Recently I interviewed Brandon Giannasi, a solo artist from Dallas, TX, who goes by the name "Gringo Soul." Brandon finds a great deal of musical inspiration in acts such as Nirvana, Sublime, Elvis, and Creedence Clearwater Revival, and also finds a great deal of inspiration from art itself, like from the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh for example. Theses artists and more inspire Brandon during his process of writing his songs, which he describes as "funky" and "soulful." Brandon's stage name, Gringo Soul, comes from a time is his past when we was working with a group of Hispanic people who referred to him and other Caucasians as "Gringos." The word rand with him and he decided to, as he puts it, "roll with it."
In keeping with his performing name, Brandon tells me that he writes his songs about "being an average gringo" - the celebrations, the life lessons, hardships, and his growth as a musician. "Most of my creative thinking and lyrics writing come while I'm driving," says Brandon. "There's just something about it that gets me thinking and really gets my creative juices flowing." At 4 independent album releases and 34 songs to his credit, Brandon must do his fair share of driving. "On stage, I use my guitar, Korg Keyboard, loop pedal, K oscillator, and octopad. The crowd watching me perform get to see me set up each song using these components, and then I go into the song itself."
At this time of this interview, Brandon's been gearing up for The Trash Bash Music Stash - an event he's hosting on June 28th in Dallas. "It's a volunteer event where people will do a trash pick up on 3 streets here in Dallas," he says. "Once the pick up ends, there'll be a free concert with free drinks and food. And for anyone who doesn't feel like picking up garbage, tickets are also available for the concert for only $15."
I then asked Brandon if he could open for any band or artist, past or present, who would he want to play with. "Stone Temple Pilots," he says, "I have so much respect for the music they make. It would an honor for me to be able to play a show with them." Since Brandon has not had such an opportunity as of yet, he tells me that his favorite show he's played so far was at The Woodshed in nearby Fort Worth, TX. He tells me that at this show, he performed in front of around 500 attendees, all of whom seemed to respond well to and enjoy his music.
I inquired to Brandon if, after all his time performing as Gringo Soul and all of the experience he's gained, if he had any words of wisdom for his fellow performers and musicians. "When you get denied to play a bar or a venue," says Brandon, "stay strong, and get back up and get on with your day." Many thanks to Brandon for the words of advice, and for taking time out of his busy schedule for this interview.
In keeping with his performing name, Brandon tells me that he writes his songs about "being an average gringo" - the celebrations, the life lessons, hardships, and his growth as a musician. "Most of my creative thinking and lyrics writing come while I'm driving," says Brandon. "There's just something about it that gets me thinking and really gets my creative juices flowing." At 4 independent album releases and 34 songs to his credit, Brandon must do his fair share of driving. "On stage, I use my guitar, Korg Keyboard, loop pedal, K oscillator, and octopad. The crowd watching me perform get to see me set up each song using these components, and then I go into the song itself."
At this time of this interview, Brandon's been gearing up for The Trash Bash Music Stash - an event he's hosting on June 28th in Dallas. "It's a volunteer event where people will do a trash pick up on 3 streets here in Dallas," he says. "Once the pick up ends, there'll be a free concert with free drinks and food. And for anyone who doesn't feel like picking up garbage, tickets are also available for the concert for only $15."
I then asked Brandon if he could open for any band or artist, past or present, who would he want to play with. "Stone Temple Pilots," he says, "I have so much respect for the music they make. It would an honor for me to be able to play a show with them." Since Brandon has not had such an opportunity as of yet, he tells me that his favorite show he's played so far was at The Woodshed in nearby Fort Worth, TX. He tells me that at this show, he performed in front of around 500 attendees, all of whom seemed to respond well to and enjoy his music.
I inquired to Brandon if, after all his time performing as Gringo Soul and all of the experience he's gained, if he had any words of wisdom for his fellow performers and musicians. "When you get denied to play a bar or a venue," says Brandon, "stay strong, and get back up and get on with your day." Many thanks to Brandon for the words of advice, and for taking time out of his busy schedule for this interview.
About the Author:
For more band interviews like this, check out the Gorilla Music website. Visit EagleOne Entertainment and Gorilla Music for more information on booking your local band and the biggest local band events in your city.
0 comments:
Post a Comment