David Barsky Music | Genre Bending Indie Music

Official Merch

🌟 Mind Is Cause 🌟

I always wanted to write a string quartet, so here it is.

The words were borrowed from some Jack Kerouac ramblings in his very weird, posthumous compilation, Some of the Dharma.

I recorded myself reading a couple pages and poked around with it. I couldn’t really tell you what I’m talking about, but there’s some fun in that.

“The Universal Sea of Mind is Cause. But now look at empty space if you want to realize that there is no dividing line and no splitting up of consciousness into two halves. What is it that causes consciousness of infinite space?”

I don’t know what he was talking about. I don’t know if he did either. But he wrote that, and a few other lines from that book found their way into this song.

Enjoy it, or try.
It’s something different.
Weird Times.

Check it out at davidbarskymusic.com or on your favorite streaming platform.

———
Damian Bolotin – violins
Emanuel Pavon – cello
Bruno Migliari – double bass
———

#MindIsCause #WeirdTimes #JackKerouac #NewMusic #StringQuartet #Experimental #DavidBarsky

🌟 Ask The Dust 🌟

There were two tracks originally planned for Weird Times that didn’t make the final cut.

Ask The Dust is one of them. It was built around some amazing words by John Fante.
The first verse comes from his early novel Ask The Dust, and the second from his later work, Dreams From Bunker Hill.

When it came time to finalize the album, I realized there could be some legal complications down the line. The last thing I’d want is to have to pull the whole album over one song.

I reached out to the Fante estate but never got a reply, so I decided to leave it off Weird Times. It’s a shame, because I really love these words.

But here it is, along with another track that didn’t make it to the album, based on some words by someone else.

Tomorrow, I’ll share more about that second track — Mind Is Cause. That one would’ve fit perfectly on Weird Times because, well, it’s a pretty weird tune 😅 But alas.. you can check that one out now too.

You can find both at davidbarskymusic.com or on your favorite streaming platform.

———
David Barsky – vocals, guitar, keys, bass
@synthsandsoups – background vocals, keys, timpani, production
@karllyden – trombones
@horacioparis – acoustic drums

Mixed by @terciomix
Mastered by @federicohencker
———

Los Angeles, give me some of you!
Los Angeles, come to me the way I came to you, my feet over your streets, you pretty town, I loved you so much, sad flower in the sand, you pretty town!

Fuck you, Los Angeles,
with your fancy streets and your high-assed women.
For I am going back to Colorado.

#AskTheDust #JohnFante #NewMusic #WeirdTimes #DavidBarsky

“We don’t make mistakes, we just have happy accidents” - Bob Ross

🌟 Track 16: Mangrove Isle 🌟

Well, this is it — the last track on Weird Times!

What’s this tune all about? I tried different versions of this song with three or four bands over the years. I’ve written multiple sets of lyrics for it, played it live a couple times with The Higgs… but for the album version, I decided to just KISS it — Keep It Simple, Stupid.

So what’s Mangrove Isle? It’s a real place — a beautiful little kayak ride away from Islamorada in the Keys. We went there once, and I ended up falling out of the mangroves and fracturing a wrist before picking up work in the Everglades. Talk about weird times.

If you like this one, check it out in the full context of Weird Times. You can stream the whole album at davidbarskymusic.com or on your favorite platform.

Thanks for sticking around, and for digging anything you may have heard. ❤️

——— David Barsky – bass @stevehonz – piano, organ @jp_violin – electric violin Samuel Da Silva – flute @horacioparis – drums @joaopaulo_drumond – percussion 
@carterman5000 – recording & engineering (with Honsberger on ALL the keyboard sessions.. thanks so much for that! 🙏)
Mixed by @terciomix Mastered by @federicohencker ———

#MangroveIsle #WeirdTimes #NewMusic #Instrumental #DavidBarsky

🌟 Track 15: Don’t Stop Me Now 🌟

“With grace and poise, ease and vertigo, trying to remember the one thing that you know you should think of as you go.”

It was April 2020, when everything shut down for Covid. The band was back home from a canceled tour. I was working 16 hours days doing DoorDash and Uber Eats. That’s when I had the first seizure since my December ‘16 brain surgery.

This song came from that, and the reminder to just keep going.

Don’t stop me now.

