Hiya Gavin, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What was life like for you before you got into music?
I have always had a very active mind and, at times, I struggled with thoughts and feelings. Music provides the outlet I need. I didn’t know it but there was a void inside me without it.
It seems like being a social media curator has become added to the many jobs of a musician, how do you feel about this?
I have mixed feelings, to be honest. On the one hand, social media allows independent artists like me to the ability to broadcast to the world. On the other hand, it’s an extra element that needs to be managed. I am often told I need to post more than I do but I tend to only speak when I’ve something to say. That might not be the best approach on social media.
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
It’s a tough industry, it really is. It is so difficult to gain traction and there is often little value placed on creative work. I regularly remind myself why I do what I do. It is to make sense of the world and my place in it, and to connect with people my music resonates with. It’s not for fame or fortune. If it was, I would have given up a long time ago.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
As a small, independent artist, I’m on the periphery, I guess. I don’t have a mainstream audience. But the audience I do have seem to appreciate what I do. That’s the important thing.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
Yes, I recently released ‘Mandolin Island’. I wrote it while on holiday on the Croatian island Lopud earlier this year – a magical place with no roads or cars and the friendliest people. It was like stepping back in time. There was nobody rushing around, no traffic; just the sweet sound of birds singing and waves lapping up on the shore. I suppose ‘Mandolin Island’ was my attempt to capture that perfect moment and share it with people who might like to escape from the madness of life for a few minutes.
What was the recording process like?
Well, as I was on an island and had no instruments with me, I wrote the song by humming melodies and lyrics into my phone – I’m sure the locals thought I was nuts! When I got home, I went about finding the chords on guitar and mandolin to match and recorded a demo. I then went into studio with producer Dave Arkins and recorded the song. It’s always great working with Dave, his motivation is always to produce a song that matches the vibe I intended.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
I would say it is not to force it. For me, writing comes from someone deeper, it’s a feeling rather than a thought-process. It’s about tuning into my inner voice and aligning it with the universe; being at ease. If I’m not in the right state of mind and emotion, I don’t tend to write my best stuff.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Just, as always, thank you for the support.
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