We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Greg Fortune a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Greg, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project that I’ve worked on thus far is, of course, the one that I am currently working on. I’m continually evolving as a songwriter and creative human, and I am just beginning to record my next album. The songs have been written and some demos recorded, but what’s intriguing is that there will be songs on this album, tentatively titled “From the Heart”, that speak to the times. I have written songs, in the past, which have shared thoughts on politics, culture, religion, and the human condition, that were never intended for release; however, as time goes on, I feel that as an artist, there is much to be said for “authenticity” and offering to amplify the voice of a generation. I no longer wish to self-censor these messages, I don’t have the right to do that, if I were to choose silence, then why have a voice?

Greg, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an imaginative creative, and I express myself musically as an indie songwriter, singer and musician. I am a visual artist and graphic designer, and I express myself through photography, painting, drawing, and graphic design. I am an engineer, and I express myself through my home studio design, audio recording, mixing and mastering. In the music industry, I, Greg Fortune, wear many hats (no pun intended). I am an entrepreneur and manage my own business operations. My parents, both military, met while stationed in Frankfurt Germany, although they were both born and reared in the American Deep South. They brought up their children to be practical, work hard, and create practical careers for themselves. Throughout my childhood as an Army brat, I developed a deep love for music. I could easily remember my life and times as I recall the songs that were popular at the time. The combining of my passions for music, writing, art, design and engineering, eventually led, during and after a master’s degree and 25 year career in engineering, to my becoming a full-time musician. I have written songs in the hundreds, released 3 full-length albums to date, and have performed hundreds of shows, in and outside of the U.S., primarily as a vocalist and acoustic guitarist.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Both of my parents were career military and did not envision music or art to be viable careers, but as hobbies. After graduating from High School in Augusta, GA, I went on to study Mechanical Engineering at NC A&T State University. During a lengthy career in engineering, I consistently played in bands, wrote, recorded and released original music. As my experience in engineering grew, so did my responsibilities and expectations. As work completely took over my work-life balance, it wasn’t long before I realized that, at the current rate, I would no longer have time for creative pursuits. I left the role of salaried employee and began working as a technical contractor, so I would be properly compensated for my time, and between contracts I was able to concentrate on my music and art. It was during this time that I was able to prove that I was capable of making a decent income pursuing my creative passions. The contracts became fewer and far between until I was able to transition completely from the highly technical world of engineering into the highly creative world of music and art without regret.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

In all works in which I participate, I strive to push the boundaries of creativity and imagination through innovation, positively contribute to and uplift my community and culture by presenting high quality music and art that encourages critical thinking, reflection, and positive movement. Hmmm… I’ve just created and shared my mission statement, which makes my goals clear. These goals include releasing and properly promoting and marketing music and art on a regular basis in hopes of leaving a legacy that will move as many people as possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.greg4tune.com
• Instagram: @greg.4tune
• Facebook: @greg.fortune.music
• Twitter: @greg4tunemusic
• Youtube: @gregfortune6969

Image Credits

greg fortune b&w photo

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