Published: April 5, 2009 2:28 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight April 2009 Edition
Gary J
Gary J
He has been influenced by such iconic musical giants as John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton. Just like his musical heroes, Gary J is making music from his heart, soul, and passion. In this recent interview with the astounding artist, Gary J gets up close and personal with our Webzine. Enjoy the spotlight.
Isaac: How do you sum up 2008 for Gary J?
Gary J: 2008 is the time when I actually started to take an active role in promoting my CD" Such A Long Goodbye" which has gotten some warm receptions. By the way, I came up with the name Gary J because the J, is my middle initial and people have a hard time pronouncing my last name, " Leino" pronounced (Layno). So it's not an alias, it's just a short cut, it saves time on pronunciation.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Gary J: The Ft. Lauderdale music scene is very tough. If you are a nothing, nobody, no one wants to hire your band in a lot of the smaller venues unless you can bring a lot of people with you to increase their revenue. On the other hand, if you find venues to work with at some level, some success can be achieved for both parties. Bar owners that want to play a game and ask for resumes etc. can loose out on a very good thing because they don't look past the 500 people draw. Some hard working musicians I feel can loose patience with these types of people and look elsewhere and they can remember who helped them along the way, also, who did not. There are some very good bands in this area. I saw some very talented people in a lot of out of the way places and I made some friends along the way.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
Gary J: I feel my biggest accomplishment in 2008 is coming up with new and exciting songs in the later part of the year. Some of the songs were old songs re-done and some were completely new. Enough for a second CD now in the making. I'm in the process of choosing songs to be on this CD and one at least two of these songs improved in jam sessions with a drummer I've been working with.
That brings me to another accomplishment. I've been meeting people and maybe a new band is on the way. Doing a solo is ok, but I've always wanted to have my own songs promoted around the world to millions. This music needs to get out there and I've been looking for talented people to help me do it. I believe I've found some of those talented people. There are a lot talented people in South Florida.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Gary J: The biggest influences on my music are people like Lennon, McCartney and Clapton among others. I like songs that people put a lot of thought into and these people that I just mentioned fit the bill when it comes to doing that. Songs don't really need to be complicated or difficult to be a good; they just need to be good. If the writer likes the song that he wrote even when he comes back to it a few weeks later, it's probably a good one, and then maybe it's time to show some-one. I'm especially influenced by Lennon because of his play on words. This is not old fashioned, just good.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Gary J: I'm going to bring new songs to the industry, my songs, and they're good along with my style. My songs are very simple, and people like them. I'm a good singer-songwriter and people need to hear my material. I may follow the so-called formulas for songs, and I may not, I'm not paying any attention to that when I write. I'm only paying attention to what the songs sound like when they are finished. Good songs are marketable. My songs can be heard at
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Gary J: I can quickly come up with the names McCartney and or Clapton. I think that in some way my music would mix well these artists. I can see myself on stage with one of these people and feeling quite comfortable. I belong with the big names, especially my favorites.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Gary J: My music is bit like the Beatles and Clapton. There is usually always a good rock beat with a basic rhythm guitar and a vocal and sometimes harmony. Then after that, things are added to make a full blown recording or band. That sounds like a lot of people but I put things together a little differently. I may not follow every-one's standard patterns exactly and I may make up my own or modify another pattern to my liking. My lead guitar doesn't follow any rules at all, it's a little wild. It's my own made up version of lead guitar, it's mine, and other people don't do it quite like I do. Everything I hear influences me to do things like that.
Once in a while a friend used to say, "You need to do this or that with songs", and I said, "Why?" I just go for what I think sounds good and what feels comfortable in front of a lot of people. After the rhythm and melody are discovered, then I find a subject to talk about which is where the words come from. That's where I think I can be compared to Lennon it's in my lyrics. I can be very mythical. Although my songs can sound very uplifting and positive, a good amount of my lyrics are very negative, it's easier to write that way. That's another similarity with me and Lennon, being negative and sarcastic. Add up all these things, and there you have it, Gary J.
Isaac: Brilliant!
Isaac: What is your definition for Rock Music?
Gary J: Rock is kind a like a feeling that sometimes has messages with a good rhythm guitar and drum beat along with words that go together well. It can take you away just for a few minutes to a good feeling when it's done well. It's a style that when it's done right, should be played with energy and a little volume.
Isaac: What has been the inspiration behind your single Freedom?
Gary J: My song "FREEDOM" is all about all the rights that seem to disappear every time I hear the news. Now it's illegal to do this, and that and that and that and that. Every time I talk on the phone and hear some more bad news that takes away this, and that and that and that. And now, everything that is said on all phones everywhere at any time can all be listened to, and analyzed, categorized. Also, if you say anything to anyone about anything, it may not be good idea. Your words may be recorded, analyzed and categorized. The person speaking may be glued, screwed, and tattooed for life. It's also about the Patriot Act, and I don't think anyone really knows everything that's in this document or any other government document.
Now, re-arrange the words that you just read, and shorten it a bit, and you will have my song called FREEDOM.
Gary J: This year is targeted to complete and release my second CD. Also, I will be concentrating on playing in South Florida.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
Gary J: To my mother and father who never became rich and famous. Their names were, Mr. Clarence Leino and Laverne Leino. They put up with my foolishness for many years before they passed away. To me, they will always be very famous. Thank You Mom and Dad.
To my newly found friends, let's see what we can do in the coming days. Stick with me.
To people who like my music, I will always give it all I got when you see me play. I want to take all of you away from your busy life just for a few minutes.
