Dave Forsberg's Country Music Story
Harmonizing Life and Lyrics
Dave Forsberg was born in Red Deer, Alberta where he spent much of his childhood on his maternal family’s farm. After high school he left Alberta for BC, moving to Ft Fraser where he would eventually purchase his paternal grandparent’s farm. Dave's life has been shaped by hard work, faith, and a deep connection to the land. As a cattle rancher, logger, and Lay Pastor, his country gospel roots run deep and influence his work as a singer-songwriter and performer. His music blends soulful country with contemporary Christian themes.
Dave writes honest lyrics about family life, traditional values, and rural living. His genuine vocals and memorable melodies resonate deeply with his audiences. Whether performing a country ballad or leading worship, his sincerity comes through in every note. It is his heart-felt connection with his audiences that captures the synergy at every live performance.
Serving as a song leader at his local church and in his community, Dave actively shares his music with the Christian/Gospel community. He tours regional Christian music events and accepts church invitations to perform. In October 2024, his music was distributed to twenty-five Canadian Christian Radio Stations.
Music has always been a passion for Dave. In 2013, he released his debut EP titled "I Stand Amazed," which garnered critical acclaim and introduced listeners to his unique blend of country and Christian music. The title track from the EP received significant airplay on radio stations, further establishing Dave as an emerging artist in the industry.
Continuing his musical journey, Dave recorded the single "Holding Your Hand" in January 2019. This powerful contemporary gospel song showcased his growth as an artist and resonated deeply with listeners. The single was recorded at Studio Downe Under, under the expert production of Jay Buettner, who had also worked on Dave's debut EP.
In October 2024, Dave released his highly anticipated new album, "Where The River Meets The Road." This project represents a significant milestone in his artistic evolution and delivers a collection of heartfelt songs that are touching down to the soul of sold out audiences.
Family Values—Musical Inspiration
Family is a constant source of inspiration and joy for Dave. He is happily married to his beloved wife, Alana, and together, they have four children, two foster children, and a beautiful granddaughter. The love and support he receives from his family fuel his creative spirit and drive him to reach new heights in his musical career.
The Rolling River Band
The Dave Forsberg Band is a talented ensemble of singers and musicians hailing from Fort Fraser and the surrounding Vanderhoof area in the heart of British Columbia. Comprising Monica Holmquist (backup singer), Karl Matzhold (bassist), Pat Brennan (drummer), and in 2024 Jeremy Blattner (Keyboards) joined the band. The group brings together a wealth of musical expertise and a shared passion for creating soul-stirring performances.
In addition to performing Dave's original compositions, the band showcases their versatility by performing a wide range of covers, spanning traditional country, classic rock, and Christian music. Their professional, unique and engaging musical style as well as on-stage connection creates a fun and engaging synergy with their audiences.
Band Member MUSIC Bio’s
Pat Brennan
Pat was born in Val-d’Or, Quebec, moved to BC when he was five years of age. He first started drumming on pots and pans and buckets graduating to his first drum kit when he was eleven. He later moved to Fort Fraser, BC and has played in bands since age 13. He has been the drummer for the Rolling River Band with Dave Forsberg since 2022. Pat retired from his millwright position after forty years service and now dedicates his life to music and family.
Karl Matzhold
Karl's passion for music began early, playing trumpet in high school band and earning a music scholarship. After graduating, he immersed himself in the rock scene, playing in bands and developing a keen ear for sound. His journey into recording began in his basement in 2010, fueled by early experiences in studios like London Bridge. With dedication and a thirst for knowledge, Karl has honed his engineering skills, culminating in the creation of The Last Spike Recording Studio in 2018. His commitment to capturing the essence of music has made him a sought-after and respected recording engineer. As a highly talented and versatile bass guitarist with a unique sound, Karl brings his musical expertise to every project he works on.
Monica Holmquist (bio to appear soon)
Jeremy Blattner
Jeremy comes from a ranching and generational musical family. He has lived in the Vanderhoof area for fifty-two years and has been playing music from a very young age. Some highlights of his music career include recording on six albums in various studios including at the Banff Centre For The Arts, playing at the JUNOs with the Marcel Gagnon Band, performing live in-studio on CBC TV, composing music aired on the Knowledge Network, and playing with Dave Forsberg and the Rolling River Band. Jeremy attended the Capilano College Commercial Music program for two years where he also played with a trio around BC. Jeremy also completed a AA degree in education, is certified Life Coach through Rhodes Health College and completed acoustics and human factors courses in a Northern Sweden university as part of his BSc. Planning degree.
Exceptional Year 2024
Dave Forsberg and the Rolling River Band released Dave’s latest album, Where The River Meets The Road. Don Rudland (Manager), Dave and the band held two LP release concerts played to sold-out audiences in October and December 2024. Where The River Meets The Road LP was a milestone for Dave as it included six previously unrecorded songs and two re-recorded at the Last Spike Recording Studio in Fort Fraser with various tracks engineered at the The Warehouse Studio in Vancouver. The mastering of the LP was completed at Kenneth Love Mastering in Nashville Tn.
Dave Forsberg and the Rolling River Band have also teamed up with Greg Ventin who is, simply stated—expert and awesome on the live mixer board—running the sound at performances along side Don Rudland.