———
David Barsky - vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, piano, organ
@jp_violin - violins
@emanuelpavon_cello - cello
@vvvvvjwb - trumpet
@karllyden - bass trombone
@yuri_villar - flute
@horacioparis - drums

Mixed by @terciomix
Mastered by @federicohencker
———

So much time was spent out on the road
So many miles and trials, carrying the heavy load
But who can really tell it like it is?
And who can really get back to taking just to give
Taking just to give

If you ever thought you would
And if you thought you could
Don’t stop me now
Don’t stop me now

And if you ever thought you should
Or if you ever thought you could
Don’t stop me now

So much time spent waiting for the moment
The moment comes and goes, and you never even notice
With grace and poise, ease and vertigo
Trying to remember the one thing that you know
You should think of as you go

But if you ever thought you would
And if you thought you could
Don’t stop me now
Don’t stop me now

And if you thought you should
And if you ever thought you could
Don’t stop me now
You can’t stop me now

🌟 Track 14: Home 🌟

One evening I was sitting on the couch, just noodling on guitar while the family was playing in the other room. I liked the progression I was working on, so I wanted to save it, just so I wouldn’t forget. I opened the Voice Memos app on my phone and recorded a minute or so, and then pretty much forgot about it.

Cut to a year or two later, going through old recordings while working on Weird Times, looking for another tune I’d been working on. I stumbled on this one, and noticed how the whole family was a part of it. You can hear my wife, our little one, and our dog all in the background.

I decided to add a few layers — just enough to bring it together — but the heart of what you hear is from that night in our living room.

It’s called Home, because that’s where it was recorded, and that’s what it’s all about.

If you like it, check it out in the context of the full album at davidbarskymusic.com or on your favorite streaming platform.

———
David Barsky – acoustic guitar, keys, bass, mixing
Jennifer & Abby Barsky – background vocals
Gonzalo Eyzaguirre – drums

Mastered by Federico Hencker
———

Reposting because I had the hardest time getting the last post to play the music.
Meta is changing how that works almost every day… 🤷‍♂️

🌟 Get Along 🌟

I don't post political things very often, but I did the other day on FB. Some of the back and forth there got this song out of me. Let's all just Get Along.

Everybody’s feeling like everybody else is wrong
I’m just here trying to put it into song
Soon all of these memories
will be so far long gone
We’ll all be on our own
So we might as well,
Just get along, get along
Just get along, get along

Some folks want us all to pick a fight
Both sides trying to decide which side is right
But at the end of the day
When the day turns to night
We’ll all be all alone
So we might as well,
Just get along, get along
Just get along, get along

Some folks want us all to disagree
And some folks don’t want us to see
How much I love you and you love me
Let’s all just sing along and find a better way to be

And just get along, get along
Just get along, get along
Just get along, get along

🌟 Track 13: Friends 🌟

This tune talks about the “outskirts of town.”
Where was that, exactly?

When I wrote Friends, I had just moved back to Philadelphia — about a block or so from the art museum, a beautiful part of town. I’d moved there from Ardmore, where I’d spent the last eight years or so. During those last couple of years in Ardmore, I started checking out some incredible open mic nights. That’s where I met some of the best people, players, and songwriters on the planet, and we became good friends.

Almost every open mic had a killer after-party that usually went till the sun came up.

When I moved back to Philly, it weirdly felt like being on the outskirts of town. But whenever I’d head back out to Ardmore to play with those folks, it felt like I was home again, back with my friends.

These days, we live in a tiny mountain town about an hour north of LA. Anytime we get to head down there for music, it still feels the same. There’s a lot less booze and drugs these days, lol, but just as much love, and a lot of friends. ❤️

———
David Barsky - vocals, acoustic guitar, bass, keys
@stevehonz - piano
@davimellomusic - banjo
@horacioparis - drums

Mixed by @dbravebob
Mastered by @federicohencker
———

I’ve been living on the outskirts of town
Living on the outskirts of town
Been living here so long,
And there’s nothing that I found
So tonight I’m gonna take that ride
Tonight I’m going down
And all of my friends will be there

We’ll drink to all the things we said before
And then we’ll say a thousand things more
And when the morning comes
And we still can’t find the door
We’ll curse all of those times
We said life was a bore
And all of my friends will be there

I’ve been looking at the sky touch the sea
Looking for a better part of me
‘Cause this ain’t what I thought
I meant by being free
So tonight I’m going back
To that same old used-to-be
And all of my friends will be there

I’ve been living on the outskirts of town
Living on the outskirts of town
Been living here so long,
And there’s nothing that I found
So tonight I’m gonna take that ride
Tonight I’m going down
And all of my friends will be there
All of my friends will be there

🌟 Track 12: October Sky 🌟

This one’s all about thinking of leaving, but deciding to stick around. It was written a lifetime or two ago in Philadelphia.

When I started laying down tracks for it, I felt like it needed a saxophone — not just any sax, but one that sounded like it was coming from a fire escape in NYC, sometime around 1956.

Enter the great @iamtherickyhopkins who brought the perfect vibe!

Also, October Sky seems pretty fitting for today. Here in mid-October I’m seeing a gnarly, cold and rainy sky.

If you like it, check it out in the context of the full album at davidbarskymusic.com or on your favorite streaming platform.

———
David Barsky – vocals, acoustic guitar, bass
Ricky Hopkins – tenor saxophone
Taras Kuznetsov – keys
Pedro Fonte – drums

Mixed by Andy Borda
Mastered by Federico Hencker
———

I was alone, sitting on my front steps
Half of a cigarette was up to my lips
I felt the wind blow, man, it was blowing cold
Just for a moment it kind of made me feel old

So I said I was leaving on the fourth of July
I had to get out if I was ever gonna get out alive
I was thinking it over when you passed me by
Pretty as a picture of an October sky

I had it in mind to leave it behind
But I got a sign, a wink and a smile
Here I was alive by the skin of my teeth
When I said I was out of time
You said leave it to me
Just leave it to me

So we walked down the road, the road got so rough
More than a few times thought we’d seen enough
Pretty young sweet thing when I was down and bored
But Bertha don’t you come around here anymore

I had it in mind to leave it behind
But I got a sign, a wink and a smile
Here I was alive by the skin of my teeth
When I said I was out of time
You said leave it to me
Just leave it to me

You started talking about how things got so cold
Said for a moment it just made you feel old
You had no doubt things weren’t working out
You said you were leaving I said you could go

I had it in mind to leave it behind
But I got a sign, a wink and a smile
You were alive by the skin of your teeth
When you said you were out of time
I said leave it to me
Just leave it to me

🌟 Track 11: Call On You 🌟

This is the oldest recorded tune on Weird Times. Most of it was tracked back in 2015, when I first moved (back) to LA. It sat in a drawer for nearly a decade, though we did try it live a couple times with The Higgs.

It ended up being one of the last additions to the album. Just a few weeks before I wrapped things up, I stumbled across it again, had some perfect drums added by Horacio París, and got it mixed. Suddenly, it all clicked. Everything else you hear was recorded a decade ago.

If you like it, check it out in the context of the whole album, either at davidbarskymusic.com or on your favorite streaming platform.

———
David Barsky – vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, harmonica, keys
Horacio París – drums

Mixed by Guilherme Medeiros
Mastered by Federico Hencker
———

I came here to learn to live without you
Now I see that's not what I was supposed to do
I'm gonna get us all set up then I'll call on you
I hope that you're ok with that, cause that is what I'm gonna do

I've been losing precious sleep over you
I wake up every morning at a quarter after 2
I think that you're next to me but it isn't true
I'm gonna get us all set up then I'll call on you

And you'll come running
Into the arms of your good man
You'll come running
When I call on you

I know that this is not the ideal situation
I wish that I was there for your trials and for your tribulations
But while I'm out here on my own
I'm gonna make a house a home
I'm gonna get us all set up then I'll call on you

And you'll come running
Into the arms of your good man
You'll come running
When I call on you

And when you come to see me
You won't believe what a success I will be
It will be like all those dreams we had
When you first fell for me

I came here to learn to live without you
I came here to learn to live without you
I'm gonna get us all set up then I'll call on you
I'm gonna get us all set up then I'll call on you

Call On You — Track 11 from Weird Times

Here’s an early look at a video in progress.

Drop a ❤️ if you want the full version soon.

#WeirdTimes #CallOnYou #NewMusic

🌟 Track 10: Up To Me 🌟

This is another breakup song, but this one is about breaking up with a musician. Not to go into too many details, let’s just say this is what was UP To Me.

———
David Barsky - vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass
Steve Lewis - Pedal Steel
Stephen Honsberger - keys, synth
Horacio París – drums
João Paulo Drumond - percussion

Mixed by Dmitry Babkin
Mastered by Federico Hencker
———

You were out there on your own
With no place to call home
You called me on the phone
You were not alone

You gave me piece of mind
And you gave me a piece of your mind
We were on a sharp decline
We had a hill to climb

I never thought about it like that
I gave you everything you gave back
And if it were up to me
You’d never have to leave

It was written on your face
We were not in the right space
I was trying to make a case
You said stick to the bass

I never thought about it like that
I gave you everything you gave back
And if it were up to me
You’d never have to leave

🌟 Track 9: Lies 🌟

Lies is a breakup song, but with a twist. I don’t want to spell out too many details, but let’s just say it’s written from the point of view of an ex, with the genders reversed. lol..

Check it out along with the whole album, Weird Times, at davidbarskymusic.com or on your favorite streaming platform.

