A British musician who blended folk, rock, and psychedelia, creating a unique sound that influenced the 1960s and 1970s music scene.
David Westlake is a highly acclaimed English singer-songwriter, best known for leading the influential indie band The Servants from 1985 to 1991. During this period, the band gained a significant following and was featured on the iconic NME-associated C86 compilation in 1986.
The Servants were formed in Hayes, Middlesex, England, and quickly gained recognition for their unique sound, which blended jangly guitars and witty lyrics. The band's original lineup included Westlake, Luke Haines, and other notable members. Haines, who would later go on to form The Auteurs, has often spoken highly of Westlake's songwriting skills, describing his debut solo album as a "minor classic."
Westlake's solo debut, Westlake, was released in 1987 on Creation Records and received critical acclaim. The album was re-released in an expanded form in 2023, titled D87, and features additional tracks and demos. His self-pressed album, Play Dusty for Me, was released in 2002 and quickly sold out, receiving reissues in 2010 and 2015.
In 2022, Westlake released his latest album, My Beautiful England, on Tiny Global Productions. The Servants' Small Time album, recorded in 1991, was finally released in 2012 on Cherry Red Records, more than two decades after its initial recording. The album received positive reviews, and the band's influence on the indie scene was solidified.
In 2014, Westlake and Luke Haines reunited for a one-off performance at the Lexington in London, marking their first live collaboration in over 23 years. The same year, Westlake and his band played at an NME C86 show at Venue 229, celebrating the expanded reissue of the iconic compilation.
David Westlake's influence on the indie scene is undeniable, with bands like Belle and Sebastian citing him as a major inspiration. Stuart Murdoch, frontman of Belle and Sebastian, has spoken about his admiration for Westlake's work and even attempted to track him down in the early 1990s in hopes of forming a band together.
In addition to his music career, Westlake is a practicing solicitor and academic, showcasing his diverse range of talents and passions.
With a career spanning over three decades, David Westlake has left an indelible mark on the indie music scene, inspiring generations of musicians and music lovers alike.
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