Published: October 12, 2009 9:42 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight October 2009 Edition
New Gospel Today Spotlight
Gary Crosslin
Gary Crosslin
Contemporary Christian Rock musician Gary Crosslin is creating wonderful Christian music that Christians will find inspiring. In this interview with our Webzine, Gary speaks about his faith, his musical background, and his family in this recent spotlight.
Junior's Cave Interview with Tongues of Fire - Gary Crosslin
Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music?
Gary: I was probably 8 or 9 when I heard The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and Classical stuff that my Mom played. My Sister gave me 2 Aerosmith Albums when I was 12 so that was the first music I owned. I won a stereo system by selling candy bars when I was in Band Class in Junior High, so on 8 track (ha ha) I had the Steve Miller Band, Kiss and Boston.
Isaac: Is there any kind of musical history in your family?
Gary: My Mom and sister played piano. Besides that, a great uncle (or somethin') was a worship leader back in the early 1900's, I have no other knowledge other than that.
Isaac: What drew you to pick up an instrument in the first place?
Gary: I had been in a car accident at age five when some broken ribs punctured my lung so my Mom had me playing wind instruments at 10 or 11 to build up my lung strength. I played flute, clarinet and then Trumpet through Junior High and High School.
Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?
Gary: I was certain that music was "in my bones" and I always wanted to play guitar. There was always a "Dream" there, but it seemed like it was on a distant shore.
Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?
Gary: On a previous interview I had mentioned Casting Crowns; I would also thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to work with either Steven Curtis Chapman or Chris Tomlin.
Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?
Gary:
Past: Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, Robert Plant, Ian Anderson, Rick Emmet and Gerry Rafferty.
Present: The David Crowder Band, Phil Whickam, Charlie Hall Band and Believable Picnic.
Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?
Gary: To make a living writing songs, playing live and collaborating with others to do the same. It would be a great joy to see people get connected with God listening to the lyrics. I also enjoy giving guitar lessons.
Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
Gary: The time to write the songs and remember them was probably the hardest thing. I was a single parent for about 12 years and though raising my daughter brought much joy, time just flew by. Finding an engineer and studio that I could afford was very difficult also.
Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?
Gary: If they've really got the desire and are willing to work hard it's a blast. There's nothing like coming home at the end of the day and just jamming for a while. I just float away on a mini vacation. Learning a new instrument for me at age 28 and writing from my heart has taken recovery, from life's hurts and transparency.
Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music inudstry.
Gary: It's who you know. So Network. Be good at what you do and make your message clear.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
Gary: Christian Rock.
Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work?
Gary: Pioneers of the Greyland challenged my guitar playing skills the most, it has a nice tight groove and says what I really want to express.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Gary: Go to www.tofsite.com to listen, buy or browse. On it you'll find my Biography, a list of the artists involved in the group and Lyrics for the songs.
Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Gary: My wife Jackie has been a great boost for me in both areas. Our friend Joann has been a great emotional encouragement for me since I was raising my daughter back in the 1990's. More recently some friends like Ray and Christine have invited me to many concerts and that has stirred me up. Dave Phillips, Katie Curtis and Eric Christiansen have been of great support.
Isaac: Any last words?
Gary: I have to thank the singers Linda and Brice again for all their assistance as well as the engineer David Day. Commit whatever you do to the Lord and your plans will succeed.
