Huntington Beach-based singer-songwriter David Rosales is a Los Angeles-native raised in a mixed family of seven brothers and sisters. At eleven years old he was given his first guitar by his grandfather; an acoustic nylon string he discovered tucked away in an old North Dakota barn. Now, with a guitar in-hand and influenced by the music of his older siblings, Rosales immediately began songwriting. Self taught on guitar, his adolescence was framed by playing in Pasadena, CA area garage bands (Poe, Lounge Act), skateboarding, jumping off roofs into backyard pools, and all of the other carefree good times that come with life in Southern California.
After putting in years with various rock and roll bands, Rosales started to find himself gravitating towards a folkier Americana sound. Turns out, this sound suited him well and he managed to tour, release albums and even garner some awards. Over time Rosales has gained a following through his frequent live performances and smaller releases, and on April 27th, he will release his much anticipated full-length album debut, Brave Ones. This album marks his third collaboration with Co-Producer, friend and Donavon Frankenreiter sideman, Matt Grundy. Looking for a change in scenery, the duo recorded at Super Bloom Studios —a log cabin studio that rests on the edge of the wind-swept expanse known as the Mojave Desert in the shadow of California’s Mount San Antonio. The duo thrived in this remote location, which became an unequivocal inspiration for the recording sessions.
The album also reflects Rosales’ diverse songwriting prowess throughout the 11 tracks as he seamlessly blends his vintage sonic tastes with fresh vision. Crediting his love of classic Rhythm & Blues and Country & Western singers Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and Johnny Cash, coupled with his admiration for contemporary troubadours the likes of Ryan Adams, Amos Lee, Nathaniel Rateliff and Afie Jurvanen (Bahamas) as being influential in the writing and recording process. In Brave Ones, Rosales explores relational topics such as love, loss, adversity and triumph.
Today Glide is presenting an exclusive premiere for the tune “Sunshine”, the album’s second single and a sweet and loving lullaby from parent to child that cruises along with the help of intimate vocals and catchy melody. Indeed, it’s impossible to deny the warmth and ease of the lyrics, vocals and music. Rosales seems to be coming from a place of deep content and shining optimism as he strums his guitar in a field of yellow flowers accompanied by a simple drumbeat and organ. Through his mellow folk sound, Rosales sends an uplifting message that despite the darkness all around us, there is reason to keep your head up.
Reflecting on the inspiration for the song, Rosales has this to say:
“’Sunshine’ is the last song I wrote for the album. It’s a song about unconditional love and the promise a parent imparts upon their child the first time they hold them. A promise to hold close wherever they go.”
LISTEN:
David Rosales releases Brave Ones on April 27th. For more music and info visit davidrosalesmusic.com.