David Ecker comes to iTunes

Paul Rapisardi, DIAL Photo Editor -- He opened his e-mail on an ordinary day, expecting the usual assortment of spam advertisements for online pharmacies, weight loss products and online colleges. But he received something different -- an e-mail from iTunes with the subject line, “YOUR MUSIC HAS BEEN ACCEPTED.” He sat back in his chair as a wide grin crossed his face.

Pianist and 2010 Hackley alumnus David Ecker is turning his dream into a reality. This past month he got his two jazz singles “Here All Along” and “This Strange Land” onto the iTunes Store. He has worked on both singles as he completes therapy for leukemia.

Although getting music onto iTunes may composition as the toughest part. “Where it gets more complicated is the production and marketing of a single,” he said. “In this day and age, anyone with a computer can put a song out there, but not everyone can write and record a song worth listening to.”

The musical process for David usually spans a few weeks. “Often once I begin really is. Tweaking continues throughout the recording process, right up until I upload the is complete it takes all of about an hour to upload the single, upload the album art, and fill out the online paperwork.

In his music on iTunes, David recorded himself playing piano and added computer based instruments, such as drums and bass. This is a departure from traditional jazz, usually played with live drums and bass.

David said that his new songs are “about coping with unfamiliarity,” an experience that he says is universal. “The piano solo is intentionally disorienting, representing the initial descent into the dark woods,” he said. “We’ve all felt disoriented, whether facing new challenges or opportunities, so I think the metaphor applies to everyone.” 

But iTunes is not the only platform that has taken notice of David’s music. He was featured on the jazz standard “Body and Soul,” which was played on 95.5 FM’s “Jazz City” program.

David advises other aspiring musicians to work on making contacts within the musical really important to make lots of talented contacts who keep you in the loop,” he said. “If you’re amiable, responsible, and able to consistently deliver at a high enough level, then you will be the one they call when an opportunity opens up.”

In the future David is not planning on a full album, but he will consider it later in the year after he has finished chemotherapy and his first Columbia midterm.