Today, we sit down with singer, actor & international model, David Schaefer, for an inspiring conversation about the power of reinvention, authenticity, and the art of making music on your own terms.
Question 1. David, you're re-embarking on your solo music career after a successful modeling career and time away from the music industry. Can you tell us what motivated you to return to music and what this next chapter means for you?
David: I think I had that deep desire inside me to make music again. I just love it so much.
I was fortunate to experience a lot of valuable moments in my life in music or art in general, which led me to many world travels.
When I was signed to a Disney pop band with a major label or working as a dance artist with international DJs, some of my songs had over 6 million views on YouTube.
I’ve always loved music, and this has never changed. I still have a lot of joy and passion, even after 18 years in entertainment.
I never stopped doing it. Even for myself, my close friends know I sing everywhere, mostly in the forest on my nature walks. LOL.
Question 2. As a model and singer with a diverse background, how have your experiences in the fashion and entertainment industries shaped your approach to music and your artistic vision?
David: I always knew fashion, film, and music weren’t so far apart from each other. It’s a small world connected by art. I always call entertainment a small village, meaning that many actors become models or models become actors. Opportunities are endless.
Fashion agents know acting agents, acting agents know music agents, just like actors know models. It’s a world connected by the passion we all share for art. Creating something beautiful is amazing, and if you can do it with people, it’s a blessing.
I always say I’m in service to others with my God-given talents.
My experience as a model helped me a lot, especially learning how to use my face in front of the camera. This helped me when directing my second music video yesterday for my upcoming single "Brave" with Harvey Grey Music. You learn so much in fashion, film, or music about yourself and others. It’s all character-building— the ups and downs are all part of the experience. The most important thing is that we’re willing to learn, improve, and accept constructive criticism.
Without fashion, I probably wouldn’t have become an actor, and it also helped me be more authentic in my music. I hope that answers this interesting question.
Question 3. You’ve been working closely with Caitlin and Neil from Harvey/Grey Music on your latest singles and upcoming album. How has the collaborative process with them helped shape your sound and vision for this project?
David: Caitlin and Neil have been a blessing from the beginning. They believed in me, and I am eternally grateful for how much they’ve helped me start my music career again, especially as I’m older, which I don’t take for granted.
Before, many record labels and major label executives I met in face-to-face meetings told me, "You have a great voice and an interesting biography, but your age is a problem, and you’ve had gaps in your music career."
They said, "I don’t think our label would sign you. You’re also lacking the fan base."
I understand their position because I’m very good at marketing and have read many marketing books and business over the years.
It’s not personal, it’s a business most of the time.
Caitlin and Neil didn’t care about this because they are veterans in the business when it comes to experience.
They know my story, who I am, what I stand for, and what makes me different—because we are all unique.
Caitlin also read my memoir, which is very personal, and I’m currently rewriting it after a Hollywood movie director I know told me I need to change it a bit.
The most important thing is that Caitlin and Neil helped me create such a unique sound with their production, which fits my high pop voice perfectly.
I love the music we create and can stand 100% behind it. I love every single instrument, every beat—just everything.
What I love is that from the song selection to the intense rehearsals we had, to the song recordings, we discuss every step honestly. Caitlin gave me a one-year roadmap, and they helped me a lot to position myself as an authentic artist with great communication, and weekly video calls to analyse the progress we made.
I’m blessed to have them on my side during this journey.
I’ve worked with many international and national producers and songwriters over the years, but I feel with them, I’ve truly found my home.
Sometimes in life, it’s like finding the right partner—it can take time.
Question 4. Your debut solo single ‘That Girl’ blends pop/rock and acoustic elements in a unique way. Can you walk us through how the song came together, and what you hope it communicates to your listeners?
David: "That Girl," my first solo single with Harvey Grey Music, is my baby.
The first time I heard this beautiful song, I knew it was so special, and I wanted to record it.
I can’t thank Caitlin and Neil enough for trusting me to work with such an incredibly experienced songwriter like Edwin Balder.
Edwin is a top songwriter, and when Caitlin and Neil introduced me to him, I couldn’t believe my luck.
The rehearsals were well-organized, and they all made sure I was well-prepared before going into the studio. This song really reminds me of my world travels when I was a signed model in New York, in the Big Apple, and was in love—and also heartbroken for the first time.
This song mirrors many parts of my life, especially the experiences I had on my world travels. Although I don’t believe in coincidence, my life has been a crazy rollercoaster—from being sick as a child with a heart defect to ending up on the cover of Men’s Health, the biggest fitness magazine in the world.
Back to "That Girl"—people love this song, and the feedback has been overwhelming. We’ve been played on over 40 international radio stations, and it makes me proud that national stations are playing it too.
My next single, "Brave," is also a beautiful song coming very soon.
Question 5. What are your musical influences? Are there any artists or genres that have had a profound impact on your music, either in the past or now as you develop your solo career?
David: I remember going to concerts as a kid—from Bryan Adams to Bon Jovi. The biggest highlight was seeing Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake live in concert.
Today, I know how much it’s worth to say I saw Michael Jackson live. Not everyone can say that, and I’m very grateful that my family, from an early age, introduced me to some of the best musicians the world had to offer.
Those artists really shaped the way I sing and how I sound. Over the years, I’ve mixed their influence with my own style and vocal sound.
I also listen to other artists, like gospel music, Boyz II Men, to shape my sound as a singer in a diverse direction.
