We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tommy Grasley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tommy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I feel fortunate that all of the work that I create is meaningful to me. My lyrics all have underlining messages. So, if you get the message, then you’ll really get me. I love writing about my experiences and observations around humanity. I’m fascinated by people’s behaviour. It definitely influences the way I write a song.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a recording artist I like to shake things up. I’m creating a new genre called NEW CLASSIC ROCK.
I grew up in a steel town in Canada. My musical journey started as a young boy drawing on the influence of a successful musically inspired family. My father, Sonny Del Rio (CROWBAR) played saxophone with Kelly Jay, and King Biscuit Boy (aka Richard Newell). My dad went on to receive a Queens Jubilee award for excellence. On my mother’s side (the Stewarts), my cousin Rod Stewart rounded out the talent.
I, TOMMYGUNN released my first album in 2013, UNLEASH THE HOUNDS which charted #7 in Australia and had success in the U.K. My next album, I BELIEVE IN LOVE released in 2020 reflects the world around me. It tells the story of my life moving from hate to love. I had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the best artists in Rock n’ Roll – Eddie Kramer (Beatles, Led Zeppelin , Jimi Hendrix …), Dale Harrison (Headstones), Greg Godovitz (Goddo); Kim DesChamps (Blue Rodeo), and more.
CALIFORNIA WAY, my latest album was inspired by my love of the California coast. The album includes legendary musicians; Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth, Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band, ELO, Bee Gees), Laurence Juber (Paul McCartney & Wings), Richard T Bear Gerstein (Kiss, Pat Benatar, Mick Fleetwood, Cher, The Doobie Brothers …). Daniel Goldberg (drummer, writer, producer Meatballs, Stripes, Old School, Private Parts, Heavy Metal, The Hangover 1,2,3 … ), Fernando Perdomo (Echo In The Canyon, Appice/Perdomo), Ryan Shore (Howard Shore, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson, Matchbox Twenty), Stephen Hogg (Fred Eaglesmith, Ray Materick, Tom Wilson, …), Dalton Cyr (singer, songwriter) sings back-up vocals along with Mikal Blue. And other incredible musicians. The album was produced by Mikal Blue at his studio Revolver Recordings Studio. Mikal is a Grammy award winning producer, engineer, singer, songwriter (artist include: One Republic, Five For Fighting, Colbie Caillat). Special thanks go to Steve Hoffman (MCA Records).
I feel this is some of my best work to-date.
I’m inspired by positive people. I have no time for negativity – it’s exhausting.
It’s a lot fun collaborating with creative people – of which I do often.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
First off – everyone is creative in their own way. Every single person. In my experience, it’s fear that stops people from exploring their creativity IF they feel they’re not as creative as others. I can’t tell you how many times people tried to discourage me from continuing to create and record music. And if it hadn’t been for my determination I may have listened to those naysayers.
You see, no one knows your heart and soul better than you do. Don’t allow others to hold you back from doing something that you want to pursue. there are all kinds of excuses you can make to NOT do something, so why not flip it around and move toward taking small steps toward what you want. At the very least, try.
It’s not easy being a creative. It’s discouraging. Lots of rejection. And yet, there are moments when it’s all worth it. It’s incredibly satisfying when people dig my music. I’m proud of what I’ve created.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Ok, so, this one takes persistence and continued dedicated time to build. It’s not so much a story as it is about hanging in and staying the course.
When you’re a creative that doesn’t have a machine behind you working with, or for you, you have to do it all yourself. And I do. I’m constantly creating, posting, and sharing my music. In order for people to see your work, play your music, you need to get it in front of them. It took awhile to learn the many ways to engage an audience on social media – trial, error, and success – and everything in between. I’m always so grateful when other’s post or reshare my work. It means a lot to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sociatap.com/TOMMYGUNN
- Instagram: @tommygunnlove
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TGrocks3
- Twitter: @tommygunnhound
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TOMMYGUNNLOVE
- Other: https://www.goodtunesstore.com/tommygunn
