Dave Filchak’s new single is “Only A Heartbreak Away”
Toronto, ON-based singer-songwriter has unveiled his single, “Only A Heartbreak Away,” via Zuka Label.
Dave’s musical career began in high school and never stopped. He has been a touring musician, a studio owner, and an engineer, mixing and producing singles and albums for many Canadian artists. He’s a prolific writer and is constantly working on new material.
“Only a Heartbreak Away” is Dave’s 35th release, with more to come.
Listen to “Only a Heartbreak Away” below and learn more about Dave Filchak via our 10-question interview.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello to all. My name is Dave Filchak. I am a singer/songwriter, producer/mixer from Toronto, Ontario. I work in many different genres but have sort of settled on “classic modern.” Most of you have probably never heard of that genre, but that is me for sure. When you hear my songs, I think they will sound different to you but somehow familiar. I guess only for people above a certain age demographic, LOL.
You have unveiled your single, “Only A Heartbreak Away,” via Zuka. What can you tell us about the writing process behind the release?
Well, I was thinking about relationships in today’s world. Not just romantic relationships….all relationships and how hard they are to sustain over a long period of time. How tenuous they can be. Like walking along an edge….one slip and you go over, one way or the other. So, the title is a metaphor for “one slip and you are over the edge.” But it also talks about how worth it is to work hard at maintaining relationships that you care about.
“Only A Heartbreak Away” is your 35th release. How does it feel to reach this milestone?
Well, I don’t really think about it that much as part of my day-to-day routine. I mean, I don’t have a target I am trying to reach. I am a songwriter, and that is what I do. I was a bit surprised when I realized it was the 35th, I must admit. But I have many more songs I have not released as well. So, it feels really good to continue to do what I do. It is a labour of love.
You are working on a 40th Anniversary release of your 1983 Sharp Edges EP. What made you want to do this?
Well, Sharp Edges was a really good 80’s band …. A bit under-appreciated. But that being said, there are many fans still out there, and I have received requests for material. I was going through some of the tracks from the EP and started to remaster a couple of them. They ended up sounding so good I decided to re-master all of the tracks. Then, I thought, maybe I would add some unreleased studio stuff if I could get it to sound competitive. I think we managed that, so it has now become a full album. After all of that, to my shock, I must say, I realized it was 40 years since we released that EP on Aquarius/Capitol. So now, it has become the 40th Anniversary Album.
What’s your favourite thing about being a musician in Toronto?
Well, it feels like I am in the middle of the Canadian Music industry here in Toronto. I know lots of areas in Canada are really active musically now but here, it feels immediate and personal. And I really like Toronto, so there’s that.
Who have been your major influences throughout your career?
Oh, there have been so many. Truly. Being the age I am, I grew up listening to artists like Jimmy Rogers, The Platters, The Four Tops, Johnny Horton, Elvis Presley, The Everly Brothers, Bill Haley and the Comets … A pretty eclectic bunch. Then out of nowhere (seemingly), the Beatles hit, and that blew my creative mind. Then Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Led Zeppelin … and on from there. I was very fortunate, I think, to grow up during that time. I believe these to be some of the greatest changes in popular music in history. But for me, at least, this variety made me the type of songwriter I am. I write in a variety of styles, so I have always had trouble saying what genre I write in. I have given up on that. I just write.
Who was the first Canadian artist to catch your attention growing up?
Canadian? Well, Wes Dakus and the Club 93 Rebels with Archie Southerland on guitar (first “chicken picker” guitar player I ever heard), and then the Guess Who with the 1965 version of Shakin’ All Over, a song by Johnny Kidd really got me. Probably Steppenwolf or, more appropriately, Jack London and the Sparrows, which really became Steppenwolf. I could even include The Kingston Trio in this, as I was also a bit of a folkie at the time. I mean, there were quite a few.
Describe your sound in 5 words.
Different but familiar. Classic Modern
If you were asked to give a newcomer a piece of advice, what advice would you give?
Pay attention to the music, not the industry.
What’s up next for you in 2023?
Well, I have to get this 40th Anniversary Sharp Edges album finished and out. Then I am upgrading my studio, which may take a bit of time, but hopefully, I can get back to writing shortly after. And looking for people to work with … that’s always on my agenda.