Carl Thomas (Don’t Kiss Me) Feat. Snoop Dogg 2011
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Category Archives: Music (R&B/Neo Soul 2010-2019)
Fitz & The Tantrums (L.O.V) 2010
Nothing but a G(ee) thang: Larry g(ee) DeFY. New York Interview 2011
Larry Gayao, better know by his stage name Larry g(EE) is an American singer-songwriter from Dallas, TX. Raised by strict religious, yet musical parents, g(EE) began writing music at an early age. Influenced by mavericks like Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson, he is most closely associated with Soul music but considers himself a musical free spirit.
DeFY. New York recently caught up with Larry.
Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to sit with us Larry.
DeFY: What does the (EE) in “Larry g(EE) stand for?
L: Actually the name was created because of a few things. 1) my last name is Gayao, which isn’t an easy name to pronounce (for some). 2) I didn’t want to go with the easy Larry ‘G’ moniker (Kenny G. claimed that years ago). I wanted to go with something that was different that would get attention (hence: g(EE)). So far it’s worked. Good or bad people can’t help but notice it.
DeFY: You were raised by strict religious parents, did your upbringing influence your music?
L: Definitely. I was brought up singing in the church at a very young age. Without that education and discipline I don’t think I’d be doing music today. I may not have ended up doing gospel music, but there’s great deal of respect I have for it. I used gospel music to teach myself how to sing. I really learned how to feel songs, and really feel what I was singing.
DeFY: You say your a music freespirit, does that mean we will hear you making music across a broad spectrum of genres (Rap, R&B, Synth Pop etc.)?
L: Yes. I hope so. Right now I’m in a good lane musically with this project, but my door is always open to collab with artists of various genres. The music field is wide open today with so many artist’s coming together from different spaces creating good music. Its a beautiful thing. As long as it makes sense and it sounds good, I’m down with it.
DeFY: I’ve read that your upcoming debut EP titled “Weekends” is influenced by sounds of the 60′s/70′s era group harmonies. Who are some of your favorite artists from that time period and why?
L: Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, Leroy Hutson, Curtis Mayfield, Sly Stone & the Family Stone. I was introduced to this music at an early age. It just felt natural for me to connect with. I would however like to add that while the EP is influenced by those sounds, I’m not trying to replicate that sound entirely. Yes the music draws from that period, but I’m not going to adhere to the exact form.
DeFY: Where was the video for “Yo Mama” filmed? Who’s idea was it?
L: The video was filmed at a lounge in Dallas that is no longer in business. My friend owned the place and allowed me to use it for the shoot. The idea of the video was a collective concept developed by the director Mark Hanson and my friends Andres Cordova, Ric, Bowden, and Vicky Sanz. They along with video’s producer Joshua Wethington of Broken Peanut Media, did a great job of matching sight and sound to the song. We only had one day to shoot and they made sure we got it done.
DeFY: Is there ever a time you feel discouraged as an artist?
If so, what keeps you motivated?
L: As far as being discouraged as an artist, I haven’t felt that way in while (I’ll explain with the next question). With the music industry changing and the vast amount of resources available to independent artists it’s easy stay motivated. It’s just a strong mindset.
DeFY: You and your band broke up after 5 years. How did that unfold and what advice can you give to others?
L: The band had some great moments of local and regional success, which only fueled my desire to land a record deal. Fast forward 5 years later and we found ourselves in the same place which was very frustrating for a band that worked as hard as we did. I think we just hit a wall and knew it was time for a change. As far as advice goes, I’d say make sure your focused with your goals, but don’t stress about the journey.
DeFY: How do you prepare yourself for a performance?
L: I try to get a lot of rest (which never happens), vocal exercises, and lots of ‘Throat Coat’ tea with honey. I also do this thing where I visualize the entire set in my head before I even set foot on stage. If I can do that I’m good to go.
DeFY: Sneaker culture is huge now and DeFY. is a sneaker heavy site. We always ask everyone we interview, whats your favorite sneaker/brand and why?
L: Nike Air Force 1′s, now unfortunately I don’t rock sneakers that often anymore (usually I’m on stage in suit with dress shoes), but growing up I was all about them. I used to have an orange and white pair that I loved to rock (thanks to Derrick Coleman and the Syracuse Orange Men). But really anything Nike is good with me. I’m also into Adidas, Converse (Jack Purcell), and PF Flyers.
DeFY: Who would you like to work with going forward?
