WHERE IS CHRISTMAS?

A Christmas song for trying times

Where Is Christmas?

"Where is Christmas" is a collaboration with my friend and producer Al Snyder, who sings the tune. It's available for download using the button below! It's also available  through all streaming services  (Amazon, Apple, iTunes & more).

Al composed and sings this beautiful melody to complement lyrics by Al, me and my longtime friend Angie Mullig.

We wrote "Where Is Christmas?" in 2020, when the COVID-19 lockdown was at its height. Although we weathered that storm, rising prices and lingering fear of more COVID strains still puts a damper on holiday spirits for many who may not be able to afford to travel to see loved ones during the holidays. Al's delivery is filled with emotion and provokes a sense of longing that anyone can relate to.

Al and I are fortunate to have grown up at a time when popular music was still reflective of many styles. Although we can and do write rock music in a variety of styles, we're not ashamed to say that we are influenced by Great American Songbook writers such as Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. 

“Where Is Christmas” is our first venture into writing what we’d call a standard pop ballad. The response we’ve received so far makes us think we’ve struck a chord that resonates with everyone, young or old.

Al produced, sang and played piano on this tune.  I played bass, and Joey Waslousky added just the right feel on drums. We hope you enjoy "Where Is Christmas?" and make it a part of your holiday background music.

BUY "WHERE IS CHRISTMAS"

A splendid review from The Ark of Music!
In its review of Bongo Boy Records' "Let's Have A Rockin' Christmas Vol. 5"  complilation, The Ark of Music singled out  "Where Is Christmas?" for special praise! here'swhat they had to say:

"OUR FAVORITE TRACK… 

Where Is Christmas? – a soulful, singer-songwriter ballad by Dave Molter and Al Snyder – is a real highlight on this compilation. While it might not be the most jovial or spirited track on this project, its somber message is so appropriate for this difficult year, where so many are celebrating the holidays in a way that feels foreign and disjointed. The track muses particularly on the theme of not quite being able to get into the holiday spirit when a certain loved one isn’t around, another difficult facet of this year that so many of us have been tasked with. Between the heartfelt lyrics and the classic pop-Christmas song production featuring a bell-toned piano and gentle strings, this song will resonate with just about anyone who’s coming into the holiday season after a difficult 2020."

BUY WHERE IS CHRISTMAS

my latest single

Trainwreck

Peter GAbriel meets Paul McCartney & Argent

 

We all know someone whose life is a mess -- a real trainwreck. I used this imagery to implore someone to take the helping hand offered. Listen closely and you'll hear some of my influences: a little Peter Gabriel, Beatles and, in the bass lines, Argent and "Monkberry Moon Delight" from Paul McCartney's "Ram" LP. Some of these references were unconscious. For example, we really didn't think of the intro as referencing "Eleanor Rigby" until we started to mix! I added the crazy, strident violins as a direct nod to "Glass Onion."

Buddy Hall, who produced,  played guitars and sang background on this tune, really outdid himself here. Tommy Compton, who played drums with Johnny Winter and Ten Years After and has ties to Pittsburgh, generously added marching snare drum.

 

 

 

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You and I

"You and I" is an atypical single for me,  a short pop song that I think evokes summer and romance. It reminds me ion some ways of Simon & Garfunkel's "59th Street Bridge Song." I'm pleased to have it produced once again by my friend Al Snyder at his Albey Road Studio in Pittsburgh. Al plays keys and adds background vocals. Also onboard are drummer Joey Waslousky and my old pal Dave Flodine on slide & acoustic guitars. Another old friend,  Naomi Jarvis adds "Penny Lane " style trumpets.  If we need to pick one word to describe this tune, let's say it's "jaunty!" 

Buy "You and I" right here on this website, and find it on all streaming platforms as well!

 

Buy "You and I"

MY LATEST ALBUM!

