Bio
“Marine." A distillation of Dave Dersham's oeuvre, courtesy of anti-folk / improv-slam artist, James O’Brien, based in New York City. Cautionary tales of submerging archipelagos, the unfolding eco-dystopia, Samoan pigskin heroes, and the whimsy of farmhouse remediation in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, where Dave spent his formative years, meandered, and eventually returned. Returned, despite perpetually mediocre snowpack, too much rain (therefore too many bugs) and, as a new weather entry, smoke-infused humidity – which apparently is now a thing.
Dave completed his first CD, “The Burn of Summer” (2003) in Somerville, MA, engineered by Jabe Beyer, Tim Kelly, and Tom Eaton. A remarkable crew synthesized the sonic threads, earning substantial airtime on Folk Radio’s WUMB (UMASS/Boston), WERS (Emerson College), and as a finalist selection for the emerging artist competition at Mountain Stage – a renowned, nationally syndicated radio show.
“Gilding the Lilies” came out in 2011, recorded and accompanied by the kaleidoscopically stringed Lloyd Thayer, and produced by Jared Fiske: djembe, electric/acoustic guitar, bass, and keyboard. This sophomore collection was distributed and played internationally.
A sly humorist, cultural critic, and melancholy optimist – Dave's 3rd album will officially drop on August 2nd. Two tracks were recorded by Andrew Atkin. The other 8 tracks were recorded, mixed, mastered, and produced by Mark Miller. The album will be toured through central New England, initiated Oct 3rd at The Parlor Room, in downtown Northampton, MA where Dave has lived for 20 years.