Published: August 24, 2008 12:28 AM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Interview
Bryan Gorsira
Bryan Gorsira
American Folk and Pop Singer/Songwriter, Bryan Gorsira, is riding high with the success of his first CD, New World. Now he comes to us with a set of new music and a ton of exciting news about him and his future endeavors. Check out this fun interview he completed with the magazine.
Isaac: Elaborate on who you are and your upbringing.
Bryan Gorsira: I was raised in a small town in upstate NY by two foreign parents, one from Holland and the other from Curacao. I played lots of basketball in high school and college, big fish in a small bowl. Loved it. I was always interested in music.
Isaac: Was there any one musician that spoke to your heart so profoundly, you were inspired to do your own thing?
Bryan Gorsira: I can't recall one musician in particular, there are so many that are so good. Was a fan of Cat Stevens, Jim Croce early on and of course the Beatles. I was a big fan of the singing ability of Heart. Then got into more complicated music and became a big fan of Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. I would guess that Ian would be the musician I admire the most, although I would never try to copy that style; it is not mine. I just really admire his talent; there is a whole other world of his music that never sees radio that is just outstanding.
Isaac: Which singer/group would you say you would most like to do a duet with?
Bryan Gorsira: I really can't think of anyone. I don't have a great voice and so not sure who could work with that.
Isaac: What singer/songwriter do you most connect with?
Bryan Gorsira: Even though I could never write or play like this person, or would want to, I simply love Ian Anderson's guitar and flute playing and his sense of timing. Lyrically, he gets a bit obscure, but his music can be just incredible. I really connect with some of his melodies and arrangements.
Isaac: Out of your entire song collection that you've written thus far, which song(s) would you say is/are the most personal/meaningful to you?
Bryan Gorsira: I think the simple straightforward songs like "New World", and "The Best Years" although maybe that is because they are newer songs. I am sure that at the time each of the songs was written; they would have been meaningful. I mean, "Where have you been" was written when I met my first wife, "Love is Pain" was written when I divorced my first wife; certainly they were meaningful at the time.
Isaac: Which singers/groups do you enjoy/like from some of today's music genres?
Bryan Gorsira: I like lots of the music. My wife has gotten me into the country world a bit so I enjoying some of the Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw etc. crowd, and I like Rob Thomas, like his singing. Nickleback is fun; Papa Roach, etc.
Isaa: Which charities are you involved with or support?
Bryan Gorsira: I have helped out with breast cancer walks, and children with disabilities.
Isaac: Have you (or would you ever consider) writing a song about any of today’s particular world issues/problems? If so, what world issue would speak to you the most to write about?
Bryan Gorsira: Not sure, I would consider it. Maybe something about global warming, or about the fakeness of politics, or about how looks oriented we all seem to be--actually have a bit of a song started about that.
Isaac: Why should people listen to your music?
Bryan Gorsira: I think my CD is a very pleasant listen and that most people would find a song they like it.
Isaac: Your music is relaxing and chill. What inspired you to toss out these awesome lyrics and cords?
Bryan Gorsira: Well, thanks for the kind words, but that is difficult to answer. Often times I am plucking away, watching TV or something, and the chords and/or lyrics just happen. It generally is a very third person kind of experience and I am as surprised as anyone. Rarely is it directly intentional.
Isaac: How far into the creation of a song do you share any of it with anyone?
Who would you play it for? Would it be a chorus, a verse and chorus, or a complete song?
Bryan Gorsira: I generally wait until a song is nearly complete until I share it; however, I will play musical passages and run it by friends or family.
Isaac: How much do you let others “mess around with” one of your new songs?
Bryan Gorsira: With my current CD, Tom Manche messed around quite a bit with my songs. I mean, some are right on the mark, exactly what I had in mind, but some venture off a bit. It's like having a band member who gets his input on a song. And so, I let others mess around quite a bit, as long as it doesn't mess up the mood.
Isaac: Do you have to be a tortured soul to be a singer-songwriter?
Bryan Gorsira: I don't think so, but it probably helps. Lots of songs build on an emotion.
Isaac: Are your songs strictly autobiographical or are they embroidered autobiography?
Bryan Gorsira: It is certainly a mix. Some are very autobiographical like “Again”, "New World", "Give Me A Day", "The Best Years". Then with some I take a feeling and try to run with it like "Gonna Take Awhile" and "Caught" and then some are pure fantasies like "Wash Me".
Isaac: How long does it take you to process your emotions and turn them into songs?
Bryan Gorsira: That is a big unknown because there is a digestion period and that varies. I went to a cancer walk recently, and the next day had chords and some initial lyrics about the pain of all that; so some things tend to come right away.
Isaac: The best piece of advice you actually followed?
Bryan Gorsira: The best way to begin is to begin.
Isaac: Give Shutouts to your family and friends.
Bryan Gorsira: Hey to all of ya! -- Amy, Connor, and Lindsey, Joe, Jim and Becky, and all those who can find the time to listen to some of my music. Thanks.
Isaac: Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?
Bryan Gorsira: I am working on a CD of music, just me singing and my guitar, maybe flute. Would certainly be an Americana type of thing, simple and raw. I have some songs, and am trying to get my personal studio in order, trying to capture a good sound, which is difficult. Would be similar to the songs I have on the first CD of music, "New World", songs such as "into my heart" and "Don Quixote". At a later date, I could then go to Tom Manche again to have those songs converted into a full band sound.
