Davey Muise / Shovel Brand - Sound In The Signals Interview

Davey Muise, best known as the front man of Vanna, has a unique perspective on the world and how he wants to influence and impact it. He spreads positivity through his lyrics and his work with Hope For The Day. Now he's working hard at creating another way to give back to his fans and the youth of the world. He created Shovel Brand in 2015 and has recently started a 1 For 1 Campaign where the same merchandise that is bought through his company will be donated to homeless teen shelters. He was kind enough to tell us why he is passionate about helping the youth, how art and music have healing powers, and that "No matter how isolated you may feel, how strange, embarrassed or odd- You. Aren't. Alone".

Many know you as the vocalist for Vanna. You also launched your own company called Shovel Brand in 2015. Can you tell us a bit about what Shovel Brand is and what you hope for it to become over time?

Shovel Brand is one for one clothing and accessories based company. Basically you buy anything from us and we print and ship another to a homeless youth in need. We are based out of the homeless shelter my wife works for but the goal is to be in state in our country.

Recently you launched a 1 For 1 Campaign with Shovel Brand so that for every merchandise item purchased the exact same item will be donated to homeless teen shelters. I understand you volunteer in your local shelter and you thought about what it was like for homeless teens who are struggling to fit in and trying to navigate the pressures of high school. Can you tell us a bit about how this process works and why it is something that is important to you?

In working with the homeless especially youth, I've always noticed that they get the leftovers- the things, clothes, items no one wants anymore. Now with homeless teens, well that fact they are teenagers is hard enough. Trying to go to school, make friends, date, get jobs. Never mind now that fact that they are given rags to wear. Why can't we make them feel cool, feel good, feel NOT homeless at least with their outward appearance. How the feel could change everything for them.

You are also heavily invested in the non-profit organization, Hope For The Day. The organization utilizes music and art to help provide preventative measures for depression and suicide. You've said that you view "art and music as a highway to the heart; two things that have allowed humanity to express our emotions since day one". Creating it is a way to alleviate suffering for the creator and it also helps the audience who may be stuck in negativity and suffering, as well. What is it about music and art that creates this environment of positive change?

You said it "creating is a way to alleviate suffering from the creator". It's also a way to give hope to others that may be struggling with the same issues. Art and music have such healing powers-those powers are contagious as long as we are willing to stand up and share. That's what making music is to me- a chance to share any inspiration I've collected.

You travel to middle schools and high schools to spread acceptance and positivity. I know that one reason you like to spread awareness and your message of overcoming adversity is because you have gone through issues with depression, divorce, and abandonment. Could you offer some advice to someone who might be reading this right now and is feeling lost or alone?

That you aren't alone. No matter how isolated you may feel, how strange, embarrassed or odd- You. Aren't. Alone. I've risen out of the biggest pile of dirt, most of which I buried myself in. But I'm living proof that working, digging out and reaching to others can and will help. It takes time, it's not easy but living is so much better then dying.

Credit: daveymuise.com

I've read about your first experience talking to a group and at the end you saw a shovel on the ground. You said, "it’s like this shovel. The thing that I love is music, so music is like my shovel. It’s dug me out of everything I’ve ever been buried underneath". Did this idea inspire your message and your eventual naming of Shovel Brand? How has everything changed since this first speech?

Yeah it happened in the funniest way and when I looked at the shovel I laughed to myself. "It's as easy to explain as this shovel here" and I've never looked back. Shovel brand is me taking another shovel I have and trying to help dig. But it's bigger then me, it's you, all of you picking up a shovel you didn't even know you had and getting to work for those that are too buried to help themselves.  Since that first speech a lot has changed but one thing hasn't, we are never going to progress as a country, planet or universe if we don't start looking out for more then just ourselves.

You've said, "finding one's shovel is never an easy task" when describing what it's like to find one's own identity and deciding to never give up. How would you recommend finding one's own shovel? How do you hope to help others do this with your music, your clothing brand, and your advice?

Fail forward-keep trying new things, step out of your normal comfort zone. Because know this, if you are sick of who you are, what you are or you're just stuck, doing the same old thing will never work. You stay that confused helpless person. But if you start trying, you step in a different direction, I promise you, you'll find that purpose. It might not happen right away, it might take years but it's not about the end result, it's about that journey, the drive, the climb.

You're in Vanna, you travel to speak to schools across the states, you are building Shovel Brand, and you're involved in many other creative outlets. What's next for you with all of these projects? How can fans keep up or get involved?

Doing me 100%. 2016/2017 is just going to be more hard work while doing what I love. Releasing a new record, touring and meeting all new fans and kids everyday. Traveling to more schools this year than last year. Growing SB to more states and a larger outreach. You can be involved with my projects to the fullest. Everything I do is all over the Internet and you can find ways to be part of it, cuz I can't do any of this without all you guys.

Thanks for the interview. I think you're sending a great message and I wish you the best of luck. Do you have anything else you would like to add?

Let's stop thinking we have the right to judge people for things that make them, them. Live love and let live, this world is so big and so beautiful because everyone is so different. Be you, be real and support others in who they are. The world has had enough tragedy, time for some triumph.

**It's also worth mentioning that VANNA's album, All Hell is out today, as well. Find it on iTunes and Spotify.

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-L.Burden