OCSX Feature
JUNE 28th, 2020 – Thanks to Ted Zakka at OC Music Showcase for his kind words in his latest feature which explores the intersection between Rosales’ New Album, COVID and the Human Spirit.
When it rains it pours is an idiom that seems to be in demand these days. Yet, how we interpret those tiny droplets of metaphorical water can either lead to worry or hope. The choice is not always easy but the latter leads to a path of clarity and the ability to help others along the way. Singer/Songwriter David Rosales manages to walk that difficult line of choosing hope and thus resonating as a beam of light to those around him. Though 2020 has caused even devout optimists to flounder and shake their heads in disbelief, Rosales’ tenacity and upbeat energy will not be defeated.
He is the leader and founder of the Americana outfit coined David Rosales & His Band of Scoundrels. They released a memorable and triumphant full length record in 2018 entitled Brave Ones. The band toured relentlessly and gained solid momentum and buzz from the release. The name of the album shares the title of the BraveOnes Foundation that Rosales, his wife and two best friends formed in July 2018. The BraveOnes Foundation is a Huntington Beach-based non-profit created to honor the short, yet impactful life of his co-founder’s son, Hendrix. They directed their initial efforts towards The Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) in a successful campaign that earned over 100,000 dollars to help build a new Neuroscience playroom. Their current and equally grandiose campaign is focused on partnering with such heavyweights as Stone Fire Grill and Super Mex in creating what Rosales calls the “Meaningful Meals” program. This initiative is helping bring bi-monthly meals to children and families on the 5th floor of CHOC. BraveOnes Foundation and “Meaningful Meals” has turned the current pandemic into an opportunity to help expand this non-profit blessing and has doubled its number of served meals. They are now also reaching youth shelters, nursing homes and frontline healthcare heroes at various hospitals. To say Rosales and BraveOnes is a Godsend would be an understatement.
The pandemic disrupted what was to be another full length album from David Rosales & His Band of Scoundrels. In late February, prior to the shutdowns and forthcoming upheaval, they were in the midst of preparing to mix and master a dynamite batch of new tunes. They worked with long-time friend and brilliant engineer Mike Willson at MAPS studios in Fullerton. Rather than moving forward with mastering without the option of touring and proper promotion, they decided to shelve the album for now. Instead of wallowing in the sorrows of what could have been; Rosales in typical fashion looked to a new outlet for positivity and building community. He started what has become a momentous new platform for playing live music amidst COVID-19, he calls “Driveway Happy Hour.” He set up a PA in his driveway and with a guitar in hand started to sing some songs for his neighbors. It allowed for folks to “social distance” with lawn chairs and bring back the comradely of a foregone idea that decades before was a norm for suburban neighborhoods. He sparked a fire in the human desire to share music, friendship and the coming together of a group of people who might not otherwise have a reason to convene. This new free concert style has now turned into Rosales playing a series of shows that has led to him expanding the concept to neighborhoods throughout Southern California. Now under the catchy phrase “The Driveway Hop Summer Tour,” the show has evolved into a jubilee of songs and a time to share and help build awareness for the BraveOnes Foundation. Our society needs more people and musical acts like David Rosales & His Band of Scoundrels. In addition to creating stellar music, he and his fellow bandmates are pushing a movement that promotes the idea of an altruistic society that cares for their fellow humans. Hats off to him and his band.