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MSJ:
Note: An audio recording of this interview is available in the Music Street Journal members’ area – memberships start at just six buck. Use the log in box on the main page of the site (musicstreetjournal.com) if you have a membership – or the “click to register” link next to the box to get your membership. |
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MSJ:
Can you catch the readers up on the history of your involvement in music? |
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My history of involvement in music began with junior high band and later high school choir. I played bass in many rock bands in my early years and into my late twenties. I stopped playing music for about for about seven years as I worked a quote/unquote day job. I started writing my own songs about ten years ago and decided to pursue my dream of recording my own work. I’ve since put out two CDs and one EP. |
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MSJ: If you weren’t involved in music what do you think you’d be doing? |
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If I wasn’t involved in music, one of the things I’d like to consider is an independent “gonzo” type reporter/blogger – that being one possibility. I’d like to be doing any kind of work that is of higher service and not a nine to five paycheck to paycheck type of job. |
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MSJ: Who would you see as your musical influences? |
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Musical influences include Steely Dan, Genesis, Peter Gabriel, Yes, Rush, Earth Wind and Fire, Joni Mitchell, Level 42, Simply Red, John Coltrane and many, many more. |
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MSJ:
What’s ahead for you? |
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What’s ahead for me? Playing out live and promoting my latest release Higher Self. I would also like to land one of my songs from my CD in a film, that being a movie or documentary that is meaningful and done with integrity. So far I’m finding it extremely difficult anywhere near it, although I believe it can happen.
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MSJ: I know artists hate to have their music pigeonholed or labeled, but how would you describe it? |
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The best way I describe my music is “progressive, West coast, singer/songwriter, pop rock.” Beyond any category I describe it as “spiritual, adventurous, truthful and, to highlight my mantra, music with a deeper meaning.” |
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MSJ:
Are the musicians you’d like to play with in the future? |
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Yes, there is some incredible talent out there who aren’t widely known. Rather than name off any sort of stars, I really enjoy discovering unknown and often untapped talent to work with. |
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MSJ: Do you think that illegal downloading is a help or hindrance to the careers of musicians? |
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In regard to illegal downloading of music, it can actually help an artist, providing it leads to some sales. Mind you, it’s not a position I advocate. The majors are affected the most, however I don’t share their belief in the draconian persecution of file sharing. If commercial radio would be open to playing new music it would lead less people to share files in order to discover new music. |
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MSJ: If you were a superhero, what music person would be your arch-nemesis and why? |
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To name an arch-nemesis, rather than pick on someone like Gaga or Katy Perry, I’d point out to the hidden power behind them and the motives of that power. Many answers would be discovered under closer scrutiny. I don’t find it necessary to have an arch-nemesis to feed an illusion. Having them as some sort of enemy I think is putting your enemy into an illusion which is really rather silly if you think about it? |
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MSJ: If you were to put together your ultimate band (to listen to or catch live) who would be in it and why? |
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There are very many, many possibilities. To name a few, Jeff Porcaro on drums, Rick Wakeman (keyboards), Larry Carlton (guitar). Why, because of their excellence mainly. I hope I indulged you there. |
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MSJ:
If you were in charge of assembling a music festival and wanted it to be the ultimate one from your point of view, who would be playing? |
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My influences I’ll start with again Steely Dan, Genesis, Peter Gabriel, Yes, Rush, Earth Wind and Fire, Joni Mitchell, Level 42, Simply Red. I would also like to include artists from outside the progressive rock world, James Brown to name one. I’m sorry he’s no longer with us. |
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MSJ: What was the last CD you bought and/or what have you been listening to lately? |
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The last CD I purchased was Silk Degrees by Boz Scaggs. I picked it up on sale at one of our few, local, remaining record shops. |
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MSJ: Have you read any good books lately? |
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I’m currently reading “Diamond Heart, Book One: Elements of the Real in Man.” It’s part of my spiritual reading. |
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MSJ: What about the last concert you attended for your own enjoyment? |
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The last concert I attended was Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie Home Companion” show at the Minnesota State Fair. I’m a big fan of Pat Donohue, his guitarist. The whole band and guest singers and comedy were all excellent – really loved it. |
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MSJ: Do you have a musical guilty pleasure? |
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Cliff Richard is one. He’s often dismissed as a sugary pop star, however his talent is undeniable. |
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MSJ: What has been your biggest Spinal Tap moment? |
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My biggest Spinal Tap moment was when my fiancé and I visited Stonehenge this last February. |
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MSJ: If you could sit down to dinner with any three people (living or dead) for food and conversation, with whom would you be dining? |
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I’ll start musically, John Lennon, Peter Gabriel and outside music, I think Mahatma Gandhi would be one. |
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MSJ: Are there any closing thoughts you’d like to get out there? |
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I’m always very grateful for people who discover and support me. Thank you, Gary for this interview and I really appreciate anyone who’s taken the time to listen. |
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MSJ: This interview is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2010 Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound. |
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