Dave Kerly is a songwriter, guitarist, and lifelong believer in the power of rock ’n’ roll. Growing up in New Jersey, Dave came of age during a time when music wasn’t simply something you listened to—it became part of your identity.
His musical awakening came early. After seeing KISS on television, Dave knew he wanted to play guitar. The spectacle, the guitars, the attitude and the sheer excitement of a rock band made an immediate impression. But the real foundation was waiting a little closer to home: his parents’ collection of Beatles albums. Those records opened the door to melody, harmony, songwriting and the idea that a great song could live forever.
From there, Dave became a student of rock ’n’ roll.
Like most songwriters, finding his own voice didn't happen overnight. There were unfinished songs, bad rhymes, discarded ideas, chord progressions that went nowhere and plenty of trial and error. But every song taught him something.
Eventually Dave stopped trying to figure out what he thought a songwriter was supposed to write about and started writing about what was going on inside his own life.
In 2026, Dave summed up his approach to songwriting during a conversation with his therapist:
“I don't journal anymore. I write songs.”