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

Alright, Niles thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I’d have to say when I purchased my first guitar.

In all honesty I only got one because I had a couple friends that were learning how to play and I wanted to feel included as most kids do.

But, the more I picked it up, the more songs & techniques I started learning, the more I fell in love with the instrument and music as a whole.

By the time I was 16 I knew music was the dream & career I not only wanted to, but needed to chase.

Niles , 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?

Hi,

I’m primarily a touring guitarist as well as a songwriter & producer mostly focused in the Hard Rock & Metal genre(s).

I got my start playing in numerous local bands in my area until I eventually ended up moving to Richmond, VA to join the band Broadside. This was a defining moment in my career. The band gained traction from a popular single we had put out that lead to us getting signed to Chicago based record label Victory Records.

During my time in Broadside I was apart of the writing & recording process for two full length records. We did many full U.S. tours as well as international touring across the U.K. & Canada.

I took my leave from Broadside late in 2017…Fast forward to the summer of 2019 I had been offered a position playing bass for Andy Black on a summer festival tour by a friend I had made from my years of touring prior.

I took the tour and that jettisoned me into my career as a touring musician for other artists & bands. I’ve since played for the likes of Point North, With Confidence, First & Forever etc…

Other than touring I took up audio production during the pandemic as we all had tons of downtime. I grew more & more passionate with it with every song I would write or new skill I would learn.

Now I not only write songs for my current band but have had the pleasure of writing with/for artists like VIOLITT, Ambiverse etc…

What I bring to the table is numerous years of first hand experience in the industry whether that’s from the road or in the studio. I pride myself on being able to closely listen & understand what the artist is looking for & doing my very best to deliver exactly that. Whether that’s for a live performance or the songwriting/mixing process. Everyone has a vision & I will always strive to deliver that vision as closely as I possibly can.

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

I think the answer resides in the question on this one. “Support”..What people can do, especially for small business’ or even say your friend that’s a creative dipping their toes into the world of selling their art or craft..Support is what you can offer.

That doesn’t mean that you have to necessarily spend money or buy their product or service (that certainly helps of course).

Share what they’re doing. We all have access to social media…that’s one of the biggest tools especially for advertising that one could use. One of the best ways to help a small business or friend is to simply share their posts, share their work. Get the word out to people who might not see it otherwise.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me I’d say one of the most rewarding things is seeing mine or helping to cultivate someone else’s vision to completion.

Witnessing first hand the tiny little idea that you came up with in your head come to life in front of you if one of the most accomplishing & rewarding feelings by far.

Some songs, some ideas write themselves and come out in no time and some take days, weeks, months or even years to fully bloom. But finally hearing, seeing that finish product is one of the best feelings you could have.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @nilesgregory
• Youtube: @nilesgregory

Image Credits
Thomas Berridge, Bridgette Craig, Lars Juveland