simple but its not easy”. And so that in a nut shell is who I am. Just a guy with a happy ordinary life and a vivid imagination. Two elements that complement each other quite nicely as far as I am concerned. I write songs that tell stories and stories tell truth. Whether they are fact, fiction or a blend of the two becomes immaterial. Truth after all, is universal. Glean from this what you will or what you like. I hope at least, that I’ve made it in some way interesting. If you take the chance to listen to my music, thank you. If you’re simply passing through, happy travels and if you decide to return you will be welcome. Na beannachdan uile, (All the best) Dave January, 2007