🎙️ Interview for FSHN Magazine
David Doran – Between Faith, Folk, and Fire
In today’s oversaturated digital world, where playlists scroll endlessly and voices blur into noise, a raw, sincere voice can suddenly stand out. That’s the case with David Doran, a Canadian musician now based in the U.S., often discovered by chance on YouTube or during a Twitter Space guitar in hand, heart on his sleeve.
Blending stripped-down folk, rock energy, and a grounded faith, David isn’t trying to charm anyone he’s here to connect. He doesn’t preach; he sings what he lives and feels. His style, reminiscent of both Johnny Cash and Neil Young, invites listeners into an intimate dialogue, where every note is a prayer, every word a testimony.
For FSHN Magazine, he kindly agreed to answer a few questions… in English.
🎸 Intro & Origins
1. Hi David! You’re from Cape Breton Island in Canada, which isn’t the most common spot we hear about in the folk-rock world. How has that place shaped your artistic universe?
Cape Breton Island isn’t typically associated with the folk-rock world-it’s much more rooted in Celtic traditions. The island is shaped by its strong Irish and Scottish heritage, along with Acadian French and Mi’kmaq roots. Folk, traditional, and Celtic music dominate the landscape. I grew up surrounded by music: everyone seemed to have a piano at home. My uncles played country, folk, and Irish music, but also introduced me to rock and roll. One of my uncles was particularly skilled with the electric guitar, and that really lit the spark in me. Storytelling has always been at the heart of what I love, whether it’s folk or rock.
2. Do you come from a family of musicians? How did your connection to music begin?
Absolutely. I come from a very musical family. My grandfather played guitar and piano. My grandmother had such a beautiful voice they used to say you could tune a piano to it. I was surrounded by instruments-guitars, pianos, accordions. My uncles Blaze and Jimmy played guitar, and many other relatives played as well. In one part of our family alone, there were sixteen musicians, some of whom even played professionally as far back as the 1950s. Music was always part of life.
3. Is music your full-time job today, or is it a passion you live alongside another career?
Music isn’t my full-time job-yet. I work seasonally, either out west in the oil sands or fishing with my family. The fishing season just started, actually. But my dream is to make music full-time. It doesn’t pay the bills right now, but it’s what I love. Fame or money isn’t the goal. Jesus is far more important to me than anything on Earth. As long as I’m enjoying it, I’ll keep playing music for the rest of my life.
🎶 Music & Creation
4. You play several instruments, you write, you sing… did all that come naturally to you or did you work like crazy to get to this point?
It’s a mix of natural talent and a whole lot of hard work. I believe my family was gifted musically, but I had to work very hard to develop my skills. I picked up the guitar at 12, and it took five years before I even felt I could call myself a guitarist. I spent hours listening to songs and figuring them out by ear. Once you learn to master something, you can apply that process to anything else. I taught myself to sing, write songs, and play harmonica. It all came with discipline and persistence-and a little help from above.
5. There’s a raw sincerity in your videos, like each song is straight from the heart. How do you usually create a song? More instinctive or thought-out?
Creating music is deeply spiritual for me. Early on, I didn’t write many songs, but over time, I started feeling a kind of energy guiding me. I used to call it “the Force,” before I realized it was the Holy Spirit. Songs that are forced just don’t connect-they sound artificial. But when a song flows naturally and tells a meaningful story, that’s when it resonates. I truly believe the best songs are sent from above, especially when they speak to both me and others.
6. Your sound has a real old-school rock flavor-somewhere between folk, americana, and something deeply personal. Do you feel at home in that vibe?
Completely. I feel 100% at home with my guitar in hand. My biggest inspirations are Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles. They’re all storytellers, and that’s what I aspire to be. I also love Neil Young, Tom Petty, James Taylor, Bruce Cockburn, and Woody Guthrie. My sound blends folk roots with rock and a personal touch. I just hope to have my own little link in that chain.
