David Hakan

David Hakan
In Midtown

As its title - and such lyrics as If you eat at Chubby's late at night, I'll bet you live in midtown - suggests, David Hakan's latest work also pays homage to Kansas City's vibrant midsection. Unlike Priolo, Hakan condenses his tribute to the area into one song, the solo acoustic title track, which goes on to describe the Westport area as where creative, unique, artistic, and cantankerous folks are found. Such lyrics might be easier for local listeners to relate to, but they're far from the only clever content on an album that also contains a poignant tribute to a dearly departed family member and his dog (Socrates and the Angel of Death") and a cautionary tale about the "Flood of '93." Although Hakan handles much of the instrumentation on the disc, which compiles 13 of his songs written between 1993 and '98, he does get stellar assistance from fiddle and banjo players on the country romp "We're Gone" and from vocalist Lezlie Revelle, who adds fire to both "Shawnee Farm" and the album's finest tune, "Coyote Song." On a few songs, a chorus of local artists who participate in a local showcase known as the Songwriters Circle joins in on the harmonies. On the tunes that are, for the most part, just Hakan, his guitar, and an easy-going melody, the songwriter receives a subtle but effective boost from an accordion or cello. To paraphrase Hakan, if you enjoy country-tinged folk, I'll bet you'll like In Midtown. - Pitch Weekly - Andrew Miller

Praise For Dancing Now
Dancing Now..."is a delight. ...and the writing is strong, focused and unique."
- Crow Johnson, Zassafras Mgnt/Booking - Zassafras

David Hakan Press Article - KC Cafe Radio Interview 2016

David Hakan Sings to the Heart in Stone and Steel
Sometimes the winds of change blow hard on a C harp, wail at the corporate towers and shake the roots of rock ’n’ roll.
Singer/songwriter David Hakan has lived through a lot of that change, and continues to sing about it to this day. Along the way, he has skilfully crafted his refinement of the song and songwriting into something he now shares with others… Not just fans of his music, but other musicians as well.
A native of Kansas City, David grew up with music as an integral part of life. His mother played piano, and exposed the family to all sorts of music. “You never knew if you were going to get opera or ‘Lovin’ Spoonful’.” His older brothers were also quite musical, playing guitar and singing covers of Peter, Paul and Mary songs. David fit right in, singing along with his brothers, and eventually on his own.
After years of performing his original songs in coffee houses, at folk festivals and other venues, David would go on to share his passion and experience with other musicians. He formed the Kansas City Songwriters Circle in 1992, and has mentored many successful singer/songwriters in the Kansas City area.
David recently retired from teaching, allowing him to focus all of his time on his music. The latest product of this change in his life is reflected in his new album, Stone and Steel. David is also taking to touring, and plans on forming a band in the near future.
Recently, KC Cafe Radio Music Director Kathy Forste talked with David via Skype. David talks about growing up in a musical family, performing on the “coffee shop circuit,” and the importance of music in our world and the impact it has on society.
Listen to the interview here:
Interview: David Hakan 7/11/2016 - KC Cafe Radio