Guitarist David Helpling: Hall of Mirrors

6 min readMay 27, 2021

David Helpling is a man with a magical hall of mirrors that he can unlock using his electric guitar, with just the loop effect and his otherworldly ambient guitar.

Helpling is also a composer for film, and has provided several themes, scores, and ambient beds for numerous television, corporate, and interactive projects. His production company is named DHM Music Design. Plus he has an amazing repertoire, both as a solo artist and working with his friend and collaborator Jon Jenkins.
http://deepexile.com/

I had the opportunity to interview David via email, to discuss his new album, his recording practices, his musical background, and his relationship with the ocean.

https://ambientelectronic.bandcamp.com/album/rune

What is the story of RUNE…is there a Viking connection?

I've been chasing down a sort of magical guitar sound since I first picked up the instrument. It’s difficult to explain, but there is a specific color, modulation and space that I am absolutely in love with. This sound has evolved a bit, but has always been a part of my records going back to my first — Between Green and Blue. In the midst of a hiatus from guitar work, I was called back to it strongly. So I got all geeky and built a new hardware-based rig just for Ambient Guitar work that I love playing with. So I decided to promise myself to create a new piece of guitar music every Sunday and post it to my YouTube channel — forcing me to record and keep creating. The visuals were water-themed and from both my own ocean travels and the incredible cinematography of my friend Shawn Malone — she is amazing.

https://vimeo.com/lakesuperiorphoto

I've been composing and producing music for media since I started my own production company back in 2000. Being self employed really is amazing and I’m constantly aware of what a gift that is. I am actually a completely different person when I’m working…like the opposite of the deep artistic mode. Composing for orchestra, producing rock tracks, deadlines, air dates, clients — it’s all sharp focus, high energy modes. Working on my music is just super chill. I’m just taking my time to explore space and ideas, lots of listening, imagining and plenty of time getting lost in the music. I dress differently, I speak differently and I move differently. It feels necessary to separate the two as much as possible so that making records doesn’t feel like work and I’m not going so deep when I’m supposed to be working.

As for things you may have heard, not likely very many. I spend a lot of time on commercial and infomercial music, as well as corporate and live event productions. Lately I’ve been fortunate to have some wonderful gaming music opportunities — which is very freeing creatively. I’ve scored a decent amount of films over the years, but mostly Indies and Shorts. Though I did work on a feature for Lions Gate called Cold Storage that you can stream on Netflix or Amazon. I put that score up on my Bandcamp page for download…those into thrillers might find it a fun listen.

All this composing…lots of time indoors…how do you find life/wellness balance?

This is an important question. My studio is amazing, but has no windows and is actually sealed for sound. I actually like that it is kind of a Bio Dome. It’s not a huge space, but beyond the gear and instruments I’ve got a coffee station, places to sit and chill and a meditation area. That said, I deeply yearn to be outdoors…especially the last couple of years. I live in a beautiful part of San Diego and it is super tempting to just bail and go to the beach, for a walk or just chill out back in the sun. This is why it takes me several years to make a record!

Would you live right on the beach if you could?

OMG yes! This is actually a life goal. My wife and I travel quite a bit…mostly to the Hawaiian Islands. I need to be by the ocean and I spend a lot of time in the water. I was born and raised a few blocks from the ocean and spent most of my time there. It really is like you are at the edge of the world…staring at the most vast ocean. When you are in the water you are physically and electrically connected to everything…it is the ultimate grounding.

What do you listen to? (for recreation)

My recreational listening is minimal compared to most, I think. I don’t really listen to Ambient or New Age music. As a ’70s child and an ’80s teen I am still enamored with those gorgeously recorded synth and rock masterpieces. I’m all about U2, Simple Minds, Tears For Fears, Icehouse, Depeche Mode etc. I am also drawn to the epicness and theatricality of modern Symphonic Metal (Within Temptation, Kamelot, Nightwish, Delain etc.) One listening anomaly for me is BT (Brian Transeau). He is the only EDM artist I listen to, but he is much more than that. His ambient work is jaw-droppingly stunning. He is a major overachiever which constantly inspires me to push future-forward, but to stay steeped in the music I grew up with.

What musical discoveries changed your life when you were growing up?

As a guitarist and lover of special and uncommon sounds, U2 was a big smack in the face that has never left me. Those first five records (before Joshua Tree) are the reason I picked up a guitar in the first place. I’m sure you can hear how blatantly I often help myself to the sounds of that time.

How would you describe your approach to composing music? (just a quick idea)

Hmmm. “Making your own music and producing your own records is like being in your own fantasy film where you are both the creator of the space and an inspired viewer of what unfolds. If you approach every idea this way, the music will be stunning, original and you will feel fulfilled by the process…even before you share the creation with your listeners.”

What is next for your creative future?

There is so much happening right now it is crazy. So much music. RUNE is one of two big projects that have been in the works. The other is coming next year and is a big synth epic. I’ve also got a couple of collaborations planned, but my main goal is to get Jon Jenkins over here and start where we left off with FOUND. If that happens, it takes priority over everything else :^)