Shoutout LA

Meet David SZABO | singer/songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with David SZABO and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, what role has risk played in your life or career?

Since day one, risk has always been a major factor in my life, especially when it comes to my career. Not being satisfied and having the urge to look for new opportunities was always the engine that pushed me out of my comfort zone. I need to be on the move to prove to myself that I can do more, I can do better.

I was born in Budapest, Hungary and in my first 30 years, I achieved a very successful acting/singing career. I became one of the most popular theater actors, I acted in films, released two golden records with my former band, and competed on the X factor.
I had achieved everything I had ever dreamed of, but I still felt that I had lost the newness and the ability to grow. So I gave up my career, said goodbye to my family and friends and started a completely new life here in Los Angeles. I moved here by myself and didn’t know anyone in the city, but somehow I knew that this was the place where I needed to be. Following my dreams and trusting my instincts was a difficult process, but I was always happy with the decision I made, because I knew that it was necessary for my personal and professional growth. The following quote has accompanied me on my journey over the years:

“The one who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. Those who walk alone are likely to find themselves in places no one has ever been before.” – Albert Einstein

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Before I moved to the US, I had been touring in over 40 countries. I witnessed countless people seeking validation, authenticity and inspiration. At the same time – despite the success – my production team made me feel like I was never good enough. Forcing me to constantly prove myself. In the first few years that was the motivation I needed, but after 10 hardworking years it started to take a toll on my soul and inhibit my abilities. I felt like I was in a hamster wheel that I couldn’t get out of. Why? Because I started to believe what they said: I’m simply not good enough.

Getting validation from myself, rather than seeking it from others, was an important lesson for me. I needed to find a place where I could live and work at my full capacity, instead of living under constant pressure by people who think they know better.

Building my music career in Los Angeles helped me to see the bigger picture. People here still have hope and most of them are not satisfied with the label that was placed on them by others. I feel they have more than one thought in their mind about how to live, think, feel, connect or make a difference. Their openness and receptiveness is what I needed to express my creativity. This mindset will help me to find my audience and who I can make a team with.

I believe that curiosity and an open mindset is crucial in understanding what drives us as human beings. Thanks to the diversity within Los Angeles, I have the chance to encounter people from all different backgrounds, ethnicities, races, and genders with the opportunity to learn something new every day.

My earlier songs “Avatar” and “Differences” are just scratching the surface of my creative thinking, but my latest single “Addicted To Ya” is a simple disco track with a personal story. Instead of a deep dive within my thoughts, sometimes I like to just hold on to a memory, zoom in, and write a song about it to share that experience with the world. I’m now working on an upcoming album and finding new opportunities to share my music with people. I’m proud of the journey I’ve made, I’m excited for this new adventure, and eager to get connected with more and more people who I can learn from.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Los Angeles has so much to offer. The diversity of culture, food, music, nature (just to mention a few) still amaze me. With it only being a week long trip, I’m 100% sure that we would start off at the beach. One of my favorites is Will Rogers Beach. Far enough from the Pier, but easily accessible from the city. The best part is that on weekdays, you can find yourself there alone, watching the pelicans hunting with the dolphins close to the shore. On the way there I would pickup some healthy snacks and fresh fruits from Trader Joe’s so we can spend the whole day there talking, playing card games, and melting under the baking sun.

The next day I would switch things up and do something active, taking them on a day hike to Los Angeles National Forest. This is one of the best places for me to recharge and reconnect with nature. And the plus side is that it’s just a short drive from the city.

For dinner I would choose Gokoku Vegetarian Ramen Shop in Studio City because it has the best vegan sushi in town. Another great “option would be “Something Vegan” in Burbank where you must try the vegan beef jerky and the chickin’ satay with peanut butter sauce. Mind-blowing. But of course if they would like to have a traditional American hamburger, I would take them to Plant Power Fast Food which is known as the vegan Mc’Donalds.

On a Wednesday evening, dinner at Rakkan Ramen in Little Tokyo followed by a Rooftop Movie Theater experience in DTLA, where every Wednesday night they screen a movie from my favorite Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki.

I would dedicate Thursday to The Broad in DTLA, combined with great food at Grand Central Market, then coffee and a short walk in the Arts District.

On Friday, we would go to The Hotel Cafe in Hollywood to support local musicians, and for Saturday night my choice would be Akbar in Silver Lake because it’s fun and has one of the best vibes.

And last but not least, on Sunday morning we would visit the Flee Market (AKA Melrose Trading Post) in West Hollywood. I love that place, it takes me right back to the 80’s. Walking around and shopping for retro clothes while getting lost discovering vintage relics is a mandatory experience. And the vegan food truck is beyond good.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

This is a tough one. One thing I know for sure is that I am a team player. I always was. Whatever success I achieved I knew it was because of all the directors, music producers, writers, and stage partners that played a huge role in my career and helped me to be who I am today. My list of appreciations is endless, but just to name a few:

Two of my forever stage partners, Szilvi Szendi, who challenges my way of thinking every day, and Bernadett Vágó who helped me discover my voice in pop music.

The team at X factor who gave me the opportunity to show that I’m capable of more than only being a stage actor. Without them, I’d have never had the courage to start a new life in the US.

My best friend Tomi, who knows all the sacrifices I made. He never gave up on me and still believes that I can make it.

Tai Sunnanon, for being an amazing companion in the battlefield. For his mentorship and for giving me the tools to know how to think, act or speak like an American.

And last but not least the book called “Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. for showing me a new perspective and way of thinking.