David R. Western

My influences are quite varied, though I listen to a lot of country it wasn’t always so.
Jackson Brown has always been a favorite for meaningful lyrics. Rodney Crowell and Vince Gill are tops! Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, Trace Adkins and more recently Montgomery Gentry. Some Christian Artist who inspire include John Tesh, Robin Mark, and Paul Baleche.The greatest influence has been the voice within, shouting to be heard.
I wrote my first song in 1997 at the age of 38. I had a moment of clarity, and was inspired by the Holy Spirit to put to words, the message that was given to me in a “vision” some 15 years prior, after a near death experience. I wrote “Priceless Treasure” in 45 minutes. Divinely inspired, the words of every verse were given as fast as I could write. The message is very personal, but most importantly, it is a message of powerful truths, meant to be heard.
Drugs and alcohol ruled in my life for 25 years. At 23, I was a founding member of what has become the largest motorcycle club in the State of Hawaii. Through the years living the lifestyle of a rebel and an outlaw, I had many brushes with the law and have faced charges including but not limited to-carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, assault, assault on a police officer, assault with a deadly weapon, numerous arrest for DUI, two within a period of 24 hours.
In 2001 I was committed to serve 2.5 years in the Arizona Dept. of Corrections. I entered the system committed to change the man I had become, and to some how harvest something positive from what I believed would be darkest period in my entire life. By stepping into His light, this time was anything but wasted. I educated myself, and wholly embraced the word of God, re-dedicating my life and receiving many blessings in return. The most important work being the renewing of my mind, and the spiritual healing of my heart and soul. Though the hardest time I’ve ever endured, my prison experience was-the best thing that ever happened to me. (He promises never to give us more adversity than we are able to endure, but it seems He’ll take us right to the very limit!). If not for this time, I would not, could not, have receive the instruction and blessings He had for me necessary to bring about the changes I prayed for. Had He not had the time to complete this work in my life, I would not have emerged a transformed and different man than the angry, bitter, morally, and spiritually bankrupt fellow who went in. I now, and always will testify to the power of God to change a man, and of loving grace for all mankind. May all who read these words “know His grace”. It’s not a perfect world, but He gives His perfect Word to live.
Guided by His Spirit, I co-wrote 8 praise and worship songs during this time. I also wrote another 9 country and blues songs, the flagship being “The Bird of Prey,” a secular song which ends with a twist, confirming answer to prayer. The Spirit, and the people and experiences in my life influenced all songs. Some describe pain and disappointment, some speak of love and success, but all are spoken from the deep recesses of the heart, and they are all real.
I am hopeful of making some connections through this site, to have the right people review the lyrics and assist in taking this all to the next level. I find it very difficult finding the time while working for a living, and harder still finding sincerely interested parties who would feel inspired to join me. But I sincerely believe the door will be opened... in His time