Dave McGraw believes in the power of the stories that we tell. He believes that artistic expression can define our culture, directly influencing the way in which we live our lives. Dave tells his stories through his music. His tales of the well-lived life, accompanied by his dynamic acoustic arrangements, are vibrant in their sincerity. Whether touring solo or with a full band, he has taken in audiences nationwide with his singular brand of songcraft. According to San Francisco’s blackmagicplastic, "Dave's music is heartfelt, spiritually rich and endlessly wise...music of the sort that can enrapture anyone who takes the time to really listen."

Primarily a drummer and percussionist for fifteen years, Dave has taken stage with bands performing roots country, folk, blues, jazz-influenced rock, and world music. Although he has been writing songs since his teens, Dave began his musical journey as a singer and frontman in the summer of 2005, with a move to the high desert of northern Arizona. In a five-month maelstrom of creative energy, Dave and bassist Thom Lord built a studio in the corner of a tiny rural house and recorded Dave’s first album, Northwest/Southwest. Incorporating parts by a talented group of musicians from both Arizona and Washington State, Dave’s debut ranges from the simplicity of guitar and voice to pieces colored by strings, horns, and percussion. Raw and emotional, this album skillfully invokes the dusty desert roads and verdant forests of Dave's travels throughout the American west.

Dave quickly became comfortable in his new musical role, playing a multitude of live shows to increasingly enthusiastic crowds and releasing a second full-length album in April of 2007. Where the Sea Settles Down showcases a more rhythmically driven sound and Dave’s continuing maturation as a songwriter and musician. This album also saw Dave’s first collaboration with guitarist Peter Horne, who would eventually join Dave and Thom to form the Dave McGraw Trio. Peter’s jaw-dropping picking and bluegrassy original compositions quickly became an integral part of live shows, and the Trio hit the road in the in 2007 for two very well-received national tours. In between tours, Dave and Peter had the honor of opening for Oscar winners Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova (a.k.a. The Swell Season), stars of the movie “Once,” in San Francisco. Their opening set was recorded and released as the Live at Noe Valley EP.

Dave is currently living below the high peaks surrounding Flagstaff, Arizona. He is playing regularly with the newly formed Dave McGraw Band, featuring Ryan Heinsius on lead guitar and vocals, drummer Andrew Lauher, and Thom on electric bass. Dave has shared the stage with a wide range of acclaimed artists in 2008, including Paula Nelson, Del McCoury, Tony Furtado, and David Lindley. Dave and the Band are in the process of recording the next studio album, which is planned for release in early 2009.