Allen David Mieth

 

His debut radio single 'Alone Again Blues' has struck a chord in listeners worldwide. Learn what inspired this blues singer-songwriter musician to write and compose his music from the heart.
 

David Mieth knew at an early age that he wanted to be a songwriter. At the age of ten he was writing original songs and looking for a way to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional songwriter. He went to work at the local radio station while still in high school. He organized a band with his buddies and played at local events including the FFA banquet when he was just 16. He never stopped putting together bands and playing gigs all over south Texas, as a member of groups such as Rio Medina, The Cowdillacs, The Y100 Hot Country Band and the Mowtown Men. He played at countless chili cook offs, fairs, barbecues, radio station events and wedding receptions. David also played more than ten music show cases through the Community arts Network, a platform for the performing arts in San Antonio, Texas. He spent years playing songwriters nights and performing at many well known clubs. But it wasn't until he reached deep within his own life experiences that he was able to forge a connection with broader audiences. The personal struggle and pain that inspired his radio hit 'Alone Again Blues' is the perfect synthesis of his own life experience, great songwriting and exceptional musicianship. David believes that if someone is able to understand his point of view or somehow feel a little better after listening to one of his songs then that will make the whole experience all the more rewarding for him. He's certainly getting that (and more) these days. Reporter Lily Clark caught up with Allen recently to learn more about this intriguing and accomlished artist:

LILY: When did you first discover your love of music?
ALLEN: I can remember playing my grandmother's piano and writing songs as early as 10 years old. I got my first guitar about the same time by selling American Seed Company seeds that I got in the mail in my neighborhood.

LILY: Your song Alone Again Blues is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on the radio?
ALLEN: At first it was disbelief because I have spent many, many years trying to find an audience for my music with little or no success.  But after it had time to sink in a little, the disbelief turned to gratitude. I am and will remain eternally grateful to anyone who can appreciate the honest emotion that my music is intended to convey. While I may not be the greatest singer in the world or have never been able to play guitar as well as Stevie Ray Vaughan, my sentiment is true and my heart is sincere.

LILY: What was the inspiration behind your début radio single?
ALLEN: The sense of loss in my life was all too familiar to me after having lived through my parents’ divorce and being driven away by an overbearing, insecure stepmother during my early teens. Totally on my own, I spent the next decade and a half searching for a partner that I could count on to stay with and support me as we faced life's challenges together. I went through what seemed to be an endless string of infatuations that turned out to be "just another one gone". I wrote ‘Alone Again Blues’ as a way to help me get over each passing disappointment.

LILY: Would you say that the mood of your other songs is in the same vein as your debut single?
ALLEN: Some of my other songs also have a bluesy feel but I consider myself to be primarily a songwriter and as such don't feel that I should limit myself to only writing one style of music. I really like the blues and a lot of my songs lean that way. But I have also written many love songs that come out sounding a little more folk. I have songs that sound more pop to me and I have even written a country song. My songs sort of evolve into what they become and I just let them without restricting them to just one style of music. I just try to keep them positive and upbeat and see what develops.

LILY: How would you characterize yourself as a musician? (ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving)
ALLEN: Definitely down-to-earth, sincere and humble. I am also confident in what I am doing. I do believe that we all want a little reassurance that we are on the right track every now and then. Of course, I want people to like me but I know that there will be some who don't. I also know that I have to be true to myself and ignore the people who don't like me and live for the people who do. I am always thankful and appreciative for the opportunity to be heard.

 

LILY: Did you come from a musical background?
ALLEN: I did have an older sister, Sharon that was a really good singer. She, along with Frank and Dee Ann Rogers used to sit around the house playing and singing when I was a kid. I looked up to them a lot. Dee Ann even went to L.A. and was being considered for a record deal. She found out that wasn't for her but she is still a good songwriter. Years later she let me collaborate with her on ‘Big Blue Sea.’ 

LILY: What do you find most rewarding about being a musician?
ALLEN: The satisfaction of being understood. I was in New Orleans recently and got to sit in with the house band at Cafe Negril. I wasn't planning on doing it so I wasn't totally prepared for it. They let me get up and do ‘Lord Help Us’. It's one of my original songs. It got a polite response but I would have to say that it wasn't one of my best performances. After I got off stage I went to the bar for a drink. The bartender gave me what I asked for along with a twinkle in her eye and a smile that let me know she appreciated what I had done. It meant a lot to me to know that she understood what I was trying to say.

LILY: Who are your role models in music?
ALLEN: I tend to be drawn to well written, thoughtful lyrics. You know, the kind that somehow seems to make you feel better for having heard them. For that reason I would have to say that James Taylor would have to be a role model for me. I try to emulate his style in some of my songs. Even though I have never come close to writing as well as he does, I figure it is a good standard to aspire to. For me, musicality is also an important ingredient in a good song. In that regard, I think Stevie Ray Vaughan was one of the best. Other influences of mine would have to include Jim Croce, John Mayor, Garth Brooks and I really like what Bruno Mars has done so far... Can't forget Albert and Freddie King for their soulful blues playing or The Manhattan Transfer for their harmonies. A great reggae group from Austin Texas is the Killer Bees. I appreciate all music that is well thought out and from the heart.

LILY: Describe your best most memorable performance.
ALLEN: I would have to say that my most memorable performances were the ones where I played my original music for a receptive crowd. Several others also stand out like the river festival along the San Antonio river walk where our stage was a floating barge that floated down the river as we played. Or the old country dance hall where everybody took their shoes off and put them in a big pile in the middle of the dance floor before they danced to our music barefooted. Or playing old school blues music with a full horn section in a band fronted by a blue eyed black man named Jitterbug Webb. But probably my most memorable performance was for an audience of one...I played ‘Home For Christmas,’ The song I wrote for my mother to my mother before she passed away…she liked it.

LILY: Do you have a music video for your single? What can you tell us about it?
ALLEN: I don't currently have one, but I'm working on it. Hope to have it ready early next year.

LILY: What advice do you have for young aspiring musicians out there who are unsure and need guidance?
ALLEN: I would say to be sure that this is something that you really want to do, and that you are willing to work harder at this than you have ever worked on anything before. Realize that there are many, many, many other very talented artists out there that are fighting to be heard just like you. If you are willing to put your heart and soul into what you are doing for as long as it takes to succeed (it may take years), then be true to who you are, ignore the negative critics out there and get to work. And never stop working, ever! No matter how successful you become, always be grateful for your success and don't get cocky, it's un-becoming...

LILY: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
ALLEN: Well, I do have a song called ‘My Life To Share’ that I wrote to my wife Elsa that I'm hoping to release soon. It's a promise that I've made to her and a way to say thank you for her continuing support and companionship. I'm also working on doing some live webcast performances of my original music on doclermusic.com as soon as I get all the bugs worked out. I'm also developing my video production capabilities. Oh, and I've also got many more songs to write...

www.davidallenvoicetalent.com/songwriting
https://www.reverbnation.com/allendavidmieth

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