I am David Bennett, Guitarist,

Songwriter, Singer, Producer for my own musical outlet that I call "White Island". I am a one-man band, covering all aspects of the creative process including song writing, all performance and design, right down to the production of my debut album. I am a completely intuitive musician and have never received a music lesson in my life, which I feel assists in imparting a genuine and natural feel to my music. My music is created in my own studio, which I call "Siamese Sound".

    I've been playing guitar for over 21 years, however this is my first creative output, which has been assisted by today's technology and my own DIY

(do it yourself) attitude.

  "Songs of Love, Hate, Hope & Despair" is the first album by White Island. The music has a modern rock sound, with highly emotional, personal lyrics, catchy choruses, and technically advanced lead guitar playing. The music comes from my heart and mind, and is the most natural expression of how I am feeling and what I want to create. I have not created this music with an audience in mind, although I do have a strong desire to touch people through my songs and playing.

  I live in Wellington, New Zealand. When I first started playing, I played locally in bands, but I found frustration in finding musicians whose commitment and desire equaled that of my own. For the past number of years I have been isolated in my studio, learning the skills I needed to make my music reality. With technology where it is today, and the internet being the powerful tool it is, I'm confident that a one person musical act can reach a significant audience, and do so with power, clarity and integrity!

‘I'm really proud to have been selected by Michael Molenda, Editor-In-Chief of Guitar Player Magazine, for a feature in the "Editors Big Eight" section of the December 2007 issue of the magazine.

Michael had the following to say about my track "More Like You", which is on my debut album "Songs of Love, Hate, Hope & Despair"...

"This is more of a song writing/production pick – even though one man band David Bennett plays some shred-o-rific guitar. The track is a fiery mix of melodic elements (tack piano and keyboard strings) and driving guitars that's reminiscent of Michael Hutchence's dance-oriented Max Q project. Everything pulses with vibe and atmosphere, and the solos kill"

It's been a long time goal of mine to be included in this section of Guitar Player Magazine, so I'm really grateful to Michael, Ernie Ball (the sponsor) and the magazine for including me!”

Influences: My beautiful wife Alida and precious son Taylor, my family, Kiss, Thin Lizzy, Phil Lynott, Motley Crue, Pantera, Slipknot, Yngwie Malmsteen, Eddie Van Halen, Paul Gilbert, Jason Becker, George Lynch, John Sykes, Christian Okoye and The Kansas City Chiefs, Muhammad Ali, Fidel Castro and Nelson Mandela.

Modern rock with strong melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and catchy choruses. Guitar Player Magazine describes White Island as "a fiery mix of melodic elements and driving guitars. Everything pulses with vibe and atmosphere, and the solos KILL!"

David Bennett - All Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Sequencer Programming, Engineering, Production, and Conceptual Design and Execution. Er, that's EVERYTHING I guess!