Music producers always told me my voice can adapt to different styles, which is very helpful, especially when it comes to live performances or recording. Of course, I’m always learning and willing to get better.
Caitlin helps me a lot vocally, especially before we go into the studio to record the songs.
Question 6. Now that you’re back in the music game, how do you see yourself evolving as an artist? What goals are you setting for yourself, both musically and personally?
David: Sometimes I wake up in the morning and think, "Wow, I really have the chance to do music again," which makes me so grateful.
My goal is to have a world tour next.
Haha, kidding. I know I’m in the very beginning again, and I can call myself lucky to have found people who help me with my goals in music and help me fulfill my vision.
I just want to make great music that people love and enjoy, and I hope at some point I can perform it live, because I miss that a lot. I don’t plan too far ahead with my team; we just try to make good songs and work towards an album, which is currently my focus and priority. I hope people continue supporting my comeback as a music artist, and that they enjoy the songs as much as I do.
Of course, you always have to think big, but I’ve learned that the less you expect, the more happy you are when life gives you blessings.
I just want to do great work with great people, and everything else will come with time.
Question 7. What challenges have you faced re-entering the music scene after such a long hiatus? How have you overcome those obstacles, and what’s been the most rewarding part of the process so far?
David: The biggest challenge was finding the right people, which I gratefully have now.
It was also important to objectively analyse my career so far and where I stand as an artist.
I knew I was starting from scratch. After this two-hour major label meeting, I was very disappointed and didn’t want to continue making music. I was like, "Okay, I’m done."
Naturally, I’m not a person who ever gives up, but I’ve experienced so many downs in my career—also some ups, but mostly downs—that I was tired of it.
I love music, and this will never change.
So many things they said were true, but it was demoralizing to hear.
Yes, I don’t have a huge fan base, no, I don’t sell big tickets yet, and yes, I’m older than most artists who embark on a solo career.
I knew they were right—I was not the kind of artist a major label would want to sign.
I had to remind myself, "Why am I doing this?"
The joy and passion for art.
Why did I start making art in the first place, 18 years ago?
That’s when everything changed, and the stars aligned. I also found my producer team and label, who made it all possible.
Without them, Caitlin and Neil, I think I wouldn’t be releasing songs.
I’d probably be making music in my bedroom, or under the shower, or on my forest walks. LOL.
Question 8. Many artists go through periods of doubt or struggle when pursuing their passion. How do you stay motivated, and what drives you to keep going, especially when times get tough?
David: That’s so true—we, as artists, often find ourselves at a point where we ask, "Is this all worth it? Why are some people blowing up while we’re not getting ahead?" I know these questions well, and I’ve discussed them with many artists before.
It’s normal to have doubts and not know if you have a bright future.
Then I come back to asking myself, "Why am I doing this?"
I do it because I have joy, passion, and love for the art and creative industry. That’s my reason. Even if I wanted to stop, I can’t. It’s like water—you need water to survive. The same with art—creating something I know will outlast me is a beautiful thought and thing.
So it comes down to passion and loving what you do. Success will come later as a by-product.
No one can guarantee success, but you can have fun with what you do.
If you love something, don’t quit—maybe change the strategy, take breaks, and go again.
I’ve had many people try to stop me or talk me out of things, but it just never worked.
My character is too strong from all the ups and downs I’ve experienced since I was a sick child. Martial arts for 20 years also helped me gain more confidence.
I’ve walked away from many situations in life—not because I was afraid, but because I was the bigger person and took the higher road.
Calmness can be your superpower. The same goes for art—the most beautiful moments happen in a creative, calm moment.
Question 9. You’re part of the Empowered Artist Roadmap plan, and it’s clear you’re committed to creating a sustainable music career. What does the Empowered Artist philosophy mean to you, and how has it influenced your mindset in this next phase of your career?
David: This is such a wonderful thing for every artist.
Often, artists struggle to see the light at the end of the tunnel and have doubts. This roadmap plan, which I’m also using, helped me plan strategically with my team, taking the next steps with great communication, which has been so helpful.
Caitlin and Neil are doing an amazing job helping me and others with their incredible experience as artists—Caitlin herself and Neil as a producer and amazing musician.
I can recommend every artist join this movement with such valuable information.
I feel motivated and confident now in approaching my solo career, and I know it will take time, especially as an independent artist. You have to do a lot alone or with a small team.
Can’t wait to show you my new single, "Brave."
Question 10. Finally, if you could offer one piece of advice to other artists—especially those who might feel like they’re starting over—what would it be?
David: Guys, I’m releasing songs at 40 years old. I started my solo career late, after being out of the music game for many years.
If I can do that, you can do so many more things.
Whatever it is you want to do, just do it. It’s your life, your time, and time waits for no one.
There are times you’ll question everything, but then remind yourself that you love it.
Passion and joy are the most important things.
If I ever stop having passion or joy with what I do, I would say, "Okay, that’s it. I had a great career, thanks for everything, but it’s time to go."
I know myself, and that moment will never come because I love art.
I hope this advice and sharing my experience helps someone, and thanks for supporting my music.
I really enjoyed these interview questions. Thanks for having me.
Carpe diem.
David
Listen to That Girl here: https://open.spotify.com/track/4U6BvmSyUk7T3ufp9PYztN
Stream David's brand new single Brave here. https://open.spotify.com/track/5z0j6Kkwtcaoi8wC6CpLFt
Sign up to David's VIP Music Club below for a FREE download of his debut single That Girl. https://davidschaefermusic.com/