Kerosene Photography

Gary Bender Interview

1. What is your name and where are you from?

Hey my name is Gary Bender and I currently reside in Bergen County, New Jersey.

2. When did you realize creating music is what you wanted to do?

From an early age, I was always performing. I have home footage of me rocking out with a replica guitar of my fathers real guitar at the age of 3 to Bruce Springstein. But I’d say I KNEW shortly after the 4th grade, that music and performing was the only thing for me.

3. What is the type of music you play?

I guess you’d consider it pop rock. I try not to label my music to just one genre, I wouldn’t want to be pigeon holed as a certain type of artist in a single genre. I would like to have my music appeal to fans of all music and cross genres and lines.

4. How do you feel to have had your music featured on MTV’s “Exposed”?

That was an awesome experience. I remember the day it premiered. I was actually at work that day and my buddy called me and was like, “Dude, I was laying on my bed with my girl, and the TV was on, and we were talking, not really paying attention to what was on and outta nowhere your song starts playing! I thought my CD player had turned on, but sure enough you were being played on MTV!”  I was in total shock. And then for the rest of the day my phone was just ringing off the hook with tons of people calling me and saying “Dude you were played on MTV today!” That was a trip.

5. What are some of your music influences?

They were originally rooted in punk rock. I decided to pick up a guitar and start taking music seriously because of bands like Blink-182, Green Day, and New Found Glory. As I’ve grown up, I’d say those 3 bands are what was the springboard of my songwriting, but since then I’ve moved more into a singer/songwriter kind of category. And now I’m influenced more by artists like John Mayer, Kris Allen, Butch Walker and other talented solo artists.

6. What would you be doing if you weren’t making music?

I’d probably STILL be trying to make music. Haha. I mean I’m sure I’d be holding down a day job, but the dream and the passion of music is undeniable. Nothing could ever stop me from wanting to write and perform.

7. What was it like sharing a stage with Ryan Cabrera?

I’ve played with him about 3 times now. He’s definitely a cool dude and an amazing songwriter and actually an underrated guitarist.

8. Is there a tour in the works soon?

As of right now I’m working on finishing up my new record, then come Spring time who knows. I’d love to be back out on the road again. I miss it more than anything. There is nothing better than waking up in a different place each day, knowing that there’s new people to get your music too.

9. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)

My music, covers my everyday life. From love and relationships, to heartbreak and depression, Dreams, ambitions, life, death. Basically whatever is going on in my head that I can’t express through talking, I need to write a melody and sing about it to convey whats going on.

10. What are your immediate music career goals? (Next 1 to 3 years.)

Get this new record out, play anywhere and everywhere, and better myself as a musician and performer. I like to continually progress. I never want to say, “This is it. I’m comfortable right here. I’m set.”. I’ll always want to be pushing the bar and pushing myself to think outside the box and outside my comfort zone. The day I’m just “content” with what I’m doing, will be the day I know I need to take a break. But that won’t be happening anytime soon.

11. Could you briefly describe the music-making process?

Its quite simple. For me the process normally starts out with lyrics for me. Lyrics mean more than anything to me. I like the fact that I can paint a picture or set a scene simply by writing words. And when those words can convey and express emotion or whatever I’m going through in a poetic way, I know I’m onto something. I never want to just write words, just to have them in a song. Every line means a lot to me. So I spend a lot of time making sure I’m happy with them all. From there I’ll put a melody to it and it usually goes on from there. 

12. What’s your ultimate direction as a up and coming music artist? Are you seeking fame and fortune?

I have no set direction really. I just want be happy and play music. I feel WAY to many “artists” now and days do it for ALL the wrong reasons. I just like being able to tell my stories, and have others appreciate them for what they are. My music is extremely personal, and I’d like to think that everyone who listens to my songs gets a glimpse of whats going on in my life, in my heart and in my head. I love the feeling of understanding and connection through music. Because music can honestly help heal people. I’ve seen it. I’ve witnessed it and I’ve been a part of it, and that is whats most important. As for fame and fortune. That’s pretty much laughable, becaue in todays music industry everything is so. crafted and manipulated. If it happens for me, I’ll welcome it with open arms, if not, I’m absolutely fine doing exactly what I’m doing so long as my fans and supporters see me for who I really am and not some marketed fad.

13. What has been your biggest challenge as an artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

Biggest challenge, is the challenge of being happy with yourself. I don’t think I’ll ever be content or 100% fully happy with myself as an artist. I’m my own worst critic and its a curse. But at the same time, it keeps you striving to better yourself. So I guess that’ll always be a never ending challenge for me. But like I said, I never wanna be “just ok” I wanna be the best I can be by my own standards, and my standards are high. haha.

14. Do you have any last words?

Thanks so much for your interest in the music that I make. It means the world to me. To hear some new music and for more info be sure to check out my myspace and facebook page and be sure to follow me on Twitter!

http://twitter.com/garybendermusic

http://www.myspace.com/garybender