Today we’d like to introduce you to David Upp.
Hi David, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My parents really fostered a great creative environment for me and myself sister to thrive in growing up. My mom said at the age of three she heard me scating on the kitchen floor. I don’t know if I believe her, but if that’s true I think music is definitely in my blood. I couldn’t imagine life without music.
At the age of 10 I was at a friends house and saw MTV for the first time. A band named Silverchair were being interviewed/featured about their second album, “Freakshow”. they became my favorite band once I got the record that night. And the next week my Mom took me to a resale shop and I bought my first guitar. A supersonic, a three quarter sized guitar with a built in speaker. It couldn’t stay in tune to save my life but it was a start.
I played in bands through school and after college. I decided to just be my own act and play under the name WARMTAPES.
During the pandemic I was ready for a change. I had stayed in Houston, Tx my whole life and decided I would make the move to Nashville.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There’s been a lot of loss along the way. and lessons learned. Losing my father at 29 really tore my world apart. then 7.5 years later my mother passed.
Moving to Nashville was the right choice for me but,
after 7 months of being in Nashville, my mother’s heart issue started again. I went to Houston back and forth to be with her. She had surgery. In May 2024 it’s been a year without her.
I’m trying to make sense now what success and life looks like or means to me.
I’m lucky though that my sister and grandmothers are still alive. Grateful for them.
I did just adopt a dog. he’s helping bring some joy into my life. the friends here and the community of musicians help keep me inspired.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I use the name WARMTAPES as an artist and producer.
I play guitar, piano, bass, sing and program instruments. I love being in the studio as much as playing on the stage.
I would say my strong suit is writing and singing but I really enjoy producing as well. I do as much as I can myself at my home studio. then ask for help when needed.
My friend Pat may years ago gave me a cracked version of logic on my laptop and from there I taught myself how to record and produce at home. I think I’m most proud of that. Being able to to hear sounds in your head and make them real.
I don’t think you need the best gear to make something beautiful that you love.
I’m finishing up a heartbreak record called, “My Lonesome Dove” I’m proud of it and how it tells a story of heartbreak. the way love stays with you.
Most of it pulls from a pretty intense relationship I had right before moving to Nashville. it’s all there in the record.
We’re mixing the second half of the record at the end of August. I’m looking forward to that. To listen to it as a whole piece.
I’ve built a world for the album. My friend Tommy opens and closes the album with poems I wrote. Tommy sounds and looks a lot like Sam Elliot the actor. He definitely has the Cowboy thing down.
I think it bookends the record and really helps tell a great story about love and losing it, and getting older with love.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’m always down to work with people and make something new together as well.
I think the biggest support is listening to the music and telling others about it. coming to shows and buying merch.
it goes a long way just helping an artist out.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warmtapes/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZkpURsLm95CxKXIEGGT5lg
- soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/davidthomasupp
