And I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know ...

Picture by: Youtube / Bill Withers

I've always been fascinated with the story behind the art, and how art is connected to the past. Many times the unintentional creates unforgettable which embolden generations of artists, allowing their art to live forever. In this case, the song "Ain't no Sunshine" by the late great Bill Withers, tells us how he came up with the iconic "I know" line.

For anyone who has heard this song, Bill soulfully sings "I know" 26 times before going into his third verse, creating a timeless, unforgettable melody. Withers intended to write more lyrics instead of repeating the phrase, however, he was informed by several famous musicians to keep it. The melody of the song later became a hit and influenced several artists across all genres to use the tune.

Even gospel got in on the game. The Sensational Angelettes’ "I Heard a Voice PT 1" cheerfully borrows the melody of “Ain’t No Sunshine” for something that sounds more spiritually motivating for the soul. It was part of a collection of compelling gospel recordings from the late 60s and early 70s, filled with the soulful sounds of Dave Hamilton.

Fast forward to the present day, I unintentionally sampled the "I Heard a Voice PT 1" and repeated "--to me and rest" because I didn't know what I was doing. Consequently, I had a couple of artist friends tell me to keep it which now makes up a complete beat of my song "Wake." My song contains the same melodies from the '60s allowing their art to live on. Keep creating and you will live forever.

Art by: Hamza Matoussi

written by: David the IV aka the Flea

The New Normal in Fitness: Digitalization of Gym Workouts

As I sat there in lockdown listening with excitement and hope to Bavaria's President Söder's announcement of reopening restaurants, golf sports, and tennis my excitement quickly de-escalated to disappointment. Gym studios were not even on the list of agendas. The cold truth is that we are most likely entering the New Norm for fitness.

The reality of it is that gyms are the perfect place for the virus to spread because they are often humid according to medical experts. Dr. Norman Swan, a physician, and journalist identified gyms as “high risk” locations for the spread of viruses (COVID-19). He goes further by advising gym members to consider avoiding crowded areas or exercising outdoors.

As a group fitness instructor, this is devastating news. I missed the members, the music, and the energy of all us sweating together while breathing hard in one of my HIIT sessions. So together with a videographer and open-minded group fitness instructors, we created a platform of high-quality workout videos with gamification features called David's Hardest Workouts. All workouts are done one-on-one with your favorite coach providing you with real-time feedback, motivation, and safety. We see and hear you at all times.

I am so happy I can help gyms retain memberships by offering these services. But most of all I am able to work out with my members again without jeopardising their health. If you are a group fitness instructor, gym member, or gym owner interested in this initiative feel free to contact me to be a part of the New Normal in fitness.

Author Athlete Artist

-David Burnell IV

David Burnell IV: Be whatever you want to be in life

If I could sum up my life in 3 paragraphs it would go like this:

My name is David Burnell IV and I played DI college football for the East Carolina University Pirates. I was nicknamed "The Flea" because they thought I was too small to play football.... until they saw me playing on TV.

After graduation, I saw a tv commercial of a guy slaying a fire monster with a sword, so I joined the United States Marine Corps. I quickly realized I was fighting humans instead of monsters and those humans were using missile rockets. One rocket landed 10 feet outside of the T-wall. It was then I realized I would need more than a sword.

I finished the military and left America to pursue an acting career in Berlin, Germany. I landed my first major role as "The Shocker" in the upcoming action film thriller "Gunpowder Milkshake." Catch me on the big screen fighting women assassins.

"Be whatever you want to be in life"

actor / artist / voice

-David Burnell IV