Approaching End of Usable Life

Dave Molter

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Signed CD Download

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One year in the making, Approaching End of Usable Life is a collection of tunes in a variety of styles, from Who-like rockers to R&B and old-school love songs. The tracks were recorded at Albey Road Studio in Pittsburgh under the watchful eye of producer/mad scientist Al Snyder, who also worked his songmeister magic as co-writer of four songs.

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    Dave Molter

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    Trainwreck 5:31
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    Trainwreck

    Dave Molter

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    Down to You 2:55
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    You and I 2:32
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    You and I

    Dave Molter

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    Do You Want To 4:25
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    Do You Want To

    Dave Molter

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    Here We Are 4:13
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    Here We Are

    Dave Molter with Lisa Klein Bleil

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    All the Answers 5:17
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    All the Answers

    Dave Molter feat. Annemarie Picerno

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    We'll Be Fine 3:35
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    We'll Be Fine

    Dave Molter

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    Do You Ever Dream of Me 4:54
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    Do You Ever Dream of Me

    Dave Molter

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Double A Side

Back in the good old days when bands released 45 RPM records, there was a thing known as the "double A side" single. This meant that the band thought each side of the record was worthy of airplay and might be a hit. The Beatles had great success with this approach: 14 double A's! 

Double A sides are rare in this day of digital downloads: Artists usually just throw everything out at once and see what sticks.  I’m no different.  But this time I’m making a concerted effort to pitch two tunes at the same time to indie radio. 

Both tunes are on my latest CD, “It Was You,” and they’re already available as singles on Spotify and all major streaming platforms. Anyone who knows me knows I view Spotify as a necessary evil in today’s music market.  I hope that if you like these songs, you’ll see fit to buy them. 

 "One Little Push" and "It Will Always Be True" couldn't be more different stylistically. “Push” is a stripped-down, funky thang with almost tribal drums from Joey Waslousky and synth goodness from Al Snyder, my producer. I’m playing bass and, admittedly, stealing a lick from the great Tony Levin.  

“It Will Always Be True” is a more traditional song which at time reminds me of something that Paul McCartney and Wings might have released in the mid-Seventies. But it might easily be called country. Joey Waslousky again plays drums; Al Snyder adds keyboards and backing vocals (along with me); Danny Gochnour plays perfect guitar; and I channel McCartney on my Hofner Club Bass. 

As is usual with most of my songs, the lyrics tell a story related about relationships. 

In “Push,” our protagonist is a guy who feels he has been manipulated by a woman, but I think the sentiment would be equally valid from a female point of view. Sometimes you get into a situation where you know your lover is manipulating you into doing something you really don’t want to do. Maybe he or she uses sex, or shame to twist your arm. Whatever the case, most people eventually tire of the game and move on. So it is with this singer. 

This tune began life as a Stevie Wonder-like funky rocker. Kudos to Al for helping to shape the lyrics to fit the stripped-down format he came up with. 

“Each time I think I know her well 
She turns around and acts surprisin’ 
There’s no way that I can tell 
How many faces she’s disguisin’ 

A little push was all it took 
A little push was all it took 
It took just one little push 
To kill the lovin’” 

“True” is a love song of a different kind, one meant to assure the listeners that if they have doubts or feel that they are the only one who has problems, there is always someone to help them through rough times. When I sing about love in this context, it could be traditional romantic love or just the love between two friends. Although the word “darlin’” is here, the lyrics apply to any relationship. Basically, it’s the old saw: “You have to be happy with yourself before you can be happy with anyone else.” At my age, I know it to be true. 

Sometimes the very thing you need is right before your eyes 
But you can’t see the forest for the trees 
I know it’s a hard but please believe me when I say to you 
That you’re the only one you ever have to please” 

Hope you like ‘em!

