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02.29.04
He's limber and lyrical. Read on as Greg Fine
talks to us about the songwriting process, the NYC music
scene and gyrotonics.
 Give
us some basic background info, where you are originally
from, etc. Do you have a day job or is it music full
time?
I am originally from NY, spent some time in Colorado,
went to college for music therapy. I work days as a
gyrotonic instructor. Gyrotonic is a type of exersise
that incorporates tai chi, yoga, dance and swimming
principles to form a unique artistic form of movement.
For more info gyrotonic, check out www.gyrotonic.com
. I teach privately, which enables me to create a flexible
schedule that is conducive to being an artist.
How long have you been playing?
Solo for about 4 or 5 years, Prior to that,
I played in a band for 4 years.
Okay, so the music. Your EP, Profile,
is great, and you got some well-known musicians to contribute,
how did that come about?
 I
was performing at a venue in Manhattan called the Living
Room and Joe Bonadio, a well known drummer, who's credits
include Avril Lavigne and Martin Sexton, saw the show.
We went out for a bite after upon which we began a musical
relationship which led to the recording. The other musicians
were friends of Joe, so they were invited to do the
recording.
Is this your first album?
Profile is my second EP. I am working
on putting together a full length.
Anything you were expecting when you went into recording
that turned out differently?
Not really. They were all very professional musicians
who were adept studio performers. my expectations were
based solely on my discussions with Joe prior to the
recording. But, having not met these musicians before,
I suppose I was open to the experience rather than expecting
anything in particular.
Ooh I can't wait for that! So tell us the
origins of your song, "The Good Life".
 "The
Good Life" is a song I wrote the music for in my
apartment, and the lyrics for on various occasions with
my little hand held tape recorder. I might have been
driving, or exercising when an inspirational line to
the song would enter my thoughts. Out would come the
recorder and in would go a verse or an idea related
to the theme of the song. And the theme of the song
originates from the idea that when our inner light matches
our outer light (a kabbalistic notion) or put another
way; when we reach our own individual potentials which
includes leaving a lasting and positive impression ("When
I am really gone...") the idea of learning to "love
someone" and having moments where we are "the
best of what [we've] been," then we've lived the
good life. Even if it's for a moment. This is a song
that musically seemed to write itself and it literally
poured out of me.
When you were writing these songs, what was your
ultimate goal? Any special place that you write?
I don't know that I had any one ultimate goal when
writing these songs. They were written at different
times and with different inspirations respectively.
Ideally with music, my goal would be to share it with
as many people that I can. I write anywhere. Sometimes,
I wake from a dream with music in my ears or sometimes
I hear a single melody that translates itself into a
song when I sit down to work it out. Or most often I'll
be sitting on my couch and just start singing and playing
whatever comes to me. Actual writing I find myself doing
a lot the time on train rides. I'll either be heading
into the city for a rehearsal or out and there's something
about moving and the scenery that accompanies it that
inspires me to write.
And do you draw your songs from your experiences?
Absolutely. But I think there are occasions where
it's about something I envision up ahead on my horizon.
I also feel that what's in my consciousness the moment
the song is revealed plays a large part in what the
song or composition says.
What is the hardest thing about being an indie?
The business side of things. The expenses of supporting
music on a professional level. The ability to create
exposure. I think today's musician, especially in light
of the economic state of the music industry really needs
to be an all in one, meaning that they can cover not
only creating amazing art but handling the business
side of bringing that art to people.
 New
York City is really home to you and you gig regularly.
Tell us a little bit about the scene?
Well, NY is home to just about every type of music
scene there is. Whether you like punk rock (CBGB's)
or singer-songwriter (he Living Room), there are different
music venues for just about every type of artist out
there. For instance, on the same night you could have
Richard Ashcroft at the Bowery Ballroom, Coldplay at
Madison Square Garden and Norah Jones at the Living
Room all playing at the same time. For me, the Living
Room has been a great home. I have played there regularly
for the last couple of years and have been able to be
a part of the growing scene the Living Room has fostered.
On most nights, independent artists share the stage
with major label artists. Jesse Harris, Norah Jones,
Nelly McKay, and Jonathan Rice are a few of the growing
list of artists that are frequenting the Living Room.
What are you currently listening to?
Ryan Adams Love Is Hell, and the soundtrack to the
late 60's movie Easy Rider
I love Parts 1 and 2! Very cool album. Hey, Greg,
thanks for taking the time to chat with us...
Thanks for everything!
For more, visit www.gregfine.com.
Interviewed by Kristen
Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com
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