How did your journey in music begin, and what inspired you to pursue a career in the industry? Can you tell us about your musical style and the genres that influence your work?
I started singing at the age of 5 at the behest of my mother, who is a tremendous singer to this day. She threw me into the church choir. Honestly, that's a big influence for me. I don't write religious music, because I'm not a huge fan of religion. Spiritual music is something near and dear to my heart though. In fact, singing is perhaps the best way I know of to tap directly into the source.
I grew up really liking 60's/70's music somehow. I'm not that old and my parents weren't into it. I found it, and Cream and Clapton and CSN&Y and Dylan and the Dead and all of the glorious glory that is that era of music. Definitely love me some Peter Gabriel and Sting. These days, lots of Trevor Hall, Brass Against, and Teddy Swims in my AirPods. I like a lot of different styles, as is reflected in my music. This song definitely has a bit of harder influence, like Soundgarden or that realm. My music ranges from folk, to rock, to alternative with a bit of country here and there.
What's the story behind your latest release, and what message or emotion are you trying to convey through your music?
OK. I may or may not know a person for whom I've spent a lot of time counseling, consoling, and encouraging. This potential person may have pretty much never listened to any of my advice, and might also be someone who patently refuses to give up their role as a victim. I got really pissed about that and wrote this song. It's not that I don’t fall into the victim trap myself from time to time. I do. But I’m hyper-aware that I’m doing it, which makes it more painful and forces me to let go of that excuse…
There's a thing about radical responsibility. It's both empowering personally, and frustrating socially. Once you fully embrace the idea that "I am responsible for all of it, no matter what, end of lengthy, over-dramatic story," then it becomes very challenging to watch so many people blame everyone and everything for their problems. We are addicted to blame in this culture, and it sucks to watch that. The red pill tastes like shit.
How do you approach the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or routine?
It depends really. Oftentimes I’ll get a melody in my head, either out of the blue, or related to a feeling I want to convey. Then I play with it, repeat it, refine it, syncopate it some, play around until I have a start for a verse or chorus. Occasionally I find something I like on the guitar and then groove into that somehow. For BLAME, it kind of came all at once and pretty quickly. When I get an idea, I like to stick with it until I finish it. (Don’t tell that to all my unfinished projects, please). With songs, especially if it’s eating at me to convey, I go for it until I have something playable. Then when I’m ready to record, I send a scratch track to my producer and we take it from there.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist, and how have you overcome them?
Ultimately it’s about getting shit done and done to your satisfaction, which can be challenging. We are in a world of constant distraction and so many things pulling our attention hither and thither. Scheduling time for things is critical, and involving people who are counting on you to show up. No one will ever tell you, “Oh yeah, go be a musician. That’s a great idea!” You may have encouragement, but ultimately, it has to be who you are and why you are. Overcoming the need for validation is super challenging, and it’s always coming back in your face, because you get it. So then you’re in this trap of “I’m not doing it for them, but they like it, and I like when they like it…” I suppose what’s been most helpful to me personally recently is continuing to consider that my songs are my prayers, and therefore they are a sacred expression of my soul. The more I can get out of my head and into the delivery of the song as an offering to others and to whatever created us, the better I become.
Are there any artists or bands that have had a significant impact on your musical journey?
Aforementioned. And Hozier. Wow.
How do you stay creative and inspired when working on new music?
It’s fun. It’s medicine for me. It’s like therapy, or meditation, or xanax. If you can deliver a message in a catchy way that positively influences the person listening, that’s magic. Beautiful, beneficial magic. All we have is who we are being. Music is one of those super rare things that can almost immediately influence who we are being.
Can you share a memorable moment or highlight from your career so far?
I wrote this song called WELLS RUN DRY about this ghastly gold mine some foreign company was trying to open in my neighborhood. It would have been super-duper bad for the environment, I got really passionate and wrote that tune, shot a video for it, and performed it at the public meetings with the Nevada County Supervisors in front of about 500 people three separate times. That was super-gratifying, particularly singing it to the CEO of the company. He wouldn’t look me in the eye, but his lawyer was tapping his foot. Had a friend who also said her brother was hyper-conservative, and in favor of the mine. He changed his mind after seeing the video. In the end, we won this battle. The people of Grass Valley and Nevada City, CA rose up and said no. The Nevada County Supervisors voted against the project. Big victory for our community, and our environment. I know I played a part in that battle, and that feels great.
What one inspirational quote or mantra you believe in?
“Know thyself, and to thine own self be true.” Ultimately, we are our own best healers. It’s odd that we need to make an effort to believe in ourselves in this culture. It wasn’t always that way. The more that I believe in who I am and am aware of how I leave others, the more I am fulfilled and the more I live in love
In what ways do you use social media and online platforms to connect with your audience?
I’m on Instagram I also reply to e-mail and connect to people through my podcast, LUNACY. My email is info@geoffeido.com.