Interview with
Steve Gardiner
@2003 Steve Gardiner *don't use*
For
those not familiar with your music introduce yourself.
Well, I'm a recording artist from Ottawa, and I play a sort
of Alternative Pop Rock, I guess....well it's more straight
ahead rock. I always find it so hard to describe my own music.
What
made you want to become a musician?
When I was young, my Dad played in a band and worked for record
companies so I've always been surrounded by music. I had an.....interesting......
childhood, and I discovered that music was a great way to vent
my frustrations and get things off of my chest. It kind of allowed
me to take some negatives in my life and turn them into something
positive and creative. As time went on, music just became an
important part of my life....as a producer, engineer, performer,
songwriter etc. It's what I get the most satisfaction from.
How did you get started in the music business?
No interesting story here, just put a band together in high
school and it just developed from there. The first step was
learning some covers, writing some songs and then getting them
out there, playing as many shows as possible and getting connected
in the industry.
Are you involved in any other aspect of the music industry?
For example, do you produce any other musician's music?
Ya, I've produced 4 or 5 albums in the last few years by other
artists. I owned a recording studio with a friend of mine and
we did bunch of work for other bands. Now I just concentrate
on songwriting. I like to hook up with other artists and help
them develop their song writing skills. I'm working on some
new stuff with a musician from Ottawa right now. I'm thinking
about starting my own label to develop other artists, but that's
way out in the future.
Bob and Clint Moffatt played on your latest album. How did
that come about? Why them?
Bob and Clint had just finished the Hidell album with producer
Russell Broom when I came into the scene. Russell was the chosen
producer for my new album and I met the guys a few times before
we actually asked them to do the recording. I remember Bob listening
to my demo on his walkman and I think he really had a dig for
what I was doing. Clint was into it too...and the rest is history.
Bob and Clint did a great job on the album and I can't wait
to release it.
What
were they like to work with?
Bob and Clint are really cool guys...no stress. They are so
talented that all the bed tracks were down in like a couple
of days. On my second trip to Calgary, we went out to shoot
some pool and had a great time. The work in the studio was smooth
and I think they had a good time recording my songs. I'm really
proud having them featured on my album.
How
did you come up with the title of your newest album?
We haven't actually confirmed the title yet. I think we're going
to call it SONIC LEVELING, but that can change. I'm playing
with a few more titles right now. We'll see how that goes. I'm
weaving around this question because I really don't have a good
answer, I should have been a politician LOL.
What
is your next single going to be?
I have no idea......we are quite a while away from making that
choice right now. The album itself hasn't been officially released
yet....still looking for the right record label.
Describe
yourself in 5 words.
Sitting
Typing
Answering
Interview
Questions.......LOL
What
is your favorite flavor of jello?
Don't really eat Jello. I like PEZ though (PEZ doesn't have
eyes)!
When
your not singing what do you like to do for fun?
I own a company called Canadian Spotlight....check it out www.canadianspotlight.com.
(PLUG) My girlfriend and I have been spending a lot of time
at concerts lately......everything is about music in one way
or another for me!
What
advice can you give young unknown musicians?
Be extremely careful about who you get involved with in the
music business. Look for legitimate people to work with who
have proven records and established reputations. Stay true to
yourself and your music and don't compromise yourself for anything
or anyone. Surround yourself with good, healthy, hard working,
caring people and you will be successful!
Who
are your music influences?
I like Stone Temple Pilots, The Beatles, Our Lady Peace, David
Usher......right now I really dig a lot of different thing.
Rock mostly.
If
you weren't singing what would you want to do for a living?
Is there really anything else?
Any
message to your fans?
Hang tight....the new album is coming...just gotta sort out
some details and away we go, thanks for the support so far and
we'll see you all soon I hope.
What
a great guy. Thanks Steve for both the photo and the interview.
Best of luck to you!
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