Graphic designer. Musician. Dad.

While those words can’t capture the creative prowess of David Haire, senior designer at Wray Ward, they’re a good start. And, they help explain what drives him.

Haire has been a mainstay in Charlotte’s local music scene for decades, and his aural creations show no sign of slowing. His musical project up/dn’s most recent release is called “Turbo Volvo.” Listen here.

Dave’s latest musical project was inspired in no small part to Griffin, his son. Griffin has been diagnosed with autism. While extremely intelligent, Griffin has communications challenges. That said, he responded strongly to Dave’s music, listening to it repeatedly. He was intrigued by Dave’s process. Soon enough, Griffin became Dave’s inspiration.

“I started making it after and my son Griffin and I were playing with different arpeggiators on my synthesizer in my home studio,” explains Haire.

What sprung forth was a Stranger Things-esque, nostalgic-sonic experience. It’s the kind of thing (depending on your age) that can make you feel like you’re 12 again – ready to level up and team up with the neighborhood kids to take on whatever Spielberg-ian monster is invading the backyard.

“I like the assonance of the words ‘Turbo Volvo,’” Haire says about the title, “and the fact that it’s fast in concept but a safe kind of fast. And, it sounded very 80’s. So I treated this project as if it could be theme music for a fictional 1982 TV show about an advanced, artificially intelligent, self-aware and nearly indestructible car.”

What does Haire want you to feel while listening to it? “Nostalgia,” he says, “but hopefully it helps the listener reach a flow state in whatever setting. Working, driving, thinking or chilling.”

Whatever you think, Dave already knows what he needs to know — Griffin loves it.

What’s Next for up/dn?

The up/dn quartet (David H. on Guitar/Synth/Drum Machine; Chris W. on Bass/Synth; Ryan P. on full percussion set; Tony M. on sax) also has a new release coming out May 4, 2019 called “Wild Forces.” Keep an ear out for it – or better yet, hear them play live at The Biscuit Lounge hosted by Charlotte Is Creative during the Charlotte SHOUT! Festival May 9-11. Check listings for exact performance time.

The Biscuit Lounge’s colorful LED structure will serve as a hub where “Creative Correspondents” will help attendees decide what SHOUT! programming to check out next. A line-up of local DJs curated by Tip Top Daily Market will be served up alongside samplings of delicious craft beer from Divine Barrel Brewing. Plus, the occasional live act will pop up at The Biscuit Lounge, including Latino Street Dancing from Hola Charlotte and, of course, the performance by up/dn.

Watch Dave and Griffin in Action 

Wray Ward was so taken with David and Griffin’s creative relationship, they featured them in the inaugural installment of their “Inspire” video series. Here’s their description:

Designer by day and musician by night, David began his up/dn music project as a way to feed his creative hunger and tap into what he calls the universe’s natural balance. But he never imagined how the tracks he composed would impact his son, Griffin, who has autism. David’s musical talent and love for Griffin strike a chord. (CREDIT: Wray Ward)

Wray Ward Inspire Series: David Haire from Wray Ward on Vimeo.