
BIO & PRESS RELEASE
Those that have witnessed a Dave Wells performance are privy to the beguiling power of this most rare of musicians, whose command of both voice and guitar captivates to the point of transcendency. While his full-band shows are a must-see, there’s an otherworldly majesty and emotive force at work when Wells is alone on stage with his six-stringed instrument.
The tea leaves tell us that 2025 will be a big year for Wells, who is currently touring Australia in celebration of his latest release ‘If We Had Our Time Again’, an album recorded with Philadelphia native Nick DiDia, whose resumé as a producer and engineer speaks for itself – Bruce Springsteen, Something For Kate, and Powder Finger amongst many others. The new record tips its hat to sonically sparse recordings like Buckley’s elegant Grace and Bruce Springsteen’s seminal Nebraska. There’s also rumours of a contemporary, emotive and anthemic record ahead.
News of Wells’ growing recorded catalogue will soon emerge, with plans afoot to drop a new single, accompanied by plenty of touring.
DiDia heard Wells perform live and acoustic on ABC national radio and reached out to the Hunter-based artist. “I received an email from DiDia to say he had caught the performance via ABC Radio and was really impressed,” Wells explains. “The email also read ‘you mentioned having some new songs that you’d like to record. Would love to have a coffee if you’re ever up around Byron [Bay] way.’”
This contact, from a world-renowned studio mastermind, meant a great deal to Wells. “He (DiDia) doesn’t know this, but as a passionate songwriter and someone who’s inspired by the brilliant array of artists that Nick has recorded with, it was an extremely surreal and humbling experience to receive that affirmation from him,” Wells enthuses. “It’s something that rarely happens in this industry and I feel very fortunate. From there, I sent him a heap of demos and we brainstormed the best approach to capture the new works.”
Wells travelled to Byron Bay to record with Philadelphia native DiDia, whose resumé as a producer and engineer speaks for itself – Bruce Springsteen, Rage Against the Machine, Something For Kate, Pearl Jam and Powderfinger, to name but a drop in the ocean of DiDia’s show reel.
After the epic and, at times, gruelling journey to craft his own self-titled debut record, a sonically rich and elaborate opus of which Wells was the sole creative custodian, this was also an opportunity to engage with another’s ideas.
“Working with Nick was a great experience,” Wells says. “It felt more like a creative collaboration rather than trying to relinquish creative control. The studio felt like home and the process became a natural and creatively expressive exploration. We took a live, simplistic approach that focused purely on the uniqueness, emotive character and sonic delivery of each song.”
There’s no question that Wells’ storytelling tackles grand themes, situations and characters that speak to the very essence of our shared humanity, always painted in succinct empathetic strokes. It takes a musical talent with the range and depth of Wells’ to do such stories justice.
Some artists follow trends, others carve their own path. With a reinvigorated spirit and expanding catalogue, Wells is firmly on his own track and poised for a defining year.
‘Hey Mate’ – Global Song Writing Competition, 2025 Top 100 Nomination.
‘Wandering Boy’ – Listen Up Music National Song Competition, 2024 Grand Finalist.
“Dave Wells has mastered the honest and beautiful. His songs soar, and his performances soothe.” - KIM CHURCHILL
“Dave Wells is a rare talent. A composer of thoughtful and stirring melodic folk-rock tunes, with a voice to match." - BEN SALTER