Artist / Band

Son of Dave

Origin Winnipeg, Manitoba, 🇨🇦 - London, England, United Kingdom - Winnipeg, Manitoba, 🇨🇦

Websites

sonofdave.bandcamp.com

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Biography

Son of Dave, the internationally renowned maverick bluesman, has carved out a unique space in the music world. With a one-man-band setup combining harmonica, beatboxing, looping, and gritty vocals, he reinvents rhythm and blues for the modern age, flipping traditions on their head while staying rooted in the raw essence of the genre. His live shows are electrifying—a masterclass in showmanship that blends blues, funk, and hip-hop with infectious energy and flair.

Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Son of Dave—born Benjamin Darvill—first gained recognition as a founding member of the platinum-selling Crash Test Dummies. During his time with the band, he contributed harmonica, mandolin, and guitar to iconic albums like God Shuffled His Feet. Yet, Darvill’s creative vision soon led him down a different path. In 1998, he moved to London, England, adopting the Son of Dave moniker and launching a solo career that would establish him as a truly original force in contemporary music.

Son of Dave’s music is difficult to categorize but easy to love. Drawing from deep blues traditions, he fuses raw harmonica riffs with beatbox rhythms creating a sound that’s simultaneously old and new. Influences from John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf, and early R&B mix seamlessly with elements of modern hip-hop, funk, and rock. His track Shake a Bone became a cult hit after its inclusion in Breaking Bad, cementing his reputation as a genre-defying artist.

Son of Dave’s early career was a true DIY adventure. Before his partnership with Kartel for official releases, he independently put out alternative CD versions of "02" and B. Darvill's Wild West Show (later renamed Son of Dave's Wild West Show). These early editions were released under his own Husky Records label, emphasizing his hands-on approach and maverick spirit.

Over the years, he’s put out a string of vinyl LP’s, including A Flat City, Call Me a Cab, Music For Cop Shows, Explosive Hits, Blues at the Grand, and Shake a Bone. In addition to his 12” output, Son of Dave has released several 7" singles, including Goddamn/San Francisco, Life Is So Easy Now, Devil Take My Soul, Tequila/Black Betty, Ain’t Nuthin’ But The Blues/Shake Your Hips, and Old Times Were Good Times/So Good So Wrong.

His records showcase his boundless creativity, turning convention on its head and proving that the blues can still surprise, challenge, and inspire. Notably, his live performances elevate the music to another level—layering beats, harmonica, and vocals into rich soundscapes, all created on the spot with remarkable precision and style.

After two decades of living in London, Son of Dave returned to Winnipeg, bringing his global experiences back to his hometown. Despite the changes in location, his artistic mission remains the same: to challenge, inspire, and entertain with every beat and breath.

Far from being a revivalist, Son of Dave is a true innovator—breathing new life into an old genre and proving that the blues can still be dangerous, raw, and full of surprises.
-Robert Williston

Contact Dave:
sonofdave45@gmail.com

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