What is your name?GARLAND JEFFREYS
What is your genre of music?
ROCK / POP / BLUES
You are set to release you new album ’14 Steps to Harlem’ on the 28th April, can you tell us more about it?
This is my third album in six years and for a guy my age, that’s something to be proud of – not to mention that the music is great! It has my usual autobiographical subject matter and a mix of genres – rock, pop, reggae, and even a little bit of an alt-folkie sound. We used my core performing band and some great session players. It was recorded at two studios in Brooklyn, NY and mixed and mastered in New York City.
Describe each track in two words.
WHEN YOU CALL MY NAME: Nouveau breakup
SCHOOLYARD BLUES: Feisty shorty
14 STEPS TO HARLEM: Paternal respect
Check out the music video for 14 Steps to Harlem below
REGGAE ON BROADWAY: Clash memory
TIME GOES AWAY: Family philosophy
SPANISH HEART: “Matador” 2
I’M A DREAMER: Real me
WAITING FOR THE MAN: Funky Lou
HELP: Song essence
COLORED BOY SAID: Racial advice
LUNA PARK LOVE THEME: Wife’s theme
What is the message you want to send out when the album is released?
This is who I am, who I’ve always been and what I’ve always stood for.
What are you most looking excited about the release?
Getting out there and playing the songs, and the invigoration of meeting new people as a result.
What was the writing process like?
Very slow. All songs came from my cassette demos, which is how I compose, using my guitar and the cassette player. The tapes are not always well organized so we had to do some digging to find the nuggets of inspiration. Some songs were from a few years ago and some very new.
What was the recording process like?
Lots of fun since I recorded with guys I’ve worked with before. Very loose. James Maddock, my co-producer was very creative and came up with some great ideas.
Will you be releasing any more videos for your next single off this album?
Yes our next video will be for Venus.
You are heading out on a UK Tour as well, what are you most looking forward too?
The UK fans are very discriminating but when they like something you do they really let you know, so I’m excited to see how they like the new music and performance of the new tunes.
Which city are you most looking forward to playing?
James Maddock hails from Leicester and his family comes out and makes us feel very welcome. Also looking forward to Poole to see our great friend Mick Tarrant – and London, to work with genius promoter Stuart Lyon again at Nells Jazz – and to return to Newcastle and Kinross, beautiful towns – we are looking forward to everything!
Do you have any surprises up your sleeve for the show?
If I did I wouldn’t say!
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Do not sell your publishing.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
As above; and never compromise on your values. Don’t be seduced by a trend, just write and perform your own stuff and if it’s good, people will recognize it. You might not become a superstar but you will have your integrity.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
One day at a time.
You get off a plane in your hometown,
1/ where is the first place you visit
My neighborhood park bench to see my guys.
2/ where is the first place you see
My couch.
3/ where is the fist food place you go and what do you get
Tal Bagels for an everything bagel with cream cheese and lox.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
1) My hat
2) To thank my band for their hard work
3) To thank the audience for coming out
4) To have a coffee half hour before stage
5) My lyrics
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Official site: garlandjeffreys.com
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/garlandjeffreys
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GarlandJeffreys/
