We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gio McKinley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gio below.

Hi Gio, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Since my childhood, I always knew that it made me very happy to express what I felt through art. It has been very cathartic for me, during the course of my life, to be able to write songs, act, draw, perform, and sing. Conveying how I feel emotionally with an artistic project is one of the greatest satisfactions I have been able to experience in life.

Gio, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

When I was very young I started writing down my feelings on paper. These quickly became songs in my head to help me express my emotions. I was born and raised in Cúcuta, Colombia. I went to college to be a doctor and practiced medicine for 5 years before moving to the United States, because I felt there was something missing in my life. I decided to start putting my feelings down on paper again like I did when I was a child. Once I had some songs written down I decided to pursue my dream of recording the songs that help me navigate life. I believe I am different than others because I truly feel the emotions in my songs. They are all very personal to me and a way to share my life with others. I am proud of all of the challenges I have overcome in my life, these challenges have allowed me to become the person I am today. I want people to know that my songs come from my heart, they convey my sincerest feelings and emotions to the audience through lyrics as well as music.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I was 31 years old and practicing medicine in Colombia my father was shot and passed away soon after. This event was a defining moment in my life and very difficult to overcome. I have written a song in his memory called “The Mechanic”. My father was a mechanic and he had a very profound impact on me as a person. He was a mentor, a friend, a father, and helped shape my entire life. After he passed I had to become an independent adult and forge my own path in life. “The Mechanic” expresses my thoughts and feelings and has helped me achieve closure.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I think the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is presenting the finished product to the public. Hearing my song on the radio, seeing my music videos on line and television always helps me re-live the emotions all over again whether good or bad. Expressing the love I have for my art on television, radio, and magazines makes me feel proud and accomplished, because I know others are enjoying my work and feeling my emotions.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.giomckinley.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giomckinley/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GioMcKinley