For musician Dave Beaudry (Dirty Frazier), music is the poetry of his frustration, especially in his teen years.
“I related to rap music, it was the language of my experience and still speaks to me,” Beaudry said.
Now a father, husband and welder, Beaudry still looks to music to express his message.
His first solo album Black Sheep is the result of a year’s dedication to writing new tunes. He’s building on the success and growth he experienced through Ill-literate.
“This album pushes through to new heights,” Beaudry said.
“It’s a mix of humour, aggressiveness and personal experiences. I’ve tried to bring a blend of rap and some more melodic riffs.”
The title Black Sheep throws back to his teen years, when being a black sheep was cool.
However, Beaudry has learned from his past and is building a better future for himself and his family, but those experiences provide grist for his musical mill as they are experiences today’s teens can relate to.
His album is available through iTunes, Amazon and all major digital retailers as well as through the artist on his Web site www.dirtyfrazier.com and locally at Firehouse Tattoo.
Beaudry knows shows are an important promotional tool. His experience last year at the D12 rap concert in Prince George was amazing he said.
“Traveling in that circle, performing on the same stage, being in the same dressing room, hearing them talk about the Ill-literate album is something I’ll never forget,” he said.
“I crave more of that.”
Plans are underway for a show in the new year which Beaudry is also planning on being a fundraiser.
“I want my shows to not only provide exposure for my new solo music but also to help the community raise funds for needy organizations,” he said.
The first show’s recipient will be Amata Transition House and Beaudry sees this is very fitting.
“I’m pleased the first show is dedicated to women at risk,” he said.
“Often these women are negatively stereotyped in rap music.”
Beaudry also hopes his music and his shows will be a positive role model for youth.
“Concerts are not only a way for people to experience my music but it’s a chance for me to be a positive role model for youth, presenting rap music in a positive way. My music is aggressive but it’s not destructive. Tying my concerts to fundraising is also a good message to the audience.”
Beaudry is hard at work writing the music for his next album which is planned for late 2012 and he sees it as another step up in his musical evolution.
“Any musician worth his salt strives to always best his last effort and that’s my goal,” he said.
Beaudry’s music is not confined to just the rap genre, in fact he’s drawing on his deep family musical roots and will be the drummer in a newly-formed band.
He is also developing a business relationship with Ephin Clothing Apparel out of Surrey and hopes to have more news on that very soon.
However, at the end of the day, Beaudry is all about family and knows he wouldn’t be where he is, both musically and personally without the unflagging support of his wife and family.
“She’s always supportive and always someone I can trust,” he said.