Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Baz Gillen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Baz, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I am so happy that I’m fortunate enough to say I’m a working musician, (at the moment), but I believe the last time I subconsciously pondered whether or not my creative pursuits were worth chasing was in my music theory class this morning. I’m currently a jazz major at MSU Denver, and while I love the program, I think its extremely valid to ask yourself if your art can sustain you in our costly world today, particularly if you’re spending lots of money in pursuit of a debatably worthless degree, (in terms of a guaranteed success in the job market). While I make all my income off playing and teaching drums at the moment, I understand some months will be dry in terms of finding gigs, so in that respect, it can be a bit unstable. Besides that, some of the gigs that may pay you the most may entail playing music you’re not particularly passionate about in an artistic sense, which can be a sacrifice you may have to consider making at times…

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’ve been drumming a lot more for others in the last few years I’ve been out of high school. Its been teaching me a lot not only about music but about being able to work with others in a more professional setting and navigate through creative and emotional disagreements. I’ve been playing many different styles/scenarios lately from local jazzy funk groups to playing hip-hop with my own project, touring with a pop-punk band, studying jazz in school, etc etc. I’ve been learning so much and I really just hope to keep growing as a musician and hope it continues to take me to cool and usual places and push me out of my comfort zone

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

I believe the most rewarding thing as a musician is being able to create something expressive that you envision and believe in. The act of creating, I think especially with others is something we crave as humans and I love when this comes out in music, especially in improvisational scenarios. Simply being able to express yourself as a player especially is just such a great feeling.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think doing what you can to show up and appreciate the art that’s out in your local cities and neighborhoods is a good way to build a sense of community and provide a welcoming environment for more art to form and evolve.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: bazilxgillen

Image Credits
Grayson Reed