Please tell our readers who you are and what you do?
I'm Gary Cain, a guitarist , songwriter and singer currently based out of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
How would you describe your style and genre?
My debut album is called Twangadelic Bluesophunk, and that's a good description of my style of music. I've always got one foot in the blues, but like to blend it with elements of rock, bluegrass, funk, and psychedelia.
Who are your biggest influences and idols … and why? Do you have any idols? Are you a super fan of anyone? (Dead or alive, musician or non-musician)
I first started playing guitar because of Angus Young from AC/DC. I just loved the energy in his playing. From there I got into rock, metal, etc. until stumbling across Stevie Ray Vaughan, which totally changed my trajectory. I got really into blues, going back to players like Albert King. After Stevie died, there were a whole bunch of players trying to do what he did, but it was a lot of imitation. I think Chris Duarte was the player that really took what Stevie did and took it to the next level, and added something new to it. Duarte's one of my favourite players, and probably my biggest single influence. Other players that have had a big impact on me include Danny Gatton, Eric Gales, Jimi Hendrix, Philip Sayce, Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Monte Montgomery, David Grissom, & Greg Koch.
What´s new right now? What should our readers know about that is coming up from you?
We just released our debut album, Twangadelic Bluesophunk in May, which is available on Spotify, iTunes, and through Bandcamp at this link: https://garycain.bandcamp.com/album/twangadelic-bluesophunk
website: garycainband.com
Social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/garycainband
Twitter: @GaryDCain
Instagram: garycain
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What was the biggest mistake you made when you started making music and what would be the number one tip you could give to a newcomer musician?
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How do you get gigs? Can you share any tips?
When starting out, I just called venues and asked for the booking contact. I had an email intro that includes some links to live video/recordings, and a short paragraph about the band. Then you just have to be persistent in following up – bar bookers are busy and sometimes you need to call/email 3, 4, even 10 times before they book you. Until you hear 'no', keep trying, but be polite and friendly.
Once you get a little more established, you'll start playing places regularly, and also clubs will start contacting you to boo gigs, so it's not as tough, but you still need to work at making connections.
When you do play a gig, be professional, start on time, don't get drunk, treat the staff with respect – the staff that's there will advocate for you to come back if the booker wasn't there to see you, or if you were really good but the turnout wasn't great.
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What has been your biggest challenge right now? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
The biggest challenge is breaking into new markets and getting enough buzz to bring people out to a show. I've been using Facebook advertising and social media posts, with some success, but it's something you need to constantly work at. My hope is to get connected with a booking agency in the next year or two.
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How do you promote yourself? Do you have any specific promotion tips for other musicians?
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We meet again in one year. What has changed?
I'm hoping in a year, I'll have another recording out, and be signed with a booking agency, and playing some festivals. Would love to play in Europe, as the music audiences there seem to be open to a little more adventurous stuff than in North America!
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http://www.facebook.com/garycainband
http://www.facebook.com/garycainband