Buy "One Little Push"
buy "It Will Always be true"

My Latest single

All the Answers feat. Annemarie Picerno & The Soulville Horns

Dave Molter feat. Annemarie Picerno & The Soulville Horns

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All the Answers feat. Annemarie Picerno & The Soulville Horns

Dave Molter feat. Annemarie Picerno & The Soulville Horns

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The first vocal collaboration between Dave Molter & Annemarie Picerno, "All the Answers" tells the story of a wandering minstrel who strays a bit too far, only to be put in his place by his jilted lover. "This is a cautionary tale," says Molter, who admits that the tune is semi-autobiographical. "It's one of my oldest songs. I wanted a

The first vocal collaboration between Dave Molter & Annemarie Picerno, "All the Answers" tells the story of a wandering minstrel who strays a bit too far, only to be put in his place by his jilted lover. "This is a cautionary tale," says Molter, who admits that the tune is semi-autobiographical. "It's one of my oldest songs. I wanted a powerful female presence to share vocals, and when I heard Annemarie's duet "Money Pain" (with Bob McGilpin), I knew she'd be the perfect foil for my somewhat dim-witted protagonist." Dave and Annemarie have never met in person — she laid down her soulful, over-the-top vocal in Nashville. Smooth guitar by Danny Gochnour (Houserockers) and tight lines from Pittsburgh's premiere brass section, The Soulville Horns add just the right touches, and the drumming of Joey Waslousky and piano by Snyder make for a cohesive whole.

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Just found this video of my first #1 single, "Foolish Heart."  This was recorded at a Danny Gochnour CD release show at Club Cafe in Pittsburgh in September 2019. Danny is the guitarist and the rest of the band was Joe Munroe on keys; Steve Weiss on violin; and Mark Pollera on drums. Danny was kind enough to allow me to do this song, and it was a great night  for all!

BUY MY NEW #1 SINGLE!

Let Me Down Easy

Dave Molter

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"Let Me Down Easy" debuted at #1 on indie stations in the U.K. and Australia! A breakup is never easy. It's a slap in the face, a bucket of cold water on your heart. Sometimes there's no easy way out of a bad relationship. But we can all hope that when the times comes, we'll be let down easy.

Recorded at Albey Road Studio, Pittsburgh

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BUY THE "IT WAS YOU" CD

Illustration by Michael Andrulonis

"IT WAS YOU" EP NOW AVAILABLE!

7 SONGS FOR EVERYONE!

It Was You, my latest EP, is nominated for  the US Album of the Year Award at the 2021 International Singer Songwriters Association Awards!

It's a 7-song compendium of styles that range from British music hall ditties to funky, swampy, bluesy rock!  It's a great way to usher out a trying, depressing year.

The title track is an upbeat, poppy tribute to the carefree days of the mid-Sixties, when songs by the Turtles, Monkees, Kinks and others gave people a reason to be happy.

The digital version is $7. A signed physical CD ($10+ $3 shipping) is also available.

Click the button below to buy either version!

Cover illustration by Michael Andrulonis

 

Buy "It Was You"

GET YOUR HEART ON

There Goes My Heart

Dave Molter

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There Goes My Heart

Dave Molter

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A tribute to the Buck Owens "Bakersfield Sound" era of U.S. country music in the Sixties, updated.

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DOWNLOAD "LATE DECEMBER"

A tribute to a friend and brother

In honor of Buddy Hall

"Late December" is released as a tribute to my friend and producer Buddy Hall, who passed away Jan. 29, 2021. The outstanding guitar solos are by Reb Beach of Whitesnake, Winger, Black Swan and others well known heavy rock bands. We conceived this song as an album-ender, so it's 8 minutes long with the fadeout. It hearkens back to the days of Album Oriented Rock FM stations that would play an entire LP late at night. This is the last tune that Buddy and I worked on.

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(REALLY NOTHIN' NEW) UNDER THE SUN

Backroom Blues Vol. 9 release Friday, Nov. 13, 2020!

Release set for Nov. 13, 2020!

Backroom Blues Vol. 9

After a crazy summer in a crazy year, Bongo Boy Records has announced the official release date for "Backroom Blues Vol. 9!"  "Fading Away" will be included on this great compilation! Order your copy now by clicking on the cover pic!!

