Finding the Groove: Steven Davidson and North State Grass
From his early days as a metal guitarist to his current work with North State Grass, Steven Davidson has built a musical journey rooted in curiosity, connection and a willingness to take chances.
Born and raised just outside of Fayetteville, Davidson picked up the guitar around the age of 15 years old, initially drawn to metal before finding his way into bluegrass. After moving to Charlotte, he joined the psychedelic bluegrass band Spongecake Fluff Ramblers, spending seven years traveling and performing.
“Running around with Spongecake, it was something new every day,” Davidson said. “Where are we going? Are we going to make it to the gig? Who are we going to meet there?”
His musical journey eventually brought him to Statesville. Davidson joined Mooresville-based Coddle Creek, playing with the group for 13 years before recently departing. He also spent time playing bass with the Broad PickUps.
Today, Davison is putting much of his energy into North State Grass, a progressive bluegrass, or “jamgrass,” band he describes as his passion project.
“We want to stay true to what bluegrass is,” said Davidson.
For Davidson, bluegrass is about the feeling created when musicians find their groove and sound using acoustic instruments without drums or other elements keeping time.
“It is a feeling of pure skill that is coming out in pure art,” he said.
North State Grass has already accomplished plenty in its first year, including performances at the Charleston Bluegrass Festival and Telluride, along with one album and a forthcoming duo album. Davidson estimates the band has written 46 original songs in its first year.
The songwriting process can begin anywhere—even with a Cheez-It box. Davidson said the lyrics for one of the group’s newest songs started with words he spotted on the packaging before evolving into a riff and jam session.
Davidson says performing around Statesville feels different from playing for unfamiliar crowds. At local venues such as the Historical Collection or the old jail, he sees friends and familiar faces.
“It’s almost like sitting on the back porch when playing in Statesville,” he said.
North State Grass has several upcoming performances, including Live After 5 and Fab Fest on Oct. 2, the Historical Collection on Oct. 7 and a PBS appearance on “Songs of the Mountain” Nov. 7.
Comments