———
David Barsky - vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, organ
Horacio París – drums

Mixed by Tércio Marques
Mastered by Federico Hencker
———

Lyrics (excerpt):

I never meant to tell you a lie
I just changed my mind
I could have stayed forever with you
If she never walked by

Full lyrics in the comments ⬇️

#Lies #WeirdTimes #NewMusic #BreakupSong

🌟 Track 8: Triangles & Squares 🌟

We’re about halfway through Weird Times here… and this one is something completely different.

The album has a few short instrumentals — each one totally unique from the others, and from the rest of the record. This is one of them.

When I was younger, I had a nerdy music theory thought: what if you laid out all 12 chromatic tones in a circle (not a circle of fifths, just chromatic)… and drew shapes across them? Could that create new scales? Strange but satisfying progressions?

That thought came back years later — and became Triangles & Squares.

🎹 @taraskuznetsovmusic – keys
🥁 @horacioparis – drums
🎸 Me – acoustic guitar & bass

Check it out, and let me know what you think in the comments.

#TrianglesAndSquares #WeirdTimes

🌟 Track 7: California Calling 🌟

The oldest tune on Weird Times — and the only one we used to play with my first jamband, BlueLight, 100 years ago 😅 — is California Calling.

“A voice singing loud but out of key
In a subway hall for a tiny fee
Cries to love —
for love past, and still to come”

That lyric came from my first “gig.” I was 18, busking outside City Hall in Philly. When it got cold, I moved underground to the subway hall at 15th St Station. You could say that was the first time I got paid to play music.

Back then, I knew I’d make it to California one day. And here we are! 🌴✨

I could have never imagined I’d have such a legit shred fest on this tune with the amazing Marcus Rezak on lead guitar, alongside Michael Mollo on synths and Stephen Honsberger (who used to play this one with BlueLight back in the day!) on piano.

Check it out — along with all of Weird Times — at davidbarskymusic.com or wherever you stream music.

———
David Barsky – vocals, acoustic / electric guitar, bass
@marcusrezak – lead electric guitar
@stevehonz – piano & organ
@synthsandsoups – synths
@horacioparis – drums
@joaopaulo_drumond – percussion

Mixed by @dbravebob
Mastered by @federicohencker
———

Joy and hurt and peace and pain
Sometimes feels like all the same

Full lyrics in the comments ⬇️

#CaliforniaCalling #WeirdTimes #NewMusic #JamBand

🌟 Track 6: Big Fish 🌟

“I was aloof, like a fool”

Weird tune. Weird lyrics. Weird times.

Each verse comes from a different place. The first two borrow from stories of friends, and the last verse was sparked by a French book I read a long time ago. In it, a man dies, then looks out over Paris and sees the energy and auras radiating from the homes below, only then realizing he’s gone.

I lost that book on a rainy day. I was sad then, but I’m glad today.

Big thanks to Molly Durand, who brought this track to life with some perfect background vocals.

🎧 Check it out on your favorite streaming platform, or at davidbarskymusic.com

———
David Barsky – vocals, acoustic guitar, keys, bass
@mollydurand – background vocals
@synthsandsoups – keys, production
@taraskuznetsovmusic – piano
@pedrosilveiramusic – mandolin
@horacioparis – drums

Mixed by @dbravebob
Mastered by @federicohencker
———

Lyrics (excerpt):

Been having good times
in these bad times
Like the big fish
or the little shark

(Full lyrics in the comments ⬇️)

#BigFish #WeirdTimes #NewMusic

🌟 Track 5: Can I Ride 🌟

Can I Ride was written in Florida, when I was working in the Everglades. It’s all about “walking up and down the beach,” “counting clouds and killing time,” waiting for the perfect partner to come along and give you someone to ride with for the rest of your days.

She came along for me much later, and ended up singing background vocals on this track! ❤️

This video blends an old clip I filmed on the beach years ago with the album version.

Check out all of Weird Times at davidbarskymusic.com or your fave streaming platform.

———
David Barsky - vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass
@illustratorjenn - background vocals
@synthsandsoups - keys, organ, production
@horacioparis - drums
@joaopaulo_drumond - percussion

Mixed by @terciomix
Mastered by @federicohencker
———

Can I Ride

I drew a line in the sand
With my one good hand
Waited for the command
To cross that line, cross that line

Where did you come from,
Where are you going?
Can I Ride, can I ride
Where did you come from,
Where are you going?
I’ll be by your side,
I’ll be by your side

Walking up and down the beach
Keeping just out of reach
Counting clouds and killing time
Waiting for that sign

Where did you come from,
Where are you going?
Can I Ride, can I ride
Where did you come from,
Where are you going?
I’ll be by your side,
I’ll be by your side

🌟 Track 4: Weird Times 🌟

What is Weird Times all about? Is it about how strange this past year has been for me, medically? Is it about how weird this country has gotten? Is it about UFOs?? 👽

It could be any of those things if you want, but the real origin is all about weird time signatures that came to me in a dream.

I dreamed about this tune more vividly than any other song I’ve ever written. In the dream, I was a producer listening to some guy’s new cassette. It sounded like good old fashioned reggae, but I told him: “Why not drop a couple beats here and there? That should really bring it some new life!”

I woke up, grabbed my phone, and scribbled down notes for switching up the time signatures exactly how I had dreamed. Later that day, I wrote the lyrics.

So yeah, it’s about weird time signatures. But funny enough, most of us are in some pretty Weird Times in other ways too. So much so that it felt right to name the whole album after it.

Weird Times indeed. ✨

Listen & stream here: davidbarskymusic.com

———
David Barsky - vocals, acoustic guitar, bass
@johnlovero - electric guitar
@stevehonz - piano, synth
@synthsandsoups - keys, production
@horacioparis - drums
@joaopaulo_drumond - percussion

Mixed by @terciomix
Mastered by @federicohencker
———

Weird Times

Every thing I have seen has been
Taken out of place
Every thing I have heard has been
Not making sense

Everyone I have known has been
Making secret plans
Every place I have been has been
On sacred land

Weird times
Weird times
Weird times
Weird times

Every line that I rhyme has been
Just one more sign
Every thought I have had has been
Inside my mind

Weird times
Weird times
Weird times
Weird times

The night before Weird Times dropped we jammed “Today” live with the Mondaze crew at Barrel Tavern. First & only time it’s been played live (so far). So fun 🙌 big thanks guys 💗

@minglewoodmondaze
@ash_tones1122
@jamiedanielz
@michaelrusseck
@cwclark626

Shoulder update: whatever was in the right shoulder wasn’t working, so they took it out. Weird Times! 🤷��‍♂️💪

🌟Track 3: Today🌟

“Today” is the most recently written tune on Weird Times. I started piecing it together in early ’23, began recording in early ’24, and it officially landed in early ’25.

It was also the spark that inspired making a whole album. There were a lot of songs in the pocket, that were trying to see the light of day again.

So here we are. 💫

Check it all out at davidbarskymusic.com

———
David Barsky - vocals, acoustic guitar, bass
@johnlovero - electric guitar
@synthsandsoups - keyboards, vocals and production
@instafonte Pedro Fonte - drums
@joaopaulo_drumond - percussion
@karllyden - trombone, bass trombone
@vvvvvjwb - trumpet
Felipe Ribeiro - synths
@dbravebob - mixing
@luvassao - mastering
——

Today

Lights of the city
Lost in the glare
Love, it’s a plenty
Fire in the air

Thoughts on the chopping block
With nothing to talk about
Today

Cows in the meadow
Fish out at sea
Gone are the bad days
Between you and me

Thoughts on the chopping block
With nothing to talk about
Today

Back on the open road
Just not sure where to go
Today

🌟 Track 2: Something I Forgot 🌟

This one’s about forgetting things in all kinds of ways. Each verse touches on a different kind of forgetting, and the reminder that sometimes it’s ok to forget.

It’s also the most-played live song by @thehiggsmusic on this album. I loved bringing it to the stage, and I loved bringing it to life here with some amazing players, including Lovero, bringing that Higgs vibe to the table!

You can stream, download, or find links to your preferred platform through davidbarskymusic.com

———
David Barsky – vocals, acoustic guitar, bass
@johnlovero – electric guitar
@synthsandsoups Michael Mollo – production & keys
@iamtherickyhopkins – alto & tenor sax
@jpfrappiermusic – trumpet
@jonashochermantrb – trombone @josuthepianist – piano
@horacioparis – drums
@joaopaulo_drumond – percussion
@dbravebob – mixing
@federicohencker – mastering
———

Full lyrics in the comments ⬇️

#SomethingIForgot #NewMusic #WeirdTimes #TheHiggs

🌟 Track 1: PENDEL 🌟

Why does Weird Times open with a horn quartet?

PENDEL is the Salvation Army region of Southeastern Pennsylvania & Delaware. It’s where I learned to play baritone, euphonium, trombone, bass trombone, and a lot more. It’s where I learned how to play with people, how to play in front of people, and how to play with real, heartfelt intention.

Beginning the album with this felt right. Like four horns in a room (or a church), doing our best to tell a story to anyone who’s listening.

The next track is called Something I Forgot. More on that tomorrow. 🎶

⸻

Joep van Rhijn – Trumpets
Karl Lyden – Euphonium & Bass Trombone

Mixed by Yago Marques
Mastered by Luciano Vassão

#PENDEL #SalvationArmy #brass #WeirdTimes

✨It’s been 10 days since Weird Times went live!

I’m so grateful for all the kind words and support so far. It means so much to me. 🙏

Over the next couple weeks I’ll be sharing more about each song, like lyrics, the musicians involved, and some of the stories behind them. Can’t wait to dive in a little more with you.

davidbarskymusic.com

📸: Scott Tuchman

That was an amazing trip to Hawaii!

🌴☀️🌊🌺🌟

We spent a couple of days in Maui, then hopped over to the Big Island. So grateful for the time together, and the chance to slow down and enjoy it.

⚡️IT’S ALIVE!⚡️
My debut album Weird Times is officially out there in the wild today.

Huge thanks to everyone who helped bring this record to life — friends, supporters, and all the amazing musicians who poured their hearts and shreddyness into it.

Weird Times is alive!

🎧 Listen now: davidbarskymusic.com

#WeirdTimes #NewMusic #ItsAlive #AlbumRelease #JamBand #IndieMusic

🌟 Who’s On the Album 🌟

This upcoming record wouldn’t exist without an amazing community of musicians, engineers, and friends who lent their talent. Grateful to each of you for bringing Weird Times to life.

🎸 Guitar
@johnlovero
@marcusrezak

🎹 Keys
@stevehonz
@synthsandsoups (plus production)

🎷 Sax
@iamtherickyhopkins

🎤 Vocals
@mollydurand
@illustratorjenn
Abby Barsky

⸻

✨ @wearemusiversal ✨

🥁 Drums
@horacioparis
@instafonte
@gonzalo_eyzaguirre

🪘 Percussion
@joaopaulo_drumond

🪕 Banjo
@davimellomusic

🎶 Pedal Steel
@stevelewismusic

🎵 Mandolin
@pedrosilveiramusic

🎹 Keys
@taraskuznetsovmusic
@josuthepianist
@felipesouzaoftalmo

🎺 Horns
@karllyden
@joepvanrhijn
@vvvvvjwb
@jpfrappiermusic

🎻 Strings
@jp_violin
@damianbolotin
@emanuelpavon_cello
@migliaribasso

🎶 Flute
@yuri_villar
Samuel Da Silva

⸻

🎛️ Mixing
@dbravebob
@terciomix
Andy Borda

🎚️ Mastering
@federicohencker
@luvassao

⸻

🙌 Couldn’t have done it without this incredible lineup. Much love and respect to all of you for making Weird Times what it is. And it’s coming soon, 9/2/25! 🚀

The upcoming album Weird Times has been applauded for its name, and it appreciates that. Weird Times, indeed! Right now I’m in the final moments of mastering the last couple tracks, and I can’t wait for you to hear it.

There are all kinds of tunes—some happy, some sad, some weird. Hopefully at least one speaks to you. At the end of the day it’s all in jest, and like Jerry said: “F*ck ’em if they can’t take a joke.” 🎶

📸 @mixbagmusicpics

#WeirdTimes #NewMusic #AlbumRelease #TheHiggs #JamBand #LiveMusicLovers #PsychedelicMusic #Weird

📷 @mixbagmusicpics

#WeirdTimes #NewAlbum #AlbumRelease #ComingSoon
#jamband #CaliforniaCalling

Can’t wait for you to hear this—
Weird Times drops 9/2/25.

📸: @mixbagmusicpics

🎶 California Calling ft. Marcus Rezak, Steven Honsberger and Michael Mollo – Out Now!

This one’s about chasing light through uncertainty — how joy and hurt, peace and pain, can blur together into something weirdly beautiful. I wrote it a long time ago, in some weird times, but it’s not a sad song. It’s the sound of trying to keep going, with love as your compass.

🎧 Stream it now!
👉 davidbarskymusic.com/california-calling (link in bio)

So grateful to everyone who helped bring this to life:
@marcusrezak – electric guitar
@stevehonz – piano & organ
@synthsandsoups – synths
@horacioparis – drums
@joaopaulo_drumond – percussion
@dbravebob – mixing
@federicohencker – mastering

🎁 Many thanks to the Universe for releasing this on my very happy birthday, along with all the good folks who have been reaching out today to wish that as well!

#CaliforniaCalling #DavidBarsky #NewMusic #IndieFolk #JamBand #SingerSongwriter #RoadTripVibes #WeirdTimes

Bach’s Courante – Cello Suite No. 1, BWV 1007, on bass 🎸

Many thanks to @heikojungmusic for his awesome transcriptions!

Love some Bach, and hope you dig this version.

#Courante #BachOnBass #CelloSuite1 #BWV1007 #SoloBass #HeikoJung #BaroqueBass #BassCover #WeirdTimes

In my upcoming Weird Times album, there are a few short instrumentals. Each one is totally different from the others, and from everything else on the record. This is an interesting one, especially if you’re into nerdy music theory.

I had the idea back when I was about 18: what if you laid out all 12 chromatic tones in a circle—not a circle of fifths, just chromatic—and drew shapes across them? Could that lead to new scales? Strange but satisfying progressions?

Cut to now, and that idea came back because… Weird Times!

This one’s called Triangles & Squares. Features some amazing playing from Taras Kuznetsov - @taraskuznetsovmusic on keys and Horacio París - @horacioparis on drums, courtesy of @wearemusiversal, with me on acoustic guitar and bass.

Check it out and let me know what you think in the comments. 
More music from Weird Times is coming soon. Stay tuned!

These songs are from a long time ago, originally recorded and posted by my electronic alias, @sawtoothsandsines

Felt right to give them a proper release. I had them remastered by Luciano Vassão and got some perfect cover art from @fandydarisman

We Remind Each Other
Doing It Wrong
Don’t Walk Away

Check it out now.
Link in Bio.
💫

Here’s a video I made from photos of last Friday’s benefit, set to my song “Friends.”

The benefit was one of the most beautiful, memorable, loving, incredible nights I’ve ever seen, with great music taboot!

All night, this song kept playing in my head. “Friends” will be on my upcoming album Weird Times, and every word of it hit especially deep that night, and still does.

🎶
I’ve been living on the outskirts of town
Living on the outskirts of town
Been living here so long,
And there’s nothing that I found
So tonight I’m gonna take that ride
Tonight I’m going down
And all of my friends will be there

We’ll drink to all the things we said before
And then we’ll say a thousand things more
When the morning comes
And we still can’t find the door
We’ll curse all of those times
We said life was a bore
And all of my friends will be there

I’ve been looking at the sky touch the sea
Looking for a better part of me
‘Cause this ain’t what I thought
I meant by being free
So tonight I’m going back
To that same old used-to-be
And all of my friends will be there

I’ve been living on the outskirts of town
Living on the outskirts of town
Been living here so long,
And there’s nothing that I found
So tonight I’m gonna take that ride
Tonight I’m going down
And all of my friends will be there
All of my friends will be there
🎶

Thanks so much to @mixbagmusicpics @studub and @eyefull_jd for the photos, as well as @stevehonz on the awesome piano, @horacioparis on drums and @dbravebob on the mix.

I can’t tag everyone, but big thanks to everyone who came out and helped make that night what it was. I’ll never forget you, or how much you’re helping me through these Weird Times.

💙

🚨 New Music Alert!

“Something I Forgot” is officially LIVE on Spotify, YouTube Music, and just about every streaming platform.

This one’s close to my heart as it was a staple in The Higgs’ live sets for years, and I’m so grateful to finally share a proper studio version with you.

Massive thanks to everyone who brought this song to life:
🎸 John Lovero – electric guitar
🎹 Michael Mollo – production & keys
🎷 Ricky Hopkins – alto & tenor sax
🎺 Jon-Paul Frappier – trumpet
🎼 Jonas Hocherman – trombone
🎹 Josué González – piano
🥁 Horacio París – drums
🪘 João Paulo Drumond – percussion
🎧 Dmitry Babkin – mixing
🔊 Federico Hencker – mastering
📸 Norbacca Walker - taking this pic 100 years ago

…and to YOU — everyone who supported me or contributed to the GoFundMe. I couldn’t have done this without you.

🎧 Go take a listen, share it if it moves you, and let me know what you think.

davidbarsky.hearnow.com

#SomethingIForgot #NewMusic #WeirdTimes #TheHiggs

Happy Birthday to my amazing wife who had a chance to see and hold some pretty amazing birds today! Me and Abby love you so much, @illustratorjenn!

Today was my last day of radiation and all I got was this creepy mask (and a nice certificate.. and hopefully no more tumors in my brain)!

Also, officially started physical therapy this week to finally get to really work on my shoulders. They’re getting better, but there is a lot of work to do.

It’s all gonna be alright, and I couldn’t have done it without all the support that’s come my way since this went down. Much love to you all!

#WeirdTimes

Happy Mother’s Day to Abby’s amazing mom, my incredible wife!
I recorded the acoustic track in this video a while back, and just recently noticed how sweet it is hearing Jenn, Abby, and our dog Tela in the background. It felt like the perfect time to turn it into a little slideshow tribute.
Love you, @illustratorjenn! Hope you have a beautiful day, and that things only keep getting better from here.

This is the first time in over two months I’ve worn a shirt that wasn’t made for shoulder surgery. I never thought I’d be so excited to wear a button-down! My arms are getting better every day. Also, next week I’ll be heading into the final week of chemo and radiation. Can’t wait to be on the other side of that too!

A couple more things I’m really excited about: playing acoustic guitar again, and the upcoming release of my next single, “Something I Forgot.” It’s being mastered right now and should be going live asap. So here’s a little preview — hope you dig it, and stay tuned!

Getting well-er every day, and hope you’re all well too!

My arms were feeling better yesterday, so I spent a lot of time out of the slings, and spent a good bit of time playing bass. I’m definitely not at 💯 but I’m on my way to getting there. Here’s a little something, just playing along to a Box Of Rain I recorded a long time ago, because a box of rain will ease the pain and love will see you through! Miss you all, and can’t wait to get back to doing more!

We got to see the Phish from Vermont!
My shoulders are - slowly but surely - getting a little better everyday, and I’m officially half-way through chemo / radiation, and seeing Phish with @illustratorjenn last night helped make it all a little better too! Love those guys and everybody there. 🐠

I can’t even express how much this means to me. I never would’ve expected anything like this, but the fact that it’s happening, and with such an incredible, extensive list of some of the best musicians around… it’s overwhelming in the best way.

All I can do is feel immense gratitude, and let this inspire me to keep pushing forward so I can get back to doing things with all these amazing people again.

Infinite thanks to Ashton Slater for making this happen, along with Jeffrey Brown, John Lovero, and everyone who’s been involved in any way. I love you all so much!

My good friend @instagraememom just sent me this cool little video she took at one of my favorite venues out there, @crazylikeahorse in Grass Valley, CA playing bass with the awesome @marcusrezak, @annaelvadrums, and JJ Hotz on keys.

It’s a sweet reminder of how much I miss making music live in front of folks. I’m still creating however I can, pouring it all into my upcoming album Weird Times, but I can’t wait to be back on stage sharing moments like this again.

Love you all, and I hope to see you out there asap!
🎶💗✌️

Week one of chemo and radiation is in the books. It’s wild what modern technology can do, and there’s just five more weeks to go!

The love and support I’ve gotten through GoFundMe (link in bio) has meant the world to me. Thank you to everyone who’s contributed and/or reached out with your super-kindness.

Playing live is on pause for now, but I’m still making music. Weird Times—my first solo album, with lots of amazing musicians on it—is in the works, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Peace and Weird Times ahead ✌️

My favorite part of Today—my awesome daughter Abby Lynne explaining the sound you hear when you pass a meadow full of cows 🐄

Go check out Today and stay tuned for more Weird Times… ✨🎶

Things are getting a little better every day.

Huge thanks to everyone who’s contributed to my GoFundMe—because of your support, I was able to get this amazing sit/stand desk and an adjustable chair that actually works with these giant slings. I still can’t sit or stand in one position for too long, but now I can move around more comfortably and keep working on music.

I start chemo and radiation on Monday. From what I’ve been told, my chemo won’t be nearly as intense as what a lot of folks go through—I’ll be doing radiation five days a week for six weeks, along with a daily chemo pill. Physical therapy should be starting soon, too, right alongside all that.

Things are about to get more intense—but also, hopefully, a lot more healing.

In the meantime, my debut album, Weird Times, is still happening slowly but surely. I can’t wait to share it with you!

Hope you’re all doing well. Hope the stock market bounces back. Hope the Phillies beat the Dodgers this weekend (though I’ve got love for the Dodgers too). Hope the next West Coast Phish run is the best ever.

My GoFundMe is still live—if you haven’t checked it out, the link’s in my bio. Infinite thanks to everyone who’s already helped. Seriously, you have changed my life.

Love you all.

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About David

David Barsky is a Southern California (by way of Philly) songwriter, bassist, and explorer of sound rooted in the jam and indie scenes. After nearly a decade with The Higgs and years of sharing the stage with improvisational heavyweights, Barsky set out on his own to tell a more personal story.

His debut solo album, Weird Times (out September 2, 2025), was written and recorded while navigating serious medical hardships. As he sings in California Calling, the songs live in the space between “joy and hurt and peace and pain,” where it “sometimes feels like all the same.”

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