While many aspiring musicians dream of being signed up by major recording labels, Durban singer Davyn Fourie is creating his own sanctuary.

The singer/songwriter, who was part of Pop Idols in 2010, is set to release his debut album under his self-titled record company.

People who opt for small ventures are usually the least talented, but with Fourie that’s far from being the case.

His dream is to create a home for other coming talented musicians who are not afforded the opportunity to make a career of their gift.

“I want to do it myself because that will give me an opportunity to help others,” he said.

It has been four years since he started composing songs.

He now feels he can send shivers down the spines of fans with his music, which he doesn’t classify in any well-known genres.

He said the album, Shooting Stars, would be on shelves by April.

We visited the 23-year-old at his home on the Bluff, in Durban. He took us to the place where his thoughts are made real – his studio.

The room is packed with instruments, but my eyes catch a beautiful acoustic guitar lying on the couch.

He said: “I’ve been playing guitar since I was a little boy. My dad is fond of music, so my life revolves around it,” he told us.

I’ve listened to some of the tracks on his promo CD, and boy, is he good! While listening to Shooting Stars and Destiny, it felt as if he was talking to me. Anyone can relate to this sound.

I am not a jazz fanatic, but the rhythm fuelling the quality of the sound, and powerful melody, attracted me to this genre.

However, Fourie doesn’t want his sound to be classified as jazz or fusion, but prefers it to be classified as “higher life music”.

Explaining this, he said: “My music is basically an alternative stereotypic acoustic, home grown music. It is very real, I’m part of each and every song I sing.”

Born in Durban, Fourie was one of the Pop Idols hopefuls in 2010, but his intention was not to audition.

He attended to play the guitar for his friend, but when the judges saw him playing in the second round, they liked him.

Fourie, a drama and music graduate from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, said: “I wanted to be an actor more than anything. That was the reason I studied drama, but music took over.”

His father, Colin, who also plays the piano like a pro, had a big influence on his son’s music career.

“I grew up looking up to him. He loves music and made me want to learn more about it too,” said Fourie. Even on Shooting Stars, Colin played a tremendous role in enhancing the sound by using the piano.

But Fourie also draws some inspiration from the US jazz singer, Michael Franks, funk jazz band Jamiroquai and Erykah Badu.

“They taught me to keep things simple and original. And to put more energy and joy in while composing songs,” he said.

• To explore more of Davyn Fourie’s music, go to www.davynfouriemusic.com

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