L: Man the wish list is crazy but I’d love to work with Salaam Remi, Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt (Miike Snow), and Pharrell Williams. Just to name a few…
DeFY: Has anyone from the industry reached out to yet?
L: I’ve met with a few labels and management teams, but nothing other than just a brief introduction. With the EP finished we’ll see what happens. It’s all about the hustle at this point. While I am open to signing with management and booking I refuse to sign with just any label. I’d hold out until I found the right one. There’s a ceiling with independent music where you can only go so high where the help of a label wouldn’t hurt. I’m just getting started with this project so I’m not even worried nor thinking about that just yet.
DeFY: Any upcoming performances?
L: Yes I’m playing a big NYE show with Eric McFadden of the famed P’funk All-Stars at The Prophet Bar in Dallas. He’s an amazing artist and the Prophet Bar is a great venue Next year we look to hit up both coasts with some small runs in to the big markets. I’m really excited with that the most.
DeFY: Whats the five year plan?
L: First things first, with the EP I’m going to get out and do some independent touring. Establish the booking and management end and hopefully release a full-length album. I’m really just trying to grow a strong following that artist’s get through people discovering them on their own. Right now its just about getting the EP some exposure, getting in front of people and just playing as many shows possible. Like I said I love to perform. If I could play 87 percent of the year and make a decent living from it, I’d be set for life.
DeFY: Where can everyone go to follow everything Larry g(EE)?
L: They can go to my website at www.larry-gee.com but honestly the fun stuff can be found on my facebook page www.facebook.com/larrygeemusic
To all that would like to download the latest Larry g(EE) EP visit iTunes
If you haven’t heard”Yo Mama”, make sure and check it out below!
Life In The Fitz Lane: Fitz & The Tantrums Noelle Scaggs | DeFY. New York Interview 2011
Founded by Michael Fitzpatrick in 2008, Fitz & The Tantrums have been riding a rocket to superstardom. A $50.00 vintage organ, 6 uber talented musicians and a chance to open for Maroon 5 have led to appearances on Conan, Jimmy Kimmel and the Tonight Show as well as a tour that includes 19 upcoming concerts.
Most recently, lead singers of Fitz & The Tantrums, Fitz and Noelle, and drummer John Wicks formed like Voltron with California staple American Rag, to celebrate style and music with the release of the holiday issue of RAGGED MAG (a magazine published quarterly by FILTER Magazine and powered by American Rag clothing that features full-length articles and photo spreads of today’s hottest artists). The Fitz crew hosted the release party where music notables, fashionistas, and socials alike partied at downtown hotspot the Jane Hotel (yes, the same spot mentioned frequently in How To Make It In America) sipping cocktails, posing for branded Polaroids, and getting “inked” with airbrush tattoos all while previewing the Holiday 2011 American Rag collection.
DeFY. was able to catch up with Noelle Scaggs to talk all things Fitz
What’s up Noelle? I appreciate you taking time out of your hectic schedule to chat it up with DeFY. New York.
DeFY: With all you’ve got going on (I’m exhausted just reading about your schedule this past year), how do you guys stay focused mentally and maintain that great energy for all your performances?
NS: Lots of Caffeine for the Guys and lots of Fruit Smoothies for me
DeFY: How did Fitz & The Tantrums come about?
NS: As you know Fitz came into possession of a vintage Conn Organ when his X girl called him up to tell him it was available. He later wrote the first song on our EP called, Breakin The Chains of Love. He Reconnected with our Sax player James King who helped him finish the rest of the tunes on that EP and they thought it would be great to put together a show. I received a text from James saying that his friend would be calling me up about singing with them for the show, I later spoke to Fitz over the phone and a couple weeks later after listening to the tunes told him that I would do it. We had one rehearsal the day before the gig and it was magic. We all sort of knew each other around the LA music Scene and it just Gelled. Bada Boom Bada Bing we have been together for close to 3 years.
DeFY: What about the name? We get the Fitz part, but how about the Tantrums?
NS: It was something that ended up being a toss in the hat situation. Fitz wanted to come up with a name that kept the integrity of the inspirations that were coming through the music. Being that his last name is Fitzpatrick, Fitz made sense and the Tantrums came about through a friend that had seen us perform, she thought the energy was like having a tantrum in stage. It clicked so we became Fitz And The Tantrums.
DeFY: What artists inspire your music?
NS: We are inspired by the music we all grew up listening to, the music of the 60s Motown Sax period, the 80′s British invasion etc. we just wanted to put a modern spin on it. Definitely not a revival band you hear the influences but we didn’t want to be a pastiche; we shot for making our own thing within these inspirations. Luckily playing together so early in the process made this easier to accomplish.
DeFY: I’ve read that you guys started recording in Fitz’s living room due to lack of funds, resources etc. A lot of artists today are facing the same situation or worse. What advice can you give to struggling artists/bands that are trying to balance their music career with paying the bills?
NS: First thing I would say is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a record. Technology has made it easier and cheaper for us struggling artists. Nowadays all u need is a computer, a good software program with a great library of sounds, a midi keyboard and the talent and drive to make it happen. Everything else will fall into place. My first studio cost me $300 total.
DeFY: Has there ever been a point where you guys were discouraged? If so what kept you going?
NS: It started to become a tough thing for us all financially to really keep things moving the way we needed to. We were getting these amazing offers that we couldn’t pass up on (like the Maroon 5 tour for instance) and Fitz was backing the project with his own money. Our last try before we were going to reassess, was when we played that 1st year at SXSW. Had we decided not to do it we wouldn’t be here right now. Our fans really keep us going as well. They are as big a part of our success as our management team and our work ethic.
DeFY: I came across an interview of you and Fitz at the IFC Cross Roads House in Austin Texas where Fitz stated he wanted hip-hop artists to sample the band’s music. Are there any artists in particular that you had in mind when you made that statement?
NS: I am a big fan of the Dilated People’s Crew, they are all fans of the band, Evidence is a good friend of mine I may be able to harass him enough to use one of our songs in his beats lol
DeFY: Are there any artists or bands from any other genres of music that you would like to work with as well?
NS: Would love to work with Thom York and Bjork.
DeFY: I know your schedule is hectic right now (filled with performances rehearsals, and interviews) but when you finally have free time, how would you like to spend it?
NS: In Bed.
DeFY: The record industry has been experiencing some trying times in the digital age. How do you feel about some artists giving their music away for free?
NS: It’s sort of become a necessary calling card to get the word out about our music. It’s like when you go to a grocery store and they offer u free samples of a new food item. If it is good enough you buy it. We have been fortunate enough to offer a good product that people want to support. It is a catch 22 however because this new thinking in music lovers knowing that they don’t have to pay for music anymore forces you to really be creative in dealing with fans and obtaining new fans. The more you motivate people to spread the word about you using free song methods the better it is for you and the longer it takes to really sell a good number of LP’s, which is why Concerts have become such a vital part of the business.
DeFY: The band has a unique style (sort of Information Society meets Buddy Holly meets the Four Tops). What is the inspiration behind your look?
NS: Since day one we knew that the clothing we wore on stage was as important as the music. Fitz is a half French guy so his standards and taste in attire are already high. Lol and I come from a pretty crazy fashion background so I am always shopping and finding ways to update my style. We knew we were not a jeans and tee shirt band so we outfit accordingly.
DeFY: American Rag recently asked you guys to host a party that showcased their holiday 2011 collection as well as their holiday issue of Ragged Mag. How was the party and how did the Manhattanites treat you guys?
NS: The party was fun. Fitz, John and I were asked to do a short DJ set. It’s always nice to be wanted especially when it involves a party where we can take a break from just playing our own tunes. Everyone was great to us.
DeFY: Sneaker culture is big, and DeFY. New York is a footwear-dominated site. What is everyone’s favorite sneaker?
NS: K-Swiss, I also like a good pair of converse. I own a lot of sneakers as do the guys.
DeFY: This question is for all the “groupies” you have out there or “soon to be groupies”, what’s everyone’s status? (Single, Married, in a relationship, it’s complicated?)
NS: John and James are the only two that are married. Joe is taken, the rest of us are up for grabs. Lol
DeFY: When can we expect a second studio album?
NS: Hopefully by the spring early summer. We have already started creating new tunes and plan to take a break from touring in February to get back in the lab.
DeFY: Fitz & The Tantrums 5 years from now?
NS: Can’t say too focused on the next few months. Hopefully we have taken over the world by then.
DeFY: Where can your fans go to stay on top of all things Fitz and the Tantrums?
NS: Our website of course at www.fitzandthetantrums.com is a good way to stay in the know. We are also on Facebook under Fitz & The Tantrums and twitter @fitzandtantrums. Fitz and I run those ourselves
Be sure and check out the latest track from Fitz & The Tantrums below titled “Don’t Gotta Work It Out.” To download this track for free, don’t forget to visit fitzandthetantrums.com