Dave Canales, a San Francisco native from the Sunset District, is making waves as a lyricist, song writer, and professional mental health counselor. Through his music and his counseling work, Canales offers guidance and support to many, blending his artistic talents with a deep commitment to mental well-being.
His love for music has always been intertwined with his identity.
Canales spoke fondly of his upbringing, saying, “I grew up in San Francisco, and I love this place. My father is an immigrant, and my mother is a native San Franciscan. There is something special about this city—it’s in my bones.”
Growing up, Canales was surrounded by diverse musical influences from his family. Wide ranging from salsa, 70s funk, 80s soft rock.
“But when I got into rap, it was lots of Tupac, Snoop, Nas, and DMX that really shaped me. I became fascinated with the technical aspects of rap— metaphors, punchlines, and wordplay,” expressed Canales. His father’s cousin, who was a musician, played a key role in shaping his early interest in music: “He started teaching me the basics of writing, and I just kept building from there.”
However, despite being young, he recalls that he was also self- taught, and driven by a desire to express himself through lyrics.
Canales’ journey into songwriting began at a young age. At nine, he began to discover his talents, by first reimagining his favorite song, “Nothin’ but a G Thang.”
“Nothin’ but a G Thang” by Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre. . . I was around 7 years old, and I couldn’t stop memorizing the lyrics. That’s when I knew I wanted to start writing my own stuff.”
During his teenage years, Canales found inspiration from his peers. In his high school cafeteria, he saw older students gathered in a circle, rapping and hand-drumming on the table.
Terrified at first, Canales slowly built up the courage to join in the circle—this was a high turning point for him. Over time, Canales’ approach to songwriting evolved, but he always stuck to his true love for storytelling and the technicalities in lyrics.
Canales’ lyrics often touch on themes of identity, culture, and his personal experiences. His approach to songwriting has always been introspective, reflecting his deep connections to his roots and his city.
“The themes I explore in my music come from real life. I talk about what I know, and that’s what resonates with people,” he noted.
One of his most notable songs, a tribute to his beloved 49ers, began as a joke, but went on to garner over a million views. “I wrote a song about being a die-hard 49ers fan. I traveled to 15 different stadiums performing it. It was surreal,” expressed Canales.
For Canales, his most rewarding moment throughout his whole career is when his son connected with a song he wrote about fatherhood.
“I wrote a track about becoming a father, and when my son heard it, he looked at me and said, ‘This is for me, Dad.’ That moment, seeing his gratitude and understanding, made everything feel truly meaningful. It was a reminder that my music isn’t just about me—it’s about the people I care about and the impact I can have on their lives.”
Like many artists, Canales faced challenges throughout his career, especially navigating the cultural barriers and the realities of the music industry.
“Rap music has deep roots in African-American culture, and I’m always aware of my place in the room. Sometimes, it’s about proving yourself and working hard for what you want.”
Financially, Canales has often funded his projects out of his own pocket.
“It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. No one pays me to do this, but it’s my passion. That’s what’s what keeps me going.”
As Canales continues to work on new music and a forthcoming album, he is more focused than ever to help others find their voice. From his roots in San Francisco, to his journey as a lyricist, Dave Canales’ story is one of passion, persistence, and the power of music to connect and inspire.
“My goal now is to help others discover their creativity and overcome writer’s block. There’s so much untapped talent out there, and I want to be a part of that process.”
