David’s Story

In the heart of every artist lies a song—an eternal melody waiting to be shared. For David Segall, this song is not merely an expression of self but a bridge to the infinite, a thread weaving together the spiritual and the tangible. Born with a voice that resonates like a timeless hymn and a vision rooted in harmony and healing, David’s journey is a living testament to the power of creativity as a path for transformation. His music, retreats, and classes transcend the ordinary, guiding individuals to uncover their true essence and unite in a collective song of Self-expression.

This is the story of a man who followed the whispers of his soul to the corners of the earth, from his roots in California, to the lush landscapes of Costa Rica. It is a tale of finding purpose through creativity, of using the voice and Spirit to awaken the hidden treasure within. David Segall’s life is not just an artistic journey, it’s a spiritual one; designed to inspire loving awareness and raise the vibration in a world yearning for unity and healing.

At the age of seven, his family moved once again, this time to the coastal enclave of Santa Barbara, California. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, this idyllic setting served as a natural cradle for his creative spirit. Born into a family deeply connected to nature and the arts, David’s early years were infused with a love for music, storytelling, and the rhythmic ebb and flow of the sea. His parents, avid lovers of music and culture, nurtured his innate curiosity and encouraged his creative pursuits.

Even as a child, David showed a unique sensitivity to the world around him. Long walks along the beach became moments of reflection, where he felt the interconnections of nature and humanity. The vision of becoming a medicine man of music came to him the first time his father took him to the Santa Barbara harbor to see all the boats and experience the fishermen.

Little did he know then, that two decades later he’d be living on a sailboat in that very place, sharing songs of love and natural inspiration throughout the entire Central Coast. These early experiences would later shape his music and philosophy, grounding him in a deep appreciation for life’s subtle harmonies.

Music was a constant presence in the Segall household. David’s father often played rock, folk and classic Soul records, while his mother shared stories and songs that sparked the imagination. By the age of seven, David was learning to play the piano, and by twelve, he had picked up his first guitar. These instruments became his companions, tools through which he began to articulate emotions and realizations that words alone could not convey.

Music was a constant presence in the Segall household. David’s father often played rock, folk and classic Soul records, while his mother shared stories and songs that sparked the imagination. By the age of seven, David was learning to play the piano, and by twelve, he had picked up his first guitar. These instruments became his companions, tools through which he began to articulate emotions and realizations that words alone could not convey.

The ocean played a central role in David’s formative years. Santa Barbara’s coastline, with its rolling waves and majestic mountains, became both a playground and a sanctuary. Surfing, a lifelong dream since he first heard the Beach Boys’ songs, was more than just a pastime for David; it was a meditative practice, a way to connect with the rhythm of the earth and sea. He describes the ocean as “one of life’s greatest teachers”, offering lessons in patience, persistence, and surrendering to life’s flow.

It was during these moments on the water that David began to sense a deeper calling. As a senior in college, he took his first course in sailing and was immediately hooked. The vastness of the sea mirrored the boundless potential he felt within, while its unpredictable nature taught him to embrace uncertainty and to work with the wind and currents of life. These lessons would later become central themes in his music and teachings.

David’s academic journey was marked by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to explore the intersection of creativity and spirituality. After broadening his horizons in music and mathematics in high school, he was accepted into the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Acting Program at UC Santa Barbara. It was here that he fully faced and overcame the fear of being on stage, and learned to embrace the joy and positive energy of performing live for others. With a minor in English Literature, he delved into the works of great philosophers and poets alike, drawing inspiration from their ability to blend intellectual reasoning with artistic expression.

During his college years, David began performing at local venues, sharing his original compositions with a wide range of audiences. These early performances, often raw and unfiltered, offered glimpses of the depth and vulnerability that would later define his artistry. Audiences were captivated not only by his talent, but by the authenticity and soulfulness he brought to every note.

It was also during this time that David began studying the voice in all its nuances and complexities, discovering it as an instrument of not only communication, but of true freedom and creative empowerment. His voice professor first introduced him to Yoga, and demonstrated how it can free the voice through the release of tension and tightness. With time, Yoga naturally led David to meditation, and through these practices he discovered the ability to calm the mind and connect to the heart. Through the stillness that followed, David began to awaken and channel creativity like never before. Yoga became a daily ritual – a way to align body, mind, and spirit, while meditation opened pathways to higher awareness and deep insight. These practices became pillars of his life path, and integral components of the retreats and workshops he began facilitating at the age of 28.