✝️ Faith & Inspiration
7. Songs like God Wins or Just to Let You Know clearly reflect a Christian faith. Is that something that naturally inspires you, or do you deliberately want to share a message?
I’m constantly inspired by God. I’m very devoted to Jesus and grateful for all He’s done for me and my family. I’ve written several songs that mention Him-some of my best work, actually-but they haven’t been recorded yet. I’m not in this for money or fame. JesusHe’s the famous one; I’m just trying to serve Him with the gift He gave me. I want to invest it and give Him a return.
8. Would you say music is a form of prayer for you? A way to reach people beyond just ordinary words?
Not exactly prayer-music is more like worship. Prayer is when I kneel down and ask for help, for guidance or protection. Worship is when I stop everything and sing to God, just to tell Him how amazing He is. Music is for us, for the people, for storytelling. That’s its true power. And through those stories, we can worship and connect with others.
9. Has there been a moment in your journey where faith and music intersected in a life-changing way?
I’m not sure I’ve experienced that big moment yet, but I believe it’s coming. God has already changed my life by giving me this gift. I never thought I’d be able to play, sing, or write songs. But He had a different plan. When doubt fills your head, He can blow it away like nothing. I don’t pray for fame or success-I pray that His will be done, and that I follow it.
10. Do you think rock and faith are compatible? They’re often seen as opposites, but in your music, they seem to blend seamlessly.
Absolutely-they’re 100% compatible. God created everything, even music. Rock music isn’t evil-He made guitars, amps, drums. It’s about who you choose to serve. Look at Creed in the 90s-they weren’t even planning to be a Christian rock band, yet they delivered powerful messages. I try to mention Jesus in almost every song, even just a little. Springsteen does it too. If you leave God out, someone else will fill that space, and that someone isn’t on your side.
🎤 Sharing & Stage
11. Do you perform live in public sometimes, or is it mainly through your Twitter Spaces and YouTube channel?
Right now, I’m working on putting a band together. We’ve got a drummer and a guitarist-we’re still looking for a bassist and a keyboardist. Hopefully we’ll start playing live shows around the island this summer. Before that, it was mostly open mics. I never wanted to be a solo artist, but sometimes it feels inevitable. That said, four is always better than one. I really admire what Springsteen did with the E Street Band or what the Beatles built as a group. For now, the best place to find me is on YouTube, though there’s not much there-yet. This year, I plan to put more energy into that, as well as Spotify, TikTok, Instagram, and X (which is my favorite).
12. Your channel is a goldmine for fans of acoustic guitar and heartfelt lyrics. Do you have a message for someone discovering your music for the first time today?
If I come across as a storyteller, then that’s all I could ever hope for. I owe everything to God. Thank you for listening.
⚡ Bonus Rock
13. If you could share the stage with any legend-alive or gone-who would it be?
Tough question! Alive, I’d love to share the stage with Bruce Springsteen or Bob Dylan. If it were someone gone… Freddie Mercury? I’d probably just stand there in awe. Same with Jimi Hendrix. But realistically, I’d pick Elvis Presley. Singing with Elvis would be incredible.
14. When you’re feeling down, what’s the one track that always gets you back on your feet?
I usually listen to downbeat music when I’m down-it helps me bounce back. Bob Dylan, especially. Whether it’s his music or old interviews, he always inspires me to get back up and keep going. His words just speak to something deep inside me.
15. And to wrap up: what would you say to someone who doubts themselves, but deep down has faith… or music… or maybe both?
Doubt isn’t a bad thing-it can be a stepping stone. But don’t stay in it. Surround yourself with people who’ve been through tough times and made it through. They’ll show you it’s possible. If you fall, get back up. That’s what God wants, that’s what music demands, and that’s what inspires people: when you rise after falling hard. Music can lead you all the way to heaven. But Jesus-He’s the only real way. Never give up. Get back on your feet. We want to see you again.
Links:
