By The Cue | Photographer Ashton Blake
In November of 2015, we got a chance to sit down with Kevin Garrett. For those that don't know, Kevin Garrett is a Pittsburgh native with a soulful sound that is both refreshing and intriguing. Since the debut of his EP "Mellow Drama", he's received a considerable amount of attention and is now touring with Alessia Cara. In this "Getting to Know", Kevin reveals how much of a sports fan he really is, what he's listening to musically, and his stories of touring (with a few pranks along the way).
First off, who are you listening to right now, what’s on your current playlist, and why are you loving it?
I’ve been listening to Alessia Cara a lot, I go on tour with her next year. I’ve been a fan of hers for a while. There is this new guy named Omer, who is next level – and who else? I like Halsey a lot; she’s really hot right now. And this guy – Azekel? I think I am pronouncing it right. I’m a big fan of his music. He has this song called “New Romance,” which is crazy. Who else? A whole bunch of people…But, I’m an old soul man. I like a lot of old stuff. I’m usually listening to Sam Cook, Willie Nelson, or Billie Holliday.
So, if I am correct – you played Violin?
Yes
What all were you involved with musically growing up and how did that shape your musical palette?
Violin made a big nerd, and then gave me a good set of ears that boosted my chops for music theory and everything. I started picking up other instruments – guitar and piano just kind of came naturally because of all the training. I started writing for guitar when I was in high school, and kind of forced to play keys when I went to college. That’s when I got my hands more comfortable on a keyboard and started writing for keyboard.
What is your favorite and not-so-favorite part of performing and what do you think the audience should leave with when you’re done playing.
I think the audience should leave with all of my merch and I leave with all of their money. *Laughs* No, I guess my favorite part of performing is getting to connect with everybody. If people come to listen to my music, hopefully that means they are going to pay attention and listen to what the three of us on stage have to say. The least favorite part of my live shows is having to pack everything up and throwing it in the car each night and driving off. With touring, the most fulfilling part is easily getting on stage and trying to connect with everybody.
As far as the people that you rock with on stage, can you tell us a bit about how you met them and why are they with you right now?
So, Sean Mullins is the drummer. He has been with me on this project since day one. He’s on the records and everything. Jesse Bielenburg is the other player – he plays bass and keyboard. He’s actually new. He’s hopped on this last tour with X Ambassadors. I’ve known him since school, but we’ve been working together for months. They are both just incredibly talented. With Sean, especially, because he was on the recordings – it was important that he played on tour. I’ve played a lot of shows solo, but it doesn’t really translate well without a beat or rhythm. My songs are very rhythm-dependent.
Who do you think would be a dream to collaborate with and why?
I think everybody says Kanye West, right? That would be awesome. It would be really cool to collaborate with Childish Gambino or Chance the Rapper. But I’m not sure! I want to work with everybody. There’s actually this other dude named Jack Garrett – he’s like my evil twin. I think it would be really cool to do something with him.
So the concepts in your videos – “Coloring” and “Control” are really refreshing. How did those concepts come about?
With coloring, it was very much about being “on your own,” so that lonely vibe. We filmed that video in Upstate New York, in -10 degree weather. The last scene where I’m seen running up the hill, we did about 15 times. It was the worst experience of my life, but it paid off. With Control, the director Mark D’Souza was in much more “Control,” no pun intended. He wanted to match the color scheme of the EP and embody the overall vibe of that tune which revolves around loss and the same sort of “loneliness” of it all. With both visuals, there was a clear vision going in and just like with everything creative, it never ends up being what you intended, but I think we stuck to the gun with both of those visuals. It turned out great.
On a non-musical tip, you’re a sports fan correct?
HUGE
What’s your favorite sports team and what is your favorite memory of a game you went to as a kid?
Well, I’m from Pittsburgh and I’m a baseball fan. So, I like the Pirates a lot. I went to one of the NLDS games a few years ago against the Cardinals and that was pretty cool. I’m also a big hockey fan too. The day I graduated high school, the Penguins won Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals in 2009. We had the commencement that day and the graduation party and it was crazy. Also, go Spurs!
What is your weirdest moment from your touring this year?
On the last day of the tour with X Ambassadors and Skylar Gray, in San Diego, X-Ambassadors performed this song called “Naked” and Skylar’s team went out on stage during that song in bath towels. Skylar definitely flashed the lead singer of X Ambassadors, it was a night to remember – very PG, because she wasn’t facing the crowd. That same night when we went out to play, we got pranked. XA went to some adult store and bought a bunch of phallic-shaped paraphernalia and threw ‘em all over our gear. So we launched a bunch of small dicks into the crowd at the end of the set. It was pretty fun.
Are you a big reader? If so, what are some good books you’re reading?
Actually, I don’t read as much as I should. But I’m a big fan of comedy – so I’d read any comedian’s memoir or autobiography or something. For whatever reason, I think I relate to comedians really well. I can’t really pay attention much when I’m reading. I’d get sidetracked, thinking of ideas mostly. We were just talking about this in the car – when I am reading, I have a completely different situation going on in my head. Then I’m ten pages in and I have no idea what I just read. However, I’m very conscious of what I’ve read. It’s very weird.
I had to re-read like half of Harry Potter just because I didn’t pay attention.
Yeah! It happens to me and I have to throw the book in fire and turn on football or something.
Top 5 comedians, no hesitations:
Influences?
Keys players?
I’ve been listening to Alessia Cara a lot, I go on tour with her next year. I’ve been a fan of hers for a while. There is this new guy named Omer, who is next level – and who else? I like Halsey a lot; she’s really hot right now. And this guy – Azekel? I think I am pronouncing it right. I’m a big fan of his music. He has this song called “New Romance,” which is crazy. Who else? A whole bunch of people…But, I’m an old soul man. I like a lot of old stuff. I’m usually listening to Sam Cook, Willie Nelson, or Billie Holliday.
So, if I am correct – you played Violin?
Yes
What all were you involved with musically growing up and how did that shape your musical palette?
Violin made a big nerd, and then gave me a good set of ears that boosted my chops for music theory and everything. I started picking up other instruments – guitar and piano just kind of came naturally because of all the training. I started writing for guitar when I was in high school, and kind of forced to play keys when I went to college. That’s when I got my hands more comfortable on a keyboard and started writing for keyboard.
What is your favorite and not-so-favorite part of performing and what do you think the audience should leave with when you’re done playing.
I think the audience should leave with all of my merch and I leave with all of their money. *Laughs* No, I guess my favorite part of performing is getting to connect with everybody. If people come to listen to my music, hopefully that means they are going to pay attention and listen to what the three of us on stage have to say. The least favorite part of my live shows is having to pack everything up and throwing it in the car each night and driving off. With touring, the most fulfilling part is easily getting on stage and trying to connect with everybody.
As far as the people that you rock with on stage, can you tell us a bit about how you met them and why are they with you right now?
So, Sean Mullins is the drummer. He has been with me on this project since day one. He’s on the records and everything. Jesse Bielenburg is the other player – he plays bass and keyboard. He’s actually new. He’s hopped on this last tour with X Ambassadors. I’ve known him since school, but we’ve been working together for months. They are both just incredibly talented. With Sean, especially, because he was on the recordings – it was important that he played on tour. I’ve played a lot of shows solo, but it doesn’t really translate well without a beat or rhythm. My songs are very rhythm-dependent.
Who do you think would be a dream to collaborate with and why?
I think everybody says Kanye West, right? That would be awesome. It would be really cool to collaborate with Childish Gambino or Chance the Rapper. But I’m not sure! I want to work with everybody. There’s actually this other dude named Jack Garrett – he’s like my evil twin. I think it would be really cool to do something with him.
So the concepts in your videos – “Coloring” and “Control” are really refreshing. How did those concepts come about?
With coloring, it was very much about being “on your own,” so that lonely vibe. We filmed that video in Upstate New York, in -10 degree weather. The last scene where I’m seen running up the hill, we did about 15 times. It was the worst experience of my life, but it paid off. With Control, the director Mark D’Souza was in much more “Control,” no pun intended. He wanted to match the color scheme of the EP and embody the overall vibe of that tune which revolves around loss and the same sort of “loneliness” of it all. With both visuals, there was a clear vision going in and just like with everything creative, it never ends up being what you intended, but I think we stuck to the gun with both of those visuals. It turned out great.
On a non-musical tip, you’re a sports fan correct?
HUGE
What’s your favorite sports team and what is your favorite memory of a game you went to as a kid?
Well, I’m from Pittsburgh and I’m a baseball fan. So, I like the Pirates a lot. I went to one of the NLDS games a few years ago against the Cardinals and that was pretty cool. I’m also a big hockey fan too. The day I graduated high school, the Penguins won Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals in 2009. We had the commencement that day and the graduation party and it was crazy. Also, go Spurs!
What is your weirdest moment from your touring this year?
On the last day of the tour with X Ambassadors and Skylar Gray, in San Diego, X-Ambassadors performed this song called “Naked” and Skylar’s team went out on stage during that song in bath towels. Skylar definitely flashed the lead singer of X Ambassadors, it was a night to remember – very PG, because she wasn’t facing the crowd. That same night when we went out to play, we got pranked. XA went to some adult store and bought a bunch of phallic-shaped paraphernalia and threw ‘em all over our gear. So we launched a bunch of small dicks into the crowd at the end of the set. It was pretty fun.
Are you a big reader? If so, what are some good books you’re reading?
Actually, I don’t read as much as I should. But I’m a big fan of comedy – so I’d read any comedian’s memoir or autobiography or something. For whatever reason, I think I relate to comedians really well. I can’t really pay attention much when I’m reading. I’d get sidetracked, thinking of ideas mostly. We were just talking about this in the car – when I am reading, I have a completely different situation going on in my head. Then I’m ten pages in and I have no idea what I just read. However, I’m very conscious of what I’ve read. It’s very weird.
I had to re-read like half of Harry Potter just because I didn’t pay attention.
Yeah! It happens to me and I have to throw the book in fire and turn on football or something.
Top 5 comedians, no hesitations:
- George Carlin
- Bill Murray
- Robin Williams
- Louis C.K.
- Bill Hicks
- …Mitch Hedberg!
Influences?
- Sam Cook
- Bob Dylan
- Joni Mitchell
- E.E. Cummings
- My dad
Keys players?
- Arte Tatum
- Oscar Peterson
- Nat King Cole is actually a slaying piano player!
- Bill Evans
- Brad Mehldau
What are you working on musically right now?
There are a few things on the pipeline. I’m definitely working on writing for a handful of other people – It is kind of my “day-job” being a collaborator. When I’m not on the road, I write. Once I get off tour, I’m focusing on my own stuff. There’s definitely an album.
Creatively, where do you find solitude?
I do almost all the writings in Pittsburgh. My family’s house is kind of in the woods – it’s where I’ve spent most of my life, it’s where I can chill out. There are a couple spots in Brooklyn – the botanical gardens. I usually just go straight to Pittsburgh.
Are you one of those people who have to physically write everything down?
There is just something about putting a pen to a piece of paper. But I definitely use my resources – for example, if I’m in the car, I might make a mental note or sing it into my phone. There’s something not “honest” but real about writing down. I like writing, for sure.
About this 2016 tour – Alessia Cara. What are you excited for?
I’m just excited to hang. Alessia and I met at the Barclay’s Center about a month ago – she was performing. She’s incredible. She’s 19 and crushing it. And that song is incredible! (“Here” by Alessia Cara)
Also, Taylor Swift is one of her best friends right now, which is cool.
What are your top places you’ve visited?
In New York, there is this space called “Rockwood Music Hall” which is kind of like my home away from home. That place has a few different stages, but the crowd is always music fans. They’re very respectful. It’s a bar, but it’s definitely a music-first venue in NY, which is kind of rare. The past few shows we’ve played there, you could hear a pin drop.
I did some touring with James Vincent McMorrow this past year and we went to Canada and there’s a spot in Edmonton called the “The Winspear Centre.” It’s this beautiful concert hall with a 1600 space limit, which McMorrow sold out.
I think what makes a venue cool is the people that go in to watch the show. Any venue can be beautiful and sound great during sound check, but if the people aren’t into it and the crowd is not there to enjoy the show, it’s not a good show.
Another venue I enjoyed was Thalia Hall, in Chicago. It was just another beautiful opera house-turned-concert hall. I like theaters. It’s really pretty. It’s cool to look at from the stage.
Anyone from home you want to shout out?
The Pirates! There’s this guy named Josh Harrison that plays for the Pirates that I’ve been trying to be friends with for years. *Laughs* But, I just recently got the blue check mark on twitter, so hopefully now he’s gonna listen to me. What’s up mom? How’s it going?
There are a few things on the pipeline. I’m definitely working on writing for a handful of other people – It is kind of my “day-job” being a collaborator. When I’m not on the road, I write. Once I get off tour, I’m focusing on my own stuff. There’s definitely an album.
Creatively, where do you find solitude?
I do almost all the writings in Pittsburgh. My family’s house is kind of in the woods – it’s where I’ve spent most of my life, it’s where I can chill out. There are a couple spots in Brooklyn – the botanical gardens. I usually just go straight to Pittsburgh.
Are you one of those people who have to physically write everything down?
There is just something about putting a pen to a piece of paper. But I definitely use my resources – for example, if I’m in the car, I might make a mental note or sing it into my phone. There’s something not “honest” but real about writing down. I like writing, for sure.
About this 2016 tour – Alessia Cara. What are you excited for?
I’m just excited to hang. Alessia and I met at the Barclay’s Center about a month ago – she was performing. She’s incredible. She’s 19 and crushing it. And that song is incredible! (“Here” by Alessia Cara)
Also, Taylor Swift is one of her best friends right now, which is cool.
What are your top places you’ve visited?
In New York, there is this space called “Rockwood Music Hall” which is kind of like my home away from home. That place has a few different stages, but the crowd is always music fans. They’re very respectful. It’s a bar, but it’s definitely a music-first venue in NY, which is kind of rare. The past few shows we’ve played there, you could hear a pin drop.
I did some touring with James Vincent McMorrow this past year and we went to Canada and there’s a spot in Edmonton called the “The Winspear Centre.” It’s this beautiful concert hall with a 1600 space limit, which McMorrow sold out.
I think what makes a venue cool is the people that go in to watch the show. Any venue can be beautiful and sound great during sound check, but if the people aren’t into it and the crowd is not there to enjoy the show, it’s not a good show.
Another venue I enjoyed was Thalia Hall, in Chicago. It was just another beautiful opera house-turned-concert hall. I like theaters. It’s really pretty. It’s cool to look at from the stage.
Anyone from home you want to shout out?
The Pirates! There’s this guy named Josh Harrison that plays for the Pirates that I’ve been trying to be friends with for years. *Laughs* But, I just recently got the blue check mark on twitter, so hopefully now he’s gonna listen to me. What’s up mom? How’s it going?
RSS Feed