We caught up with the brilliant and insightful J. Scott Gavin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

J. Scott, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

As a musician/songwriter/artist I feel like the most meaningful projects are always the ones that lie ahead. Each song or album feels to me more meaningful than the one previous in regard to the message, and expression and identity as an artist.

That being said, I feel the most important project we continue to work with is a group called Banding Together, which provides an all encompassing music experience for young adults with special needs. For us to participate to such an uplifting and positive organization is really rewarding and meaningful. I got involved in music therapy as an assistant to a stroke victim and I saw the benefit that music had on his quality of life. It inspires us as a band to work for something that is bigger than us.

J. Scott, 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’ve had the desire to be an entertainer/center of attention for as long as I can remember. From a brief stint as the mascot at Arizona State, to a full time spot as the mascot for the Arizona Cardinals, to my first band GOODER, and my current band The Thieves About, I’ve always loved being on stage. I love getting people excited and giving them a reason to smile. As an artist, the greatest feeling is seeing someone singing back to you and knowing that you’ve made a deeper connection with them.

I feel that connection with our fans growing as the momentum builds with The Thieves About. We continue to write and release new music and videos that help showcase our band and identity. We’re a straight forward rock and roll band with high energy, upbeat songs that get the toes tappin and the heads bobbin’. The perfect escape from a long day at work, and definitely a boost to the gym/workout playlist.

The Thieves About recently supported Our Lady Peace on their Stop Making Stupid People Famous Tour and earned the following praise from Greg Vitalich of Hunnypot Unlimited: “Blending the upbeat spirit of the 80s with edgy 90s-inspired dual guitars was an entertaining combination – upbeat, melodic, with some balls!” The Thieves About have drawn favorable comparisons to such giants as Gin Blossoms, Jimmy Eat World, and Placebo.”

To me, music is life and it’s a part of me that I enjoy sharing with others.

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

In an effort to support artists and creatives, we have to be comfortable getting out and supporting them. We’ve all grown very comfortable in our homes and offices and don’t get out as much. Of course, the pandemic didn’t help, and people are still fearful of going out. However, to get out and support those that bring such joy to your life is paramount to their success and drive to continue. Making those personal connections does so much to strengthen the soul and spirit of what drives the artist.

The internet and streaming platforms has made it easy to get what we want for free, and I know that I’ve worked hard to make contributions directly to those artists that have moved me. A little bit goes a long way.

That being said, the internet has also done a good job of connecting us with people that may have never had the opportunity to see us or enjoy our music. If you don’t have the opportunity to get out, show your favorite artists love by making a direct connection with them, and let them know you appreciate them. We love hearing that our music has helped make someone’s day better.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I would’ve reached out to other musicians and songwriters early on in my career. I was very protective of my songs and had a hard time collaborating with others. If I have a message to those starting out; don’t be afraid to work with others and expand your writing ability. There are lots of songwriting groups and classes available either locally, or on the internet and that experience can work wonders for your growth as an artist or band.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thethievesabout.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_thieves_about/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thethievesabout
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThievesAbout
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbzgNSjGnNauEnXKXUMkO_Q

Image Credits
Greg Vitalich Derek Plank Steve Godwin