With its clever phrasing and an attitude that reflects the times, Southern California native Davis’ single “Two Cents” recalls Bob Dylan’s “Subtterranean Blues” and Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” (And what about that catchy riff?) First heard on ESPN's First Take, Davis fuses a bluesy twist within his hip-hop songs, which makes sense when you consider that his first instrument was a Gibson 335 guitar that he picked up at the age of 12 because Chuck Berry blew him away. Davis—whose previous musical projects include Venus Infers and a pop-focused solo career under his real name, Davis Fetters—talks to Myspace about his musical path. 

Hometown: Riverside, CA

Homebase: Los Angeles, CA

What is “Two Cents” about? What inspired it?

"Two Cents" is about being frustrated with other people's opinions of you. When I wrote the song I felt like everyone around me was telling me who I should be, what kind of music I should make, what kind of life I should live. It was happening so much that I decided to write about that experience. These days it feels like opinions get thrown around so often that it all starts to feel like pop up ads you gotta X out of [laughs].

Why release an acoustic version of "Two Cents"?

I wanted to release an acoustic version of "Two Cents" because it offers another way for people to enjoy the song. I've always been a fan of artists that release acoustic versions of their music because I can really get into the lyrics and the emotion of the song.

I read that you picked up guitar because you were inspired by Chuck Berry. What else did you listen to growing up?

Nirvana was the first band I heard as a kid that made me interested in rock music. They made me curious to learn more. So I started digging into my parents' record collection and once I heard Chuck Berry and all the early blues stuff like Robert Johnson it got me inspired to pick up guitar.

Who are your other musical heroes?

Julian Casablancas (The Strokes) is my favorite modern songwriter. He writes some of the best lyrics and melodies I've ever heard. But hands down my two all-time favorite songwriters are Bob Dylan and John Lennon. They said pretty much everything I need to live my life by. Dylan makes you aware of what's really happening in life, while Lennon reminds you to dream. I like to write somewhere in between both of those spaces.

Are you working on a full-length right now? What will it be about?

Yeah definitely. The songs are all based on experiences I've gone through. Some tunes focus on being broke, falling in and out of love, observing how crazy society can be sometimes. Other songs focus on overcoming fear and struggle and having hope that one day everything will be alright.

What's your songwriting process like?

Every song is different. Sometimes songs come in 10 minutes while others might take months. But there is no better feeling than finishing a new song.

Do you remember the first song you ever wrote?

The first song I wrote was called "Waterfalls" and it was about missing your youth.

What about the first time you performed in public? Was that pivotal in your wanting to be a musician?

In junior high I played a talent show at my school. I played the song “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens and I actually won! After that gig I was pretty excited about performing so I then started a punk band with my friends. We were still in junior high but we got to play at some high school parties, so we felt super cool at the time.

You were part of Venus Infers before you went solo. Then you changed your name from Davis Fetter to just Davis. Why did you drop your last name?

I just go by Davis now (because) lot of the songs I'm writing now are so different that anything I've written before that it just felt like it was time for a change.

What's the best thing a fan has ever done for you?

This one fan came to a show and asked me to sign his guitar. I was like, "Dude are you sure? I'm not famous or anything and that's your guitar! I don't wanna fuck it up!"

How do you describe your music to people who haven't heard it before?

I usually say rock & roll. I've got so many different influences that it's hard to pin down the sound exactly but I've been told I'm somewhere between Beastie Boys and Bob Dylan, which I'd imagine is a pretty wide range.

What are your new year’s resolutions?

To keep progressing as a songwriter and hopefully write a song that really connects with a lot of people.

There’s a story that Peter Murphy of Bauhaus had you open for him after he saw your band play once. What was he like?

Yeah I went on tour opening for Peter. He's awesome and he might actually be a vampire! The shows were fun and his fans were really cool about hearing new music.

Who else would you love to collaborate with?

I'd love to collaborate with Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age. He's such a great songwriter!