Episode 5: David Stark

David Stark, founder of SongLink International, has spent over 45 years shaping the music industry through roles at legendary labels such as DJM (Dick James Music), Decca Records, and Billboard / Music & Media. In 1993, he launched SongLink, delivering monthly briefs to songwriters on exactly what labels, managers, and producers are looking for, followed by Cuesheet, a similar tool for film and TV media composers. Since then, he’s taken SongLink from a small startup to a globally respected brand, earning himself the reputation as “the guy who knows (almost!) everyone.”

David’s industry accolades include the prestigious Gold Badge Award from the British Academy of Composers & Songwriters, not to mention trips to music events everywhere from Cuba to Canada. He is the co-author of Inspirations: The Stories Behind the Songs, where he raised over £250,000 for charity with songwriters’ donations of lyrics. And while he’s met every Beatle, he’s also a drummer himself, performing for years with tribute bands like the Trembling Wilburys.

Whether he’s serving as a jury member for global song contests or sharing stories from his Beatles-inspired memoir IT’S ALL TOO MUCH, David is truly an icon in the industry trenches.

We’d love to hear your suggestions for Daisy’s Life Skills or if you have any feedback or ‘Behind the Scenes’ stories please drop us an email ⁠auburnbehindthescenes@gmail.com⁠.

David's fave Auburn track: Day dreamin' from the Indian Summer album⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@auburnbanduk⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn's website⁠⁠⁠⁠

Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Auburn with Liz Lenten⁠⁠⁠

Recorded and edited by Lantana Hewitt.

Produced by Daisy Gilham.

Artwork by Donavan Lenten and Daisy Gilham.

Theme music by Liz Lenten and Sie Medway-Smith.