“Life is like a box of chocolates — you never know what you’re going to get.” Those are the famous words of Forrest Gump, an unforgettable movie character played by Tom Hanks. Life imitates art for many and no one epitomizes that message more than UK soft rock musician Dave Vamfer on his new project, “Tricks of Life Medley,” from his forthcoming album.
The self-taught guitarist embarks on the remarkable task of combining three songs into one medley, all addressing the marvel of life. Beginning with “You Need A Little Kick (To Move On),” Vamfer croons about the often brash reality of life serving that unexpected kick to motivate the breathing.
The optimism of the track swiftly morphs into the second song in the medley, “Tricks of Life,” a more sullen approach that delves into a retrospective space about not always getting what you want.
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“I wrote ‘Tricks of Life’ about things that life appears to promise but that you eventually realize aren’t going to materialize,” Vamfer said in a statement. “While it is about disappointment, I don’t see it as negative; it’s just about reality and dealing with it mentally.”
At one point, Vamfer sings about his expectations regarding life, only to find that life is more tricky than it seems. It’s a poignant point that floods the mind with ideas and questions of why do some people seem to get exactly what they go for in life, while others don’t — better yet, is the grass greener on the other side?
“I thought tomorrow would be better than my past / Expected something wonderful and new / I thought the future would bring better days / That some of my dreams would come true.”
– Dave Vamfer, “Tricks Of Life”
Just before listeners fall too deep in the rabbit hole of reflection, Vamfer switches up the message, returning back to the easygoing optimism that started the medley. On the third song in the medley, “A Bit of What You Fancy,” reassures listeners that after all the volatility of life’s tricks, treating yourself every once in a while goes a long way.
Vamfer’s conscious approach to songwriting begins with a message he wants to share with the world. From there, he receives inspiration for the sound, and that can fall into any category of genres, be it bluegrass, rock, jazz, blues, reggae, salsa, hip hop, or EDM. Vamfer’s musical palette is an open portal of creativity that paints a colorful portrait of lyrics and notes.
“Starting to write a song usually comes quite easily to me,” Vamfer expressed about his songwriting process. “More often than not, I start with a sentence or phrase — I know what I want to say, how it should feel, and how it should come over. From there, I instinctively get an idea for a melody that fits.”
The former lead vocalist and guitarist for London-based group, Gallop, Vamfer has been passionate about music since his teen years. However, as life would have it, he became an adult with adult responsibilities that reserved much of his time. That wouldn’t keep him away from his passion, however. He would use any free time to perform as a solo artist or do collaborations with fellow musicians.
Vamfer also dropped a few singles, including the 2018 song, “Waiting A Lifetime.” But, it wasn’t until he retired in 2020 that he would release his debut solo album Find The Sound, a 10-track project led by the single “If There’s A Purpose?” Ever since, he’s been unstoppable, releasing singles “Corona Blues” and an EDM remix of “Keep On Coming.”
“Didn’t know if he should, but he knew that he would, a bit of what you fancy does you good.”
— Dave Vamfer, “A Bit Of What You Fancy”
“Tricks of Life Medley” is out now on music streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Bandcamp. Learn more about Dave Vamfer at his website.
