Expert: Kristen - 3/12/2005

Question
What is his musical background? What infuences did society and culture have on him and his music?  

Answer
Hi Jenni,

Dave Matthews lived in many places while growing up, including New York City, England, Virginia, and South Africa, where he is originally from, so much of Dave's musical background is heavily influenced by South African rhythms and culture.  He started playing the guitar when he was 9 and never put it down.  He never had a musical plan.  His music comes from all the different places he has lived in.  He says it gave him an "openness."  While in Virginia, he scored a job as a bartender at a bar called Miller's.  He began to sing some of his own songs at Miller's and eventually branched out into the local music scene.  He then began to meet the members of DMB.  Dave has said that his goal was to surround himself with the best musicians possible.  He feels he did.
Apartheid (discrimination against Blacks) was prevalent in South Africa while Dave was there.  Dave disagreed with this practice.  Apartheid was a part of Dave's society and culture while growing up, so some of those experiences and feelings with apartheid are evident in some of his songs such as "Cry Freedom".  Throughout many of Dave's songs, there is a theme of death, pain, and loss.  I think the culture and society of South Africa and the violence that occurred there influenced Dave to delve into those themes.  Dave lost his sister to violence in South Africa.
Hope this helps!  Thanks for your question!