#79: Writing Raps and Breaking Down Movie Franchises with David Shabani
David Shabani started writing raps when he was ten years old, and his experiences have only made him more well-versed since then. He was born to Congolese parents in France and has made his way from Paris to Montreal to Dallas and now Austin. David was listening to rap before he could speak English and now performs with an all-Black band.
His latest EP Shabani’s Smooth Sounds of the Summer came out on August 6 and is full of songs that’ll get your head nodding. With a mix of English, French, and Lingala, it truly is an international record.
David talks about his early days of writing, the worst gigs he’s ever had (and how The Fast and the Furious was involved), dives into his favorite movies, and shares his experience with multiple organizations working to improve the lives of others.
Highlights of our conversation include:
Some of the other stage names David went through before settling on his actual name of David Shabani. (4:21)
David and I reminisce about our basketball skills and the one type of player you always find during a pickup basketball game. (7:44)
The first raps David ever wrote, and a few of his early inspirations. (9:36)
What makes David’s content stand out among other artists and how his unique perspective and family background shape his writing. (13:54)
How David markets himself as an artist and how other musicians can use some of those same tips. (18:20)
Why those Instagram ads from course creators are so annoying and the things creators should (and shouldn’t) be doing. (20:12)
The worst gigs David has ever played — and why they’re still so memorable. (24:06)
Why the Fast and the Furious franchise is such a fascinating thing. David and I also share a plot for the final movie that the producers should most definitely use (and pay us royalties for). (28:00)
David talks about his involvement with two very cool organizations: Refugee Services of Texas and Black Austin Musicians Collective. (31:18)
David shares his top movies and why they’ve made such an impact on him. (37:40)
Where to find David Shabani:
Visit David and check out his tour dates at ifeelgoodrightnow.com.
Follow him on Instagram @idavidshabani
Check him out on Spotify or wherever you listen to good tunes!
If you’re a fan of Good People, Cool Things, I would love your support. Feel free to follow on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. That helps even more people discover these wonderful guests.
You can also support the show by checking out the Good People, Cool Things merch store. Thanks for visiting!