Interview with Gary Revel Interview [garyrevel]

What do you do? What is your musical specialty?

I am a songwriter/singer, recording artist, producer and owner of my own record label and music publishing company. My specialty is writing songs that have impact on the entertainment business and the worldwide cultural and political arena.

Do you work alone or in a group? If in a group, who are the others you work with?

I work alone to some extent but often collaborate with others.

Is there a web address where one can listen, see, or read some of your work?

There are many websites where you can hear my music but my official gateway is at http://www.garyrevel.com. My music is on iTunes, Amazonmp3 and Emusic; 3 albums on iTunes, They Slew The Dreamer, A Gary Revel Christmas and Fire and the Holy Ghost. They Slew The Dreamer is also on Emusic and Amazonmp3. The autobiographical book, To Live or Maybe Not, is on sale at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Live-Maybe-Not-Autobiographical-Revel/dp/1434826961 and also at Lulu.com as well as other locations. I share details and facts of my youth, high school events, US Naval service, music business activities in Hollywood California as well as my investigation of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Lulu.com also distributes some of my books of poetry and an art/picture book containing some of my picture-poetry.

Please list any awards, competitions, or other acknowledgments you would like to mention.

My music has been honored by groups such as the Southern California Motion Picture Council. One example is the Angel award I received from the Citizen's Council in Hollywood California for my song, Treat America Like A Lady. I am listed in many Who's Who books throughout the world and honored as a leader in bringing truth to the concerns of Global Warming with my song, Mother Nature and truth in the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. with They Slew The Dreamer.

Please list discography in which you have participated.

My official discography is at - http://www.garyrevel.com/discography.html

How did you begin making music? Who introduced you?

I wrote my first song when I was about 10 years old. It was about a girl I thought I was in love with.

What was your musical education?

I taught myself to write songs, play guitar, record music and participate in the music business.

When did you realise that making music could be a way of life for you?

When I was 15 years old I formed my first Rock "N Roll band and realized I had a role to play in music.

What is your creative process?

My ideas almost always come from introspective moments and inspiration from the Holy Spirit. Not to say everything I write or record is Holy or even Christian the energy to start and complete the project is certainly God-Inspired. I may get it wrong but thanks to God I am forgiven when I do. Occasionally I get an idea directly from another person who suggest we write a song based on an inspiration they have.

When do you have your most lucid moments, in the morning or night?

It never is exactly the same.

Have you ever awoken with a melody created from your dreams?

Yes, and once I was awakened by my wife with the idea for In My Dreams.

How do you know when a song is finished or needs no more changes?

I'm not sure I will ever know this for sure. Even now I think I could go back and find a different or better word, phrase, melody or whatever for any of my songs. It really doesn't matter what I think about this it is more important that the hearer enjoy the song based on their own desires.

How did you discover your creative territory? How would you describe it?

Music kind of took me by the hand and led me into this territory. I'm also led into poetry, art and writing.

What part of your job is your least favourite?

The business side of things.

How often do you practice?

How do you feel right before going out on stage?

Which musicians or groups have been inspiring to your career?

Bod Dylan and so many others I could write a book about them.

List three songs that are key to your life.

To Only You, Hollywood Star and In My Dreams.

What should be done to stop piracy?

The piracy of music is criminal activity that is often associated with other crimes. Organized crime is the foundation for the success of piracy and is a problem throughout the world. There is much to be said and done about it but we have to work through our governmental systems and until those systems work together in honesty and fairness we will not be successful in completely stopping it.

What type of music do you detest?

I don't detest any music. Sometimes the words make me uncomfortable but even then I can't say I detest the music.

What time did you get up this morning?

About 6:00 AM. Early to bed and early to rise makes one healthy, wealthy and wise.

How do you sell yourself? What has been your experience with record companies and representatives?

I own my record company and music publishing company myself. I am selling myself primarily through the internet. Other record companies and former representatives I have dealt with did the best they could, i think.

What other things have you done to make a living?

Many jobs and careers have been a part of my life. The most interesting is my work as a special investigator on the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

Have you ever played on the street or in the subway? How much did you collect each day?

I was part of some Christian evangelistic street performances in Hollywood California in the 1980s. We didn't try to collect money.

Who would you play with, without a doubt?

I don't know of any recording artists or musicians that I could say I would not play with under any circumstance but I certainly would be happy to share the stage with any artist whose goal, like mine, is to make the world a better place for all.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the business?

Don't quit your day job until you must to fulfill your contractual obligations.

Ask me a question, make a comment, or request my opinion on something:

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