If you are part of the Generation X, and grew up in the Mid-Atlantic area, then you you’ve probably heard of, or attended, a Laughing Colors show. Laughing Colors has sold over 50,000+ CDs, and played an average of 150+ shows per year during their career. LC’s songs and pure rock live performance have contributed to their reputation as one of the region’s most popular live bands. When the rock quartet formed in 1991, they said they just wanted to make their music their life.
For 14 years, they did just that, with highlights of their career including playing events such as the legendary WHFStival, DC101 Chili Cookoff, and the Warped Tour, and performing with such bands as Good Charlotte, Rage Against The Machine, LIVE, Eve 6, and others. LC has received airplay on over 41 stations, and has been featured in Time and Entertainment Weekly.
On November 11, 2004, LC announced their decision “to take a permanent vacation,” but publicly indicated their desire to perform annual reunion shows for their fans.
Profoundly affected by the death of his father and the birth of his son, the band’s lead vocalist and lyricist, Dave Tieff dug deep to find out what was missing in his life and find his purpose, and the purpose for his music. His second solo album, ‘The Art of Peace’ was released this year without concern about radio stations, record companies or hit singles. The album’s only purpose is to help the charities dear to Dave, Amnesty International, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Brazil Hope Foundation and Arbor Day Foundation.
Dave is giving away the music from his album for FREE, to raise $1 million dollars by December 31st.
We met up with the charismatic, front-man Dave Tieff to learn more about the journey to find his purpose. His message is clear and simple, “It is not only your right to live your purpose, it is your responsibility.”
Learn more about Dave’s music, his story and his mission at www.davetieff.com.
INTERVIEW|
Charmed | When did you realize you had a passion for music?
I knew I wanted to be in a band from grade school. Besides my mom, no one else thought it would happen because I was a fat kid with braces and no talent. Luckily, I was persistent.
Charmed | At 17, you spent the summer with your Uncle in Hawaii. You mark this as a turning point in your life, why?
I was obese for my entire childhood. I had very little self esteem or confidence. During that summer, I ran, swam and surfed, and lost 60 pounds. My Uncle had an Ovation acoustic guitar lying around. I learned a few chords and started putting my sad poems to music. I returned for my senior year in H.S. a completely different person, bought my own guitar and started looking to join a band.
Charmed | Is it true that you can’t read music?
How have you gotten so far as a musician? That’s true. I’ve always surrounded myself with good musicians and people that will challenge me. I’ve learned from all of them. I think the only way to get better is to surround yourself with people who know things you don’t. If it don’t let it intimidate you it can be very powerful.
Charmed | How did Laughing Colors form? Does LC contain all of the original members?
I went to High School with Dan Welsh (Bass) and Corey Hall (Guitar). We got together a few years after graduation to form the band. Our original drummer left the band, but we were fortunate enough to find Will Dorsey, I bugged him so much he eventually came on board, and that’s when the band took off.
Charmed | What was the first concert you attended?
Black Sabbath. They had a huge stage production with lasers and giant crosses and cloaked figures on stage. It was amazing. It just solidified my desire to be onstage performing. I was in awe.
Charmed | Who is your favorite artist? Why?
My favorite artist of all time will always be The Grateful Dead. They were popular for 30 years, sold out stadiums and created their own counter culture—all with minimal radio play. There was nothing like a Grateful Dead show and there never will be. They are their own monster.
Charmed | Who has been inspirational to you personally? Professionally?
I’ve always admired Bono, not only for the music but because of what he’s done for the planet. It’s amazing to me that U2 has stayed musically current for 30 years, while at the same time Bono is bringing awareness to a global crisis.
Charmed | What was the lowest point in your career? What was the highest point?
The lowest point would undoubtedly be my drug abuse years in the early 90s. That was a time of depression, arrests and rehab. But it also became my greatest lesson. A high point would be playing at Pier Six Pavilion months after 9/11. We were opening for Live, and we incorporated the national anthem into one of our songs. It was pretty surreal to see thousands of people standing at attention and singing along. At the same time, I could see the sun going down across the Inner Harbor behind Fort McHenry.
Charmed | You have made it a goal to appear on the Ellen Degeneres Show before the end of the year to bring attention to your cause. Why Ellen?
I think that Ellen embodies the power of music, laughter and giving. In a world that seems to focus on lack, scarcity, and everything that’s wrong—she focuses on everything that’s right in the world.
Charmed | How can people join your movement?
First, you can download my music for FREE. It won’t cost you a dime. But, if you feel like donating as well, 100% of those proceeds will go to charity. Along with my music, my underlying message is that we are all uniquely created to serve the Earth and each other. You can join the movement by expressing your own gifts, skills, and talents and living the life that you always knew you deserved, and not settling for some mundane existence. There are too many people in this world not following their dreams, and it’s because we don’t nurture that. We tell people to “play it safe,” find the first job you can and hunker down. That’s why so many people are unhappy, because they’ve settled. This is not a dress rehearsal. This is the real thing. You will only be YOU one time, make the most of it!
Charmed | You have overcome much adversity in your life. What has been the driving force behind each battle?
The driving force for me is the belief that life is not supposed to suck! (haha) Life is supposed to be enjoyed, and when it’s not, that is a clear indication that something is amiss. That doesn’t mean that it’s always perfect, but when I found myself heading towards misery I knew it was time to do a 180. What’s the point of living, if you’re not loving life?
Charmed | How did you meet your wife?
I met my wife at a party; she had no idea about the band at the time. We were friends for a while first and she would come see me play. We were both in relationships at the time but became very close. When we both found ourselves single we started dating. We knew pretty early on that we would get married and start a family.
Charmed | What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment to date?
My marriage, and being a father. The rest is cake icing.
Charmed | You state you have learned a lot from your parents. What lesson would you like your son to learn from you?
I want my son to grow up knowing that he can do ANYTHING he wants to in this life, and I mean ANYTHING. We are limited only by our own minds, and since there is no limit to what you can dream—the sky is the limit. That’s why Meghan and I have decided to go for it. We want to be a living example. You can tell your children to go for their dreams but if you aren’t doing it yourself they may not believe that it’s really possible.
Charmed | What are your interests outside of music?
Since I grew up fat, I’ve tried to make fitness a new hobby of mine. My wife and I have really gotten into running recently. She just finished the Baltimore half marathon. I signed up to do the full marathon, but unfortunately I had to sit it out due to achilles tendonitis.
LAUGHING COLORS REUNION SHOW
RECHER THEATER | TOWSON | NOVEMBER 21 @ 8PM
www.RECHERTHEATER.com