Hear "Fading AWay"

BACK IN THE STUDIO

Back in the studio!

Help underwrite my next CD

I'm back in the studio with producer Al Snyder!

We've just released a new single (Really Nothin' New) Under the Sun, and plan to have a new EP out before Christmas 2020.  Manufacturing of the first 100 CDs is paid for. But YOU can help offset recording costs and get an signed, personalized CD for a donation of $10 or more. Just click the button below!

Thanks for your continued support and very gracious feedback on my debut EP, "Foolish Heart," and the followup singles, "Oh Woman, Don't You Cry" and  "Lemmings."

Stay safe, and spread the words about Peace and Love wherever you go!

Become A Backer!

NOTES FROM QUARANTINE

Ain't No Quarantine Gonna Keep Me Down 

August 20, 2020

It hardly seems possible that it was one year ago today that my debut EP, "Foolish Heart, " was released. Musically, it has been a crazy year for all the best reasons. Four of the five songs on the EP hit number 1 on Indie music charts somewhere in the world over the last year. My sixth single, "Oh Woman, Don't You Cry," also went to number 1. My latest single, "Fading Away," didn't hit number 1, but it has 60,000 streams on Spotify as I write, and it has been on several "Best of Summer Indie Music" charts since June. The EP and singles from it all appeared on multiple "Best of 2019" charts at the end of last year and I was a finalist in two Music Awards shows this year.

Like all my musical brothers and sisters, 2020 has been a real kick in the ass. COVID-19 has made it impossible for me to play live shows as I had planned. It has also put a huge financial hit on those who depend on music as either a sole or supplementary income. I'd have to say that, in terms of music, 2020 has been the worst tear since I started playing 55 years ago. 

I'll take a brief sidetrack here to urge all of you who miss seeing live music to use common sense and wear a mask to help us get through this coronavirus mess as soon as possible. This isn't a political message; it's a realistic view of the state of the world as we know it at this moment. Now back to music! 

Take this, COVID-19!

As bad as 2020 and covid-19 have been for music, I have to say that isolation has afforded me the opportunity to work on new songs and, as unlikely as it may seem, to combine with several musicians I've known for a long time but have never actually played with. 

I'm happy to say that I'm back in the studio to work on new songs for the first time in almost a year. This time the studio is Albey Road, owned and operated by the remarkable Al Snyder, whose name may be familiar to you from the Corbin-Hanner Band. I have known Al since the early 1970s, but I have never worked with him. I can't accurately explain what a great honor it is to finally do so...and how much fun it is. Al us not only a great keyboard player but is also a wonderful singer. His studio chops are unparalleled. He's a great songwriter and producer and I think he has raised the level of my songs above the bar I set, and I said it pretty damned high. 

I've also worked for the first time with drummer Joey Waslousky, who I'm sure Pittsburghers know from many bands, including Studio A with Scott Anderson and Pete Hewlett and so many others. I don't need to tell you that Joey is a first-tier guy, both from a human standpoint and as a drummer -- solid and very adaptable. It's a joy to hear what he does on our tracks. 

I've also played in the studio for the first time with my good friend Danny Gochnour, who you all know from the Houserockers and his own remarkable band, of which I am proud to be a member. Well have many more friends appearing. You'll gear many new sounds on my upcoming work, some of which you heard before, but quite a few of which you probably had no idea I was interested in. 

We hope to have a new single out by Labor Day with and EP -- or maybe two -- out by late fall or the end of 2020. Stay tuned to my Facebook page and this website for more information and updates as we get closer to Labor Day. 

Meanwhile, if you aren't familiar with my music, please check it out on Spotify. If you wish to purchase individual tracks and the full EP, either digitally or physically, you can do so through Bandcamp or on the STORE link on this site.

And, if you would like to contribute to help offset recording costs, you can do so through the link at the top of the home page of thissite

Thanks to everyone who has supported me since I'm started recording two years ago, either financially or with encouragement.