After University, David embarked on a journey of exploration, both geographical and spiritual. He traveled extensively, immersing himself in diverse cultures and musical traditions. From the vibrant rhythms of South America to the prayerful incantations of Italy and Turkey, every destination added a new layer to his understanding of music as a universal language. In Brazil, David found inspiration in the soulful melodies of Bossa Nova and the communal spirit of Samba. In Italy, he studied the Latin romance languages and began writing songs that felt as though they had come out of a past life. During his travels, David was introduced to Sanskrit mantras

and chanting, fulfilling a deep desire to learn and to sing the many names of the Divine. This deepened his understanding and appreciation for the spiritual  dimensions of music. These experiences not only enriched his artistry, but also reinforced his belief in the power of music to heal cultural divides and bring unity among people of many faiths and backgrounds.

After forming an original band in Chicago and touring across the Midwest and East Coast, David returned to Santa Barbara at the age of 30 with a renewed sense of purpose on his path. His performances grew in scope and impact, from local stages to large festivals and intentional gatherings. But then a profound loss occurred in his life that shook him to the core: the sudden and untimely death of his lifelong best friend Daniel, who gave him his first guitar when David was seven years-old. Daniel, who was a gifted guitarist and several years older than David, was like the big brother he never had. He taught David countless songs and techniques, and was a constant source of support and encouragement throughout the years.

When Daniel died at 38, David experienced a depression unlike anything he’d ever faced before. He tried to brush the pain aside by playing more shows than his body could handle, and after breaking his arm in a skateboarding accident and catching a relentless cough in the emergency room, David unwittingly developed a polyp on his vocal cords that brought his singing to an abrupt halt. Afraid that his singing and music career might be over, David went into a period of deep introspection, solitude and Self inquiry, asking himself, “who am I without my voice?” In the stillness that followed, David was shown that the treasures of the heart and spirit are immense and limitless, and that the answer to overcoming every obstacle in life is found in that inner stillness and space. After a month of complete silence, David went in for a microscopic surgery to remove the polyp on his vocal cords, and after another month of completely resting his voice, he was finally able to start singing again.

The experience of losing his voice, then rediscovering and rebuilding it “out of the ashes” sparked a vision in David of a life that combines his deep love of music, spiritual practice, and community outreach. This vision took shape through the creation of original songs with a message of restoration, renewal and connection; connection to True Self, to Mother Nature, and to everyone around us. Songs like The River Knows and Love Be My Voice became anthems of the hero’s journey, blending poetic lyrics with melodies that resonate with the heart and soul of his listeners.

David felt called toward something much deeper and transformative than he had ever known. Inspired by his own experiences, he envisioned retreats, workshops, and communal journeys that guide participants in discovering their voices and embracing their true creative essence. His home in Costa Rica became the ideal setting for this vision, offering a serene and nurturing environment for Self-inquiry and discovery.

Today, David Segall is more than a musician; he is a guide, a teacher, and a catalyst for freedom through healing. His retreats in Costa Rica blend song circles, workshops in Self-expression, breathwork, Yoga and meditation. His intention is to create and hold space where individuals can face and release fear, embrace the power of their unique voices, and awaken to their fullest creative potential. Through his music, workshops, and teachings, David continues to inspire a global community of seekers and creators, who inspire and lead others through example.

His journey serves as a beacon for those seeking to harmonize their inner and outer worlds. With each song, each retreat, and each heartfelt interaction, David Segall invites us all to join in the symphony of life, to find our voice, and to sing our truth.

As David reflects on his journey, he sees a thread running through every chapter—a calling to heal our wounds, to connect, and to create. His life’s work is not just about music or retreats; it is about creating cohesion, unity and transformation from the inside out. In the words of one of his songs,

“there is a canyon deep in your heart, a spring of water where it all starts – for many miles, it carves through the stone – through many eons, finds its way home – The River Knows, your river flows, it flows inside of me – The River knows, your river flows, returning to the sea.”

In many ways, David Segall’s story has only just begun. As he continues to evolve, he remains committed to helping others live with intention, awaken their creative faculties, and lead with loving awareness. His journey reminds us that the most profound transformation begins within, and that every voice matters in the grand symphony of Life.