They say there’s no time like the present to create your future, and for David Giddings, that quote has never held more truth.

At 64 years young, the Vancouver-based musician is finally releasing his first-ever solo album, a project that has been more than five decades in the making.

Entitled “Finding Time,” the album features 13 instrumental tracks (11 originals and two covers) that take the listener on an introspective journey through the different shades of life.

“I titled this album, ‘Finding Time,’ because it was really difficult finding time to put this together,” says Giddings. “But it’s also about finding time to do something for yourself, and to pursue the things you love.”

A self-taught musician, Giddings first conceived of the project seven years ago, after his three sons had moved out of the house and he was faced with a new dilemma: What do you do after you’ve dedicated your whole life to your children and they’ve all moved on? The answer was checking off something that has been on a lifelong bucket list.

Giddings first fell in love with music at 12 years old, and it was a vivid memory. “I saw The Beatles in 1965 at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto,” he shares, “and it was a life changing moment for me.” Years later, he saw Neil Young perform solo at Massey Hall and, “everything just clicked for me.”

Giddings began writing songs and released a six-song demo in Toronto with friends. He moved to Vancouver in 1974 and was a founder of the folk rock band, Airborne. The band played together from 1974-1978 and released one LP, “Songs for a City.” You can still occasionally hear their songs on the radio today.

When Giddings married his wife, Colleen, he decided to put music on the backburner in order to get “a real job” to support their growing family. He has been a successful Sales Rep and consultant in the eyewear industry for more than 30 years.But music always came calling. Giddings was an active worship leader at his local church, taking up bass, and the guitar. He eventually went back to take guitar lessons and learned musical theory to bolster his songwriting skills.

In 2011, Giddings decided it was time to take the next step and record his long-awaited album.

“Finding Time” features 13 diverse tracks, from the driving album opener, “Out of a Bright Sky” (which features vocals from friend and co-writer, Daphne Suzanne), to the cinematic, “Capturing Light.” Every song is inspired by a life experience. In Giddings’ own words:

“Zero to 60” is a song about turning 60 years of age and how life goes by in a flash. When I wrote it, I was thinking, “Here I am at 60 and my kids are grown and I still have things I want to accomplish and do.” That really was my impetus for this whole album and “Zero to 60” was one of the first songs I wrote.

“The Shade Tree” is inspired by African culture and music. My wife went to Africa with an organization called “Free the Children” years ago and painted a beautiful picture of an Acacia tree when she returned home. I went to Africa this year on an eyecare mission (providing free eye exams and eyewear to underprivileged kids) and I got to see the Acacia tree for myself. It was really a full circle moment and the impact was not lost on me.

An accompanying booklet (available in physical CDs and as a digital booklet online) reveals the personal stories behind all the other songs, ranging from the loss of a close friend to cancer, to finding meaning in religion, family and art.

“A lot of people have told me that the album is ‘contemplative’ and ‘soul-strengthening,’” says Giddings. “Everyone takes away different emotions and meaning from music, and my only hope is for listeners to hear the album and feel refreshed, and be inspired to live in the moment.”

“Just because you turn 60, doesn’t mean your life is over,” he continues. “I believe I can still write something relevant and appreciated in today’s world. Just because you’re turning a corner in your life, doesn’t mean you still can’ t contribute something wonderful to society.”

“Finding Time” by David Giddings is available now on iTunes and in select stores. You can also stream the album on most streaming services, like Apple Music and Spotify.

For more information, visit davidgiddingsmusic on Facebook.

Thanks for your interest.