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DAGAVAQ

The Autobiography of Howard Thomas Michael *DAGAVAQ aka King Of Bass* Jones

As an artist’s I struggle to establish my musical identity, laboriously trying on different musical styles like a piece of clothing, looking to find what fits. Just to find that I love all types of music experimenting with all of it. From that I know I will emerge fully formed, in full command of my craft, my identity and my music. Till the Day I Die, is a captivating and moving debut that will herald the arrival of a gifted and significant new talent, one whose music feels familiar in the best possible way, while striking out on its own territory.)

A Tennessee boy who grew up in Knoxville/Greeneville near Nashville, Howard loved music as a child, but didn’t take music seriously until he was in his early 20’s. He explains, “I started writing songs in my head, and it took my interest in music to another level.” Not being able to play the piano I used the computer to compose music to the ideas I heard in my head. Loving all the greats like, Elvis Presley, Frank Sentra, Bruce Haack; and Mozart, other mainstreamed well-known artist. I listen to all of their music. Almost immediately, I started to remix the music of all the later musicians. I could hear their songs in a different light. They came together as if it had been planned all long.

Recording on his laptop and playing the songs he started to gain the respect of his friends. Now recording in earnest, Howard was gathering skill as a songwriter, taking his influences, like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, The Band Perry, The Band Killers, Happy Goodman’s and Carmen, and using them to shape his own style. “I grew up with a lot of styles of music,” Howard explains, “My mom used to play soft rock and Christian, Classical music all the time. I naturally gravitate to that kind of sound; there’s a warmth and timelessness to it that I’ve always loved.”

As his name grew in the International area, the pieces began to fall into place for Howard. Entering a contest in Knoxville Tennessee as a singer, Howard won second place and was introduced on television as a person to watch as an up and coming song writer and performer. This gave Howard the courage to do what he had dreamed. Howard went on to create his first CD which was produced by Southern Sound and was listened to by Dolly Parton. “She sent word for him to keep up the good work and keep on singing”

Howard is an artist is just starting out, so there is no recording or touring history to date however, he has been interviewed by Tusculum College as an up and coming to watch. He has been contacted by several other radio hosts and has his music played everywhere.

That freedom allowed Howard to self-produce outstanding albums, as well the space to experiment while making it. He reflects, “There was a lot of trial and error that went into each album. The songwriting is far more detailed, and that was reflected in how I recorded. We recorded twenty-five songs, and I picked ten. I spent months on certain songs, refining them until I thought they were just right.” With Howard recording on all musical instruments makes for a long and detailed day at work.

From the opening notes of Howard’s first album, one hears that combination of melodic irresistibility and lyrical incisiveness that are becoming Howard’s hallmarks. “The songs now inspired by his love of music and all the emotional feelings that he has gone through.