David JR Meilak: 'Anything that gives us a sense of hope is important for our sanity'

Dav.Jr is a 24-year-old singer-songwriter currently based in Malta. His first solo project was a single release called ‘Everyday’, released in 2017, followed by ‘Silence’, ‘I’ve Got You’ , ‘Jackson’ and the latest ‘Carry’. The genre of his music comes closest to indie pop, blues pop and traces of soul

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

Pretty sure that every morning starts with me rushing out of bed as a consequence of milking every last second between the sheets!

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Currently I am mostly trying to learn how to ride the wave rather than letting it crush me, definitely got that from my parents.

What do you never leave the house without?

Unfortunately it has to be my phone, car rides are boring without a little tunes to sing-a-long to.

Pick three words that describe yourself

Reserved, Compassionate, Loyal.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

In the line of music, I’d say that having three songs out of the five songs I’ve released since my solo project as Dav.Jr, featured on Malta’s Top 10 charts with various radio stations!

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

I would have to say cartoons! I’d love to think that there is no age limit for cartoons.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

That you have to put meaning in what you do in order for people to find meaning in you.

What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?

My beautiful Martin Guitar, I have no regrets, I love it!

What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger?

That no one should change your opinion about yourself.

Who’s your inspiration?

As cheesy as it might sound, my parents. The thought of them is what keeps me going. Well, mostly it is because they have taught me to never let anything carry me off my path. And the best thing is, that they taught me this by example.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Mostly it has involved convincing myself that something is good enough to be shared with the general public. Once I manage to do that, I feel a level of satisfaction which is indescribable.

If you weren’t doing music, what would you be doing?

Definitely, it would be something along the lines of art! I’m vastly interested in digital media such as animations and videography. I love fashion design and also painting and sketching in general.

Do you believe in God?

I believe that everyone should have something to believe in, whether we call it God or not. Anything that gives us a sense of hope is important for our sanity. The concept of religion has withstood time and is the most powerful weapon, and this is because it is something beyond our ability to comprehend. Whether there is something that governs our every step, is quite irrelevant. I do have days where I feel very spiritual, however I fail to give it the same shape the rules of Christianity give it. Especially since through time, the Bible has been manipulated to fit societies of previous time.

If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would it be? Why?

I would really love to have dinner with Mikiel Anton Vassalli or any other patriotic martyrs to ask if what we have done with our island is what they sacrificed their lives for.

What’s your worst habit?

Forgetting how important physical exercise is for mental health.

What are you like when you’re drunk?

Well, I am not much different, I talk a lot and I am definitely a fun person to be around!

Who would you have play you in a film?

Jake Gyllenhaal! Mostly because I am a big fan of his work, and with his chameleon talent, he will surely pull it off!

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

I really hate, and I say ‘hate’ because it is a strong word - I hate when others put people down for exploring their voice and trying to flourish into their skin.

What music would you have played at your funeral?

‘Welcome to the Black Parade’  by My Chemical Romance on loop!

What is your most treasured material possession?

Does it have to be one? haha! Well, currently it is definitely my laptop, I have all my ideas on it. It is my work horse to be able to write all my music.

What is your earliest memory?

I remember quite a lot from when I was young so I am not sure which one came first, however, I do remember my sister feeding me milk through a baby bottle!

When did you last cry, and why?

First and foremost, crying is very important! Never hold back on that experience. Might be a couple of months ago, mostly because of stress and the feeling of everything piling on top another.

Who would you most like to meet, Why?

John Mayer! Why? Because he is great, I can learn so much about life from him, that man is just a walking cloud of life experience.

What’s your favourite food?

Ramen ! It is perfect, has noodles, a broth and Asian flavours.

Who’s your favourite person on social media right now?

Instagram account tanksgoodnews. This guy just posts good news that is happening around the world. Every news station mostly highlights the bad things that are happening around, creating fear and prejudice between races and nationalities. This guy is really changing the game.

If you could travel in time, where would you go?

Some time between the 70s and the 80s. Back then everything was appreciated to a higher degree. The lack of availability gave things more value. Ranging from music to companionship. Nowadays we have too many choices, and we are constantly comparing with others, leaving ourselves disatissfied with what we actually have.

What book are you reading right now?

I know it’s sad, but after I finished a book called “Reasons to stay alive” I haven’t picked up another book since February.

If you could have any super power,
what would it be?

I ‘d say teleportation, or flying, anything that could rid me of traffic and travelling time.

What’s one thing you want to do before you die?

Create art.

What music are you listening to at the moment?

Right now it’s a mix of soul and folk blues.

In the shower or when you’re working out, what do you sing/listen to?

Shower time is quiet time, I take the opportunity to just enjoy the sound of the water distracting my thoughts.

TELL US

If you could perform with any artist, who would you choose? And what would you sing?

Hmmm, if so I would rather take a guitarist role and just perform with The 1975 band!

Tell us a bit about your recent single ‘Carry’ with Karin Duff!

Well, not much more to say about ‘Carry’, I am really happy with how well received it was! I did not expect such a positive outcome from it. It is always a gamble releasing a slow deep song in the midst of all the new original music Malta is generating at the moment. I obviously enjoyed working with Karin Duff a lot, she really is a great artist. We’ll hope to get more traction towards it from future projects we both will release.

What should we expect from you in the coming months?

Currently I am all hands on deck with preparations for Beland Festival on the 4th of May in Zejtun market square. Trying to plan a performance which will be a good representation of what I wish to offer as an artist. Apart from that , there is definitely another single to be released some time during the summer season, and a follow up